Forensic Engineering
What Is Forensic Engineering?
Forensic engineering is a specialized field that applies advanced engineering principles, scientific methodologies, and rigorous analytical techniques to investigate and determine the causes of structural, mechanical, or material failures. It involves the systematic collection and examination of physical evidence, computational modeling, and failure analysis to reconstruct incidents or malfunctions. This process aids in identifying the root causes of engineering failures, whether due to design flaws, material defects, operational errors, or environmental factors. Forensic engineering is often utilized in legal and insurance investigations, providing expert assessments and testimony to resolve disputes and inform corrective measures.
Forensic Engineering Services
At Vital Structures® LLC, we specialize in forensic engineering, focusing on the investigation and analysis of structural and building envelope issues to identify the root causes of problematic issues and/or failures. Serving Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont, Vital Structures® provides expert forensic engineering services across much of the New England area. Whether you’re dealing with damage from a structural failure, water or fire-related loss, flood or storm impact, chemical attack, experiencing defective material performance, or looking to extend the life of historic architecture, our forensic engineering expertise can save you time and money by identifying problems early and providing solutions before they escalate.
Vital Structures® performs both structural and envelope related Forensic Engineering. Some of our projects have included:
- Concrete fire distress
- Timber fire assessment
- Flood impact forensics
- Retaining Wall Failures
- Foundation Failure & Building Settling
- Material Spectroscopy
- Petrographic Examination
- Insurance Investigations
- Expert Witness Testimony
Project Spotlight: Targeted Forensics of New Brick Veneer Mortar Joints:
Vital Structures® was retained by the owner to perform a forensic investigation into the condition of the mortar joints, for the recently installed custom German imported brick masonry façade at this new building. Our services were requested, due to the owner having concerns that their hired contractor installed the masonry on several days in February 2023, where the ambient and surface temperatures may have been below the acceptable range, and cold weather construction methods to prevent freezing of the mortar were in question. Mortar admix type and dosage along with current ACI and BIA industry standards were reportedly not strictly followed.
Vital Structures® extracted multiple wall veneer samples from the masonry façade and analyzed for visual defects in the masonry which may be indicative of poor workmanship or freezing. Additionally, Vital Structures® contracted the services of a third-party petrographic testing agency to perform petrographic examination and chemical analysis of the mortar joints, in an effort to determine overall condition and whether the mortar had frozen.
See more of Vital Structures® Forensic Engineering Projects here.
Trust Vital Structures® LLC for Your Forensic Evaluations
Our Engineers are committed to thoroughly investigating and diagnosing the root cause of structural and envelope issues to ensure accurate, reliable solutions from the start. Whether it’s assessing damage, determining failure causes, or providing expert recommendations, we help preserve the safety and functionality of your structure while maintaining its original character. To learn more about our forensic engineering services and how we can safeguard the integrity of your structure, call us at 508-279-0655 or contact us online.