Page 12 - Forensic Structural Engineering Handbook

PREFACE

Engineering investigation of the causes of structural failures of buildings, bridges, and other
constructed facilities, as well as rendering opinions as to the cause(s) of the failures and giving
testimony in judicial proceedings, is a field of professional practice of its own, often referred
to as forensic structural engineering.
Design codes and standards, and construction safety regulations have changed some-
what since 2000, the year of publication of the first edition of this book, but more impor-
tantly forensic engineering has become a more accepted, more organized, and more
active field of practice. An increasing number of engineering schools started offering
courses that deal with the study of structural failures. A handful—such as Columbia
University in New York where I teach a graduate course entitled Forensic Structural
Engineering—address both the technical and legal aspects, as well as the professional
practice of forensic structural engineering.
Structural failure may be characterized as the unacceptable difference between
intended and actual structural performance. It isn’t necessarily a complete or even par-
tial collapse; it may “just” be deficient performance, such as excessive deformation or
cracking.
Expertise and success in the professional practice of this field require the combina-
tion of many components in an engineer’s background: a good education in structural
engineering and its related subjects; years or even decades of experience in analysis,
design, construction, testing, inspection, condition assessment, and troubleshooting;
good understanding of the design-construction process; comprehension of legal impli-
cations; good communication skills; a knack for problem solving; a positive attitude to
teamwork; a strong sense of ethics; self-confidence without arrogance; credible and
confident disposition; and a high level of intellectual sophistication. Some of these
traits can be learned but most are ingrained or acquired.
In my over 40 years of structural engineering practice and university teaching of
structural engineering, I often felt the lack of a comprehensive practical reference on
the practice and business of investigating failures. This book is intended to fill the
need for a comprehensive and authoritative reference for guidance on forensic struc-
tural engineering, addressing technical as well as nontechnical and legal matters on
the investigation of structural and construction failures.
Some of the technical questions that arise for both the novice and the experienced
forensic engineer include “What are the applicable codes and standards in this case?”
“How do I define the applicable standard of care?” “What are the critical characteristics
of this type of structure?” “What are the types and causes of common deficiencies and
failures of this type of structure?” “What should be my scope of work?” “What are the
methods of observation, instrumentation and testing?” “What are the effective methods of
analysis for this type of structure?” “What are the workable temporary and permanent
repairs for this type of structure?”
Some of the most frequently asked nontechnical and legal questions by engineers
embarking on an activity of forensic structural engineering are “How do I go about it?”
“How do I start?” “What is the right procedure?” “What should I watch out for?” “How do

xi