Forensic Engineering
Forensic Engineering Services
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Forensic Engineering Services
Forensic Engineering in Construction
When most people hear the term forensics, they think of crime dramas on television. However, forensic engineering plays a critical role in construction and building projects, particularly when structural failures occur. Beyond the legal implications of accidents in buildings, failures can also result in significant financial losses for individuals and organizations that have invested in the project.
At Construction Materials Testing (CMT) in Houston, our experienced forensic engineers leverage their expertise in non-destructive testing, specialty testing, geotechnical engineering, and construction material testing to investigate and determine the root cause of failures. By identifying faults in materials or construction practices, we help clients mitigate risks, resolve disputes, and enhance future project integrity.
How to Understand Forensic Engineering
Forensic engineering is a critical discipline that focuses on analyzing structures to determine the causes of failures. It serves two primary purposes:
Failure Investigations – Similar to forensic investigations in criminal cases, forensic engineering is used in building construction and materials failures where structural issues have led to injuries, loss of life, or financial losses. Identifying the root cause of these failures is essential for legal and safety considerations.
Preventative Insights – From a construction company’s perspective, forensic engineering helps identify what went wrong in a project, preventing similar issues in the future. For investors and stakeholders, it determines who is responsible for the failure, which is critical for recovering financial losses and addressing liability concerns.
At CMT, our forensic engineering team specializes in reverse engineering to retrace the procedures or processes that may have caused the failure. We utilize reconstruction techniques, including test models of the original structure and materials, to analyze the sequence of events leading up to the failure. This detailed approach allows us to pinpoint faults with precision, helping clients understand the cause, accountability, and prevention measures for structural failures.
How CMT Can Assist You
With years of experience in the construction industry, Construction Materials Testing (CMT) provides specialized forensic engineering services to assess structural integrity and prevent failures. Our team utilizes non-destructive examination (NDE) and testing techniques to evaluate existing structures, components, and materials, ensuring they remain safe and compliant. When failures occur, these methods also serve as proactive measures to mitigate future risks.
We have the expertise to conduct comprehensive investigations into structural and material failures. This process includes:
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On-site testing and inspections -
Sample collection for detailed analysis -
High-resolution photographic documentation -
Advanced testing in our cutting-edge laboratory
For legal cases involving construction failures, our forensic investigations provide clear, evidence-based insights to determine the exact cause of the issue. This is crucial in cases where the fault may not lie with the original construction team but rather with material defects, external factors, or other variables.
While there are many forensic engineering firms available today, CMT stands out due to our exceptional customer service, industry-leading accreditations, and certified expertise. To learn more about how we can support your project or investigation, contact us today.