9A.1 INTRODUCTION

A forensic engineer is the person hired to investigate the damage, deterioration, or collapse of a structure. This duty frequently requires that he or she further find fault. In some cases the engineer is also asked to prepare appropriate remedial action necessary to make the defendant s structure whole. Refer to Associates of Engineering Firms Engaged in Geotechnical Engineering and The Recommended Practice for Design Professionals Engaged as Experts in Resolution of Construction Disputes both published by ASFE ^[*] in 1993.

The forensic engineer must be an expert in his or her field and have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the engineering problem being considered. This expertise is acquired through both education and specific experience. An engineer should never accept a case unless he or she has the required expertise and can be honest and impartial.

The forensic engineer must be impartial and unbiased as to the cause of the problem, party responsible for the problem, and repair procedures that might be appropriate.

The engineer must arrive at his final conclusion by careful study of the facts (evidence), sound engineering fundamentals (including a thorough literature search), and a careful review of pertinent design calculations. The public should trust the engineer to be the finder of fact.

According to Robert Day, types of visible damage that lends themselves to forensic analysis...