Uncovering the Truth: Forensic Structural Engineering

A crack in the wall. A door that no longer closes. A floor that bounces in a way it never used to. Sometimes the cause is obvious. Often it isn’t. Forensic structural engineering is the discipline of finding out: objectively, rigorously, and without a predetermined answer.

What Forensic Engineering Is

Forensic structural engineering is investigative work. We examine existing structures to determine what happened, why it happened, and what, if anything, needs to be done about it.

The work takes many forms:

• Damage Assessment: Evaluating structures following water intrusion, fire, vehicle impact, foundation movement, or other events to determine the extent and nature of structural compromise.
• Distress Investigation: Understanding the cause of observed distress: cracking, deflection, settlement, deterioration. Is this normal? Is it serious? What’s driving it?
• Construction Defect Analysis: Evaluating whether structural work was performed in accordance with the design and applicable standards.
• Pre-Purchase Due Diligence: Structural assessment of an existing building before acquisition, so buyers understand what they’re getting.

Objectivity Is the Product

Forensic engineering is only useful if it’s honest. We approach every investigation without an agenda. Our job is to find out what’s true and communicate it clearly. That means our findings sometimes confirm concerns and sometimes put them to rest.

We document our work thoroughly: site observations, measurements, photographs, material assessments, and analysis. The result is a report that stands up to scrutiny in mediation, in negotiation, or in court.

When to Call

If you’re seeing something in a structure that concerns you and want to understand it rather than guess, that’s the right time to reach out. Early engagement typically leads to better outcomes and lower costs.

Contact Frontier for a forensic structural consultation.

Ready to Talk Through Your Project?

Frontier Structural Engineering brings 20 years of commercial and residential design experience to projects across Colorado and California. Whether you're in schematic design or already in the field, we're available.