Forensic Structural Engineering

When Something Goes Wrong, You Need Answers

Structural failures, distress, and disputes require careful engineering investigation by a licensed professional who can document conditions, analyze causes, and deliver a defensible written opinion. Frontier Structural Engineering provides forensic structural engineering services for homeowners, property managers, insurance adjusters, attorneys, and general contractors throughout Colorado and California.

Our forensic work is grounded in engineering judgment and field observation, not assumptions. We go to the site, measure what we find, and report what the evidence shows.

Foundation and Settlement Investigations

Differential settlement, cracked walls, sticking doors, and sloping floors are the most common symptoms that bring property owners to a structural engineer. Frontier investigates the cause of foundation movement, distinguishes cosmetic cracking from structural distress, and recommends remediation options appropriate to the severity of the condition and the owner’s budget.

We work with geotechnical engineers when subsurface conditions require soil investigation and provide stamped remediation drawings when repairs require a building permit.

Structural Failure Analysis

When a structural element fails during construction or in service, Frontier performs a systematic failure analysis: review of original design documents, field measurement of existing conditions, material property estimation, and load analysis to determine whether the failure was caused by design deficiency, construction error, overload, material defect, or some combination of these factors.

Our failure analysis reports are written to be understood by a non-engineer audience while remaining technically defensible under expert scrutiny.

Pre-Purchase Structural Inspections

Buyers of residential and commercial properties benefit from a structural engineer’s review before closing. Frontier provides pre-purchase inspections that go beyond a home inspector’s general assessment to evaluate the structural framing, foundation system, and any visible distress conditions. We provide a written report with clear findings and, where warranted, cost estimates for recommended repairs.

Insurance and Litigation Support

Frontier prepares engineering reports suitable for insurance claims and legal proceedings. Our reports document site conditions with photographs, describe the investigation methodology, and present engineering conclusions with appropriate supporting analysis. We are available for deposition and provide expert witness services separately when the engagement requires courtroom testimony.

Schedule a Forensic Evaluation

Forensic investigations are typically scoped after an initial phone consultation. Call 719 247-2928 to describe your situation and we will advise on the appropriate level of investigation and a fee estimate.

Ready to Talk Through Your Project?

Structural problems found in the field cost two to five times what they would have cost to solve on paper. Tell us about your project — scope, location, timeline, team — and we'll respond quickly with how we can help.