Forensic Engineering, the Heart in the Life Cycle of Structural Damage: From Emergency Response through Restoration to Final Repairs

A successful response to structural damage requires attention to detail and the application of forensic engineering from the initial emergency response, into the repair documents through construction administration, and ultimately to project restoration. Sound forensic engineering is the heart of the life cycle of the structure getting back into service. This paper explores the full life cycle of a structural damage case and the role that solid forensic engineering plays throughout that life cycle. A case study will be provided to explore how the understanding of forensic engineering practices benefits all aspects of returning the structure back into service. Starting with emergency response services of the initial damage event, a strong understanding of forensic engineering practices will help in acting accordingly with damaged areas to correctly document the areas and protect evidence at the scene. Proceeding to utilize the forensic engineering findings into the repair documents through final restoration of the structure will help to assure that the cause of the initial damage is appropriately addressed.The benefit to those reading the paper would be to better understand the strong role that solid forensic engineering plays in all aspects of a structural damage case and the benefit of that understanding to the outcome and return to service of the structure.