Investigations | case studies
A selection of case studies representative of our experience in forensic investigations is shown below.
Some of this work predates Structural Forensics and was carried out through other organisations that retain ownership; it is shown for illustrative purposes only. Project and party details are not disclosed to protect confidentiality.
⚲ Manama, Bahrain
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The construction of a major residential and retail complex in Bahrain experienced delay and disruption. The developer dismissed the original structural designer before project completion, and the successor implemented significant design modifications.
We were engaged as the structural expert to advise on the adequacy of the original design, the potential impact of any deficiencies on the delay and disruption, and the reasonableness of the design changes. Issues included the structural design of ‘walking’ columns, the adequacy and possible overprovision of reinforcement in transfer beams, finite element analysis (FEA) modelling issues, and design coordination with architecture and other disciplines.
Our findings were reported to the developer’s solicitors to assist them in assessing their client’s position.
⚲ Leeds, UK
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The construction of more than 100No houses in a residential development experienced issues related to the provision of movement joints in masonry walls.
Changes to the brick specification led to inappropriate movement joint spacing, later requiring extensive remedial works including hundreds of saw-cut joints. This led to a dispute between the contractor and the designers.
I was engaged to participate in a multi-disciplinary investigation, to examine the allocation of contractual obligations and responsibilities among the architect, structural engineer and specialist subcontractor, compliance with design standards, and the appropriateness of remedial works.
Our findings were reported to the solicitors acting for the contractor. The dispute was resolved in an Adjudication.
Defective design and remedial works | Concrete buildings | Mixed-use development | Kent, UK
[Advised the insurers of a structural engineering firm responsible for the design of several eight-storey, reinforced concrete-framed residential buildings. During construction, issues surfaced revolving around the stability design and the adequacy of concrete slabs in terms of punching shear and flexure. This work included structural analysis of the as-built structures, design and specification of remedial works to increase the structural capacity of the buildings.]
Collapse during refurbishment works | Victorian house | London, UK
[Advised insurers and solicitors on the mechanism and causes of the collapse of a late-Victorian semi-detached house during refurbishment works. This work included reviewing…a detailed construction stage review and assessing the performance of parties involved in the design and construction of the refurbishment.] [TBC]
Adequacy of roof extension works | Residential property | Essex, UK
[Advised the solicitors acting for the owner of a residential property on the adequacy of certain roof construction works and the appropriateness of proposed remedial works. This work included an assessment of the cause of certain deformations of structural members supporting the pitched roof.] [TBC]
Stability | High-rise mixed-use development | Suffolk, UK
[Advised solicitors acting for a principal contractor in a dispute with the employer of a 20-storey residential building, in relation to structural stability issues and the need for strengthening works. This work included an independent design review of the structure, the preparation of structural models assessing the behaviour of the as-built structure (global buckling, P-Delta effects and lateral deflections) and the effect of wind-induced vibrations on the comfort of the occupants of the building.] [TBC]