Prepared by the Research Council on Performance of Structures of ASCE. This report contains guidelines for conducting an investigation into the causes of a structural failure or collapse.Ø Topics include: members of the investigative team and their responsibilities, recommended procedure for site visits, accumulation and recording of data, reporting procedures, and checklists of preparation and materials needed for each step. Common structural types are described, together with the most common causes of distress and failure for each material and construction method. Causes of failure are discussed according to type of project, type of structure, or type of material, connection or foundation.

Sponsored by the Research Council on Performance of Structures of ASCE. This report contains guidelines for conducting an investigation into the causes of a structural failure or collapse. Topics include: members of the investigative team and their responsibilities, recommended procedure for site visits, accumulation and recording of data, reporting procedures, and checklists of preparation and materials needed for each step. Common structural types are described, together with the most common causes of distress and failure for each material and construction method. Causes of failure are discussed according to type of project, type of structure, or type of material, connection or foundation.

Failures of structures occur in all parts of the world as the result of design errors, construction defects, abuse or misuse, ageing and deterioration of the structure, lack of maintenance, as well as environmental effects such as wind, flood, snow, earthquake and, of course, human errors. They can result in catastrophic human costs as well as heavy financial losses to all involved, including local economic growth deceleration, expensive delays and repairs, as well as other repercussions, such as legal actions to responsible parties. ‘Welcome’ effects of these unfortunate events include a better understanding of the origins and causes of structural failures, their corresponding lessons learnt, and a more effective mitigation of their occurrence through changes in codes, standards, guidelines, and practice. In several countries the investigation process of the causes of failures, responsibilities, and resolution of the consequent claims have created an active, demanding, and specialised field of professional practice – often referred to as Forensic Structural Engineering – with well-defined technical and legal procedures. This bulletin is the result of the work lead by the Task Group 5.1 ‘Forensic Structural Engineering’. It provides understanding of the origins, causes, and consequences of failures, their forensic investigations, and the lessons learnt from them. The aim of the bulletin is not only to describe different examples but, mainly, to use emblematic case studies to show procedures that can be used when dealing with structural failures. In addition to obtaining a deeper insight into the technical causes for structural failure, the reader would be duly informed about the different countries’ legal issues related to the investigation process. The bulletin is aimed at young, mid-career and experienced structural engineers who want to acquire a better understanding of failure mechanisms towards improving their design, inspection, construction, administrative, and other project-related practices to avoid pitfalls that may lead to failures. It also aims at those wanting to acquire a working knowledge of the challenging professional practice of forensic structural engineering.

Learning the proper steps for organizing a failure investigation ensures success. Failure investigations cross company functional boundaries and are an integral component of any design or manufacturing business operation. Well-organized and professionally conducted investigations are essential for solving manufacturing problems and assisting in redesigns. This book outlines a proven systematic approach to failure investigation. It explains the relationship between various failure sources (corrosion, for example) and the organization and conduct of the investigation. It provides a learning platform for engineers from all disciplines: materials, design, manufacturing, quality, and management. The examples in this book focus on the definition of and requirements for a professionally performed failure analysis of a physical object or structure. However, many of the concepts have much greater utility than for investigating the failure of physical objects. For example, the book provides guidance in areas such as learning how to define objectives, negotiating the scope of investigation, examining the physical evidence, and applying general problem-solving techniques.