FORENSIC ENGINEERING - FROM FAILURE TO UNDERSTANDING

The papers prepared for the Institution of Civil Engineers' Fourth International Conference on Forensic Engineering, held in London on 2-4 December 2008.

This book recognizes and discusses the fact that, while collapses are the most spectacular type of failures covered in the field of forensic engineering, the discipline also includes, for example, the investigation of failures in serviceability as well as performance during construction and over the lifespan of the structures.

These papers examine forensic investigation and assessment practices and look at improved design and contract activities, considering issues such as how these can benefit communities by reducing property damage, serious injury and loss of life. Thus the potential to increase sustainability of infrastructure by prolonging the reliable life of structures should be recognized, including, for example, instances where such life spans could be extended by renewed use through refurbishment or strengthening projects. Ignoring such issues may render facilities unusable and cause serious safety problems.

To emphasize the subtitle of this conference – from failure to understanding – the papers are grouped thematically into categories such as failure reviews,collapse and failures, ground and foundation, climatic storm issues, remedial measures, storm and buildings, law issues and education.