Prepared by the Committee on Forensic Investigation of the Forensic Engineering Division

Forensic engineering involves a wide range of services, from the investigation of failures and performance problems to participation in the legal proceedings that often follow. The planning and implementation of a successful investigation involves a series of interrelated tasks and steps that need to be carried out by the forensic engineer and an interdisciplinary investigation team. Guidelines for Failure Investigation, Second Edition, outlines five fundamental steps in a failure investigation and will assist forensic engineers in tailoring their investigations to their particular failure scenarios. This book emphasizes failures and investigations related to structural and geotechnical systems, building envelopes, and construction practices; however, the investigative process outlined may also be appropriate for conducting other types of failure investigations.

Topics include:

• Investigation planning and coordination,
• Data collection,
• Development of testing protocol,
• Data analysis and interpretation, and
• Presentation of opinions and conclusions.

This technical report will be valuable to practicing engineers and students needing an introduction to the investigative process. It also serves as a reference guide for veteran investigators.