Knowledge base
Forensic engineering questions answered.
22 questions across 5 categories. From investigation cost to court evidence requirements.
General
6 questions
Q01
What is forensic structural engineering?
Forensic structural engineering applies engineering principles to determine the root cause of structural failures, defects, and disputes. It combines field investigation, non-destructive testing, material sampling, laboratory analysis, and structural modelling to establish a clear chain of causation. Findings are used to resolve insurance claims, tribunal proceedings, body corporate disputes, and regulatory investigations. Our engineers are RPEQ-registered and prepare reports accepted in courts, tribunals, and insurance proceedings across Australia.
Q02
What is the difference between a building inspection and forensic engineering?
A building inspection documents the current condition of a property at a point in time. Forensic engineering goes further: it investigates why a defect or failure occurred, analyses the mechanism of deterioration, reviews design and construction records, and assigns causation. Building inspections report what is there. Forensic engineering explains how it got that way and who is responsible. For insurance claims, tribunal proceedings, and construction disputes, causation is what matters.
Q03
Who do you work for?
We work for any party requiring independent technical evidence: insurance companies and loss adjusters, solicitors and barristers, body corporate committees and strata managers, building owners and asset managers, developers and builders, and government authorities. We maintain independence regardless of who engages us. Our findings are evidence-based and we do not shade our opinions to favour the engaging party.
Q04
How much does a forensic engineering investigation cost?
Fees depend on the building type, defect complexity, and testing scope. A residential single-dwelling investigation typically starts at $2,500 to $4,500. Strata investigations range from $8,000 to $30,000. Infrastructure assessments are scoped individually. We provide a fixed-fee proposal after an initial scoping discussion at no charge. Call +61 7 3132 2534 or submit a brief online.
Q05
How quickly can you respond to an emergency?
For urgent structural failures, partial collapses, or post-event situations requiring immediate assessment, we can mobilise within 24 hours nationally. Brisbane and South East Queensland emergencies can be attended same-day. We provide a preliminary verbal assessment on site and follow with a written report within 48 to 72 hours. For non-urgent investigations, we typically schedule within 5 to 10 business days of engagement.
Q06
Do you cover all Australian states and territories?
Yes. We operate nationally from our Brisbane head office with regular investigation programmes in Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Perth, and Adelaide. We can deploy to any location in Australia. Remote and regional locations are accommodated, with travel costs included in the fee proposal. Contact us to discuss your location and we will confirm mobilisation time and costs.
Investigations & Defects
5 questions
Q01
Can you investigate a building you did not design or construct?
Yes. The majority of our forensic work involves structures designed and built by others. Independence from the original designer, builder, and certifier is fundamental to forensic engineering. We review the original design documentation, assess the as-built condition, and form evidence-based opinions on causation without any commercial relationship with the parties involved in the original construction.
Q02
How do you determine if a crack is structural?
We assess crack width, orientation, location, pattern, and progression over time. Cracks wider than 0.3mm in reinforced concrete or showing displacement across the crack face are typically considered structurally relevant under AS 3600. We use crack gauges, tell-tales, and monitoring instruments to determine whether cracking is active or stable. Non-destructive testing reveals the depth and internal extent of cracking that is not visible on the surface. The crack pattern also indicates the probable cause: diagonal cracks suggest shear forces, horizontal cracks suggest lateral earth pressure, and map cracking suggests alkali-silica reaction or drying shrinkage.
Q03
What is concrete cancer and how do you investigate it?
Concrete cancer is the colloquial term for reinforcement corrosion causing concrete spalling. When moisture and chlorides or carbonation penetrate the concrete cover, the steel reinforcement corrodes and expands to many times its original volume, forcing the surrounding concrete to crack and fall away. Investigation combines visual mapping of spalling patterns, half-cell potential mapping to identify active corrosion zones, cover meter surveys to measure concrete depth over steel, and concrete coring for chloride profiling, carbonation depth, and compressive strength. These results allow us to assess the extent of corrosion, identify the cause, and design an appropriate remediation programme.
Q04
Can you investigate defects in strata buildings?
Yes. Strata defect investigation is one of our core services. We prepare reports suitable for body corporate proceedings under the Body Corporate and Community Management Act (QLD), Strata Schemes Management Act (NSW), and Owners Corporations Act (VIC). Reports address common property defects, identify responsible parties where the evidence supports it, and provide remediation cost estimates for levy planning. We attend body corporate AGMs to present findings and answer committee questions.
Q05
How long does a defect investigation take from inspection to report?
A single-dwelling residential investigation typically takes 2 to 3 weeks from site inspection to final report delivery. Multi-storey strata investigations may require 4 to 8 weeks depending on the number of elements assessed, access requirements, and laboratory testing turnaround. Infrastructure assessments are scoped individually. We provide a timeline estimate at engagement and communicate any delays proactively.
Non-Destructive Testing
4 questions
Q01
What is GPR concrete scanning and when is it used?
Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) transmits high-frequency electromagnetic pulses into concrete and records reflected signals from internal interfaces. It detects reinforcement layout, post-tensioning tendons, embedded conduits, voids, and delamination planes without cutting, coring, or damaging the structure. GPR is used before any concrete cutting or coring to confirm safe clearance from reinforcement and services. It is also used to map reinforcement cover depths, detect post-tensioning tendon paths, and identify internal defects such as voids and delaminations that are not visible on the surface.
Q02
What is infrared thermography used for?
Infrared thermography detects surface temperature variations caused by subsurface defects. Delaminations, voids, moisture zones, and insulation deficiencies produce thermal signatures that are invisible to the naked eye. Thermal cameras with resolution below 0.05 degrees Celsius detect these temperature contrasts. Surveys can cover thousands of square metres of facade per day from ground level without scaffold. Common applications include facade tile delamination mapping, balcony membrane leak detection, moisture ingress path identification, and building envelope thermal performance audits.
Q03
What does a half-cell potential survey measure?
A half-cell potential survey measures the electrochemical potential between embedded steel reinforcement and a copper/copper sulphate reference electrode placed on the concrete surface. More negative readings indicate higher corrosion probability. Testing is performed on a systematic grid (typically 300mm spacing), producing contour maps of corrosion probability across the structure. Results are interpreted using ASTM C876 criteria: readings more negative than -350mV CSE indicate a high probability of active corrosion. Half-cell surveys consistently show that active corrosion is less spatially extensive than visual inspection suggests, allowing targeted and cost-effective repair scoping.
Q04
Is non-destructive testing covered by Australian Standards?
Yes. NDT methods used in structural investigations are referenced in several Australian and international standards. AS 1012 covers concrete testing methods. AS 4349.0-2007 covers building inspections. ASTM C876 covers half-cell potential testing. ASTM C597 covers ultrasonic pulse velocity. AS/NZS 4064 covers thermographic inspection. We reference the applicable standard in every investigation report so the methodology can be verified independently.
Expert Witness & Legal
4 questions
Q01
Are your expert reports accepted in Australian courts and tribunals?
Yes. Our forensic reports are structured to comply with the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules and the Expert Witness Code of Conduct applicable in each jurisdiction. Our engineers regularly provide expert evidence in QCAT (Queensland), NCAT (New South Wales), VCAT (Victoria), SACAT (South Australia), the District Court, Federal Court, and Supreme Court. Reports include full methodology disclosure, assumptions, limitations, and a clear opinion supported by referenced evidence.
Q02
What is involved in an expert witness engagement?
An expert witness engagement typically begins with reviewing the available evidence and preparing an expert report. This is followed by exchange of expert reports between parties. Many proceedings require expert conclaves, where the experts meet (without lawyers present) to identify agreed issues and narrow genuine technical disagreements. A joint statement is then prepared. Some matters proceed to oral evidence at hearing. We participate constructively in conclaves and give oral evidence clearly and independently.
Q03
Can you provide a supplementary or rebuttal report?
Yes. After initial expert report exchange, proceedings may require supplementary opinions responding to new evidence, rebuttal reports responding to the opposing expert, or additional analysis following an expert conclave. We provide these within the timelines set by the tribunal or court. In preparing rebuttal reports, we address the opposing expert opinions on their technical merits.
Q04
Do you work with solicitors directly or only with clients?
We work with both. Solicitors and barristers engage us directly for expert witness mandates and to advise on technical evidence strategy. We also accept direct engagement from building owners, body corporates, insurers, and loss adjusters who may not yet have retained legal representation. In all cases, we maintain the same independence and technical standards regardless of who has engaged us.
Insurance
3 questions
Q01
How do you separate storm damage from pre-existing deterioration?
Separating event-caused damage from pre-existing deterioration requires careful analysis of several factors: the physical mechanism of the storm event (wind direction, hail trajectory, flood level), the structural pattern of observed damage (does it match what the event would produce?), the age and condition of materials in undamaged areas, and photographic or maintenance records of the property before the event. Where possible, we inspect before repairs begin to preserve the evidence. Our reports distinguish each damage category and the technical basis for the distinction, which is the foundation of a defensible causation opinion.
Q02
Can you review a repair scope proposed by an insurer?
Yes. Policyholder-commissioned peer review of insurer-proposed repair scopes is a service we regularly provide. We assess whether the proposed repair methods are appropriate for the failure mechanism identified, whether the scope covers all event-caused damage, whether the materials and specifications comply with Australian Standards, and whether any necessary ancillary work (waterproofing, drainage) has been included. Our review identifies gaps or inadequacies in the proposed scope.
Q03
How quickly can you attend a storm or flood event?
For major weather events, we can mobilise nationally within 24 to 48 hours. For large-scale disaster events, we coordinate multi-site programmes for insurers and loss adjusters to maximise coverage. We triage sites by structural risk and urgency, attending unsafe or complex sites first. Preliminary reports with structural status are provided within 48 hours of site attendance.
Still have questions?
Talk to one of our forensic engineers.
We respond to all enquiries within one business day. For urgent structural situations, call directly.