Structural Failure
Investigation and Analysis

Structural and architectural components of a building can fail as a result of inadequate design or construction practices, unexpected loads or environmental factors, improper maintenance, or age-related deterioration at the end of a product’s intended service life.

Sometimes the result is as dramatic as an immediate and catastrophic collapse; other times the failure goes unnoticed until problems arise.

WERC engineers Jim Royston, David Transue, and Jaren Tolman, have investigated thousands of failures and performance related problems in residential, industrial, and commercial structures. Often the investigation involves a determination of the extent and the cause of the damage, as well as a recommendation for repair.

Investigations commonly performed by WERC are related to:

• Structural Damage due to:
  • Fire
  • Explosion
  • Vehicle Impact
  • Expansive or Settling Soils
  • Overload from Snow, Wind, Ponding Water, etc.
• Performance Problems such as:
  • Paint Failure
  • Water Infiltration
  • Condensation and Inadequate Ventilation
• Engineering Properties and Condition Assessment of Materials and Structures
• Construction Defect Litigation
• Construction Accidents
  • Shoring and Scaffolding Failures
  • Ladder Accidents
  • Code Conformance
  • Fire
• Repair recommendations and design
• Steel, masonry, concrete and wood structures

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