Case Studies on Failure Investigations in Structural and Geotechnical Engineering

<p>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.</p><p>'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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p>