The damages that can result from the failure of a retaining wall range from minor to catastrophic. Retaining walls are structures used to retain soils (i.e., laterally support them) where a change in…
The damages that can result from the failure of a retaining wall range from minor to catastrophic. Retaining walls are structures used to retain soils (i.e., laterally support them) where a change in…
The root cause analysis in many structural failure investigations leads directly to a failed connection, and ultimately to a failed fastener. The failure of a connection often leaves a structure…
In this article, Structural Engineer and Special Inspector, Mark Duckett describes the role of the special inspector within the context of construction claims investigations. The article leverages…
Many forensic cases involve objects that fell from an elevated position and were affected, in some part, by the wind. Whether the end result was injury or property damage, there is frequently some…
In this article, the civil and structural engineers at Robson Forensic provide an introductory lesson on concrete spalling. They address the common causes and why spalling is a problem. …
In this article, Structural Engineer, Mark Duckett, P.E., S.I., discusses the topic of construction guardrail failures. Through video, he introduces a properly designed and constructed guardrail, and…
In this article, structural engineer, Mark Duckett, P.E. discusses roof failures associated with snow loads. Topics of discussion include reasonable loads that roofs are designed to support and the…
In this article we explore the engineering issues associated with the load requirements of atypical structures, referred to in building codes as other structures. Investigating an Atypical…
In this article, structural engineer, Mark Duckett discusses building demolition and the concept of “reverse” construction. Building Demolition Remember the game Jenga? In that game,…
In this article, structural engineer, Mark Duckett provides an introduction to building guardrail failures from the perspective of a structural engineer. Building Guardrail Failures Form vs. Function…