Forensic Engineering

2. Meaning
 Forensic engineering is a multi-disciplinary process for investigating and
reporting the cause of engineering problems which may have legal
consequences.
 The process is founded on the scientific method which is fundamental to the
solution of most engineering problematic situation whether they are related
to civil, structural, geotechnical, mechanical, metallurgical, materials,
industrial, chemical, or other engineering fields.
 Forensic engineering is the application of engineering principles to the
investigation of failures or other performance problems. Forensic
engineering also involves testimony on the findings of these investigations
before a court of law or other judicial forum, when required.

3.  Structural failures
 Functional failures
Causes of failures
• Site selection and site development errors
• Programming deficiencies
• Design errors
• Construction errors/procedural errors
• Materials deficiencies
• Operational errors

4.  Gather Information
 Investigate
 Visual Inspection
 Photography of site
 Document Review
 Photographic Documentation
 Code, Industry Standard and Product Research
 Analysis Data

5.  Develop Opinions and Conclusions
 Explain the reasoning behind the conclusion
 Prepare culpability worksheets
 Assist Attorneys
 Give a clear assessment of the risks involved with
each issue
 Give Expert witness testimony

6.  Unlike other professions, there are no forensic engineering degree
programs.
 Forensic engineers start by taking a bachelor’s degree in any field of
engineering. In its place, aspiring Forensic engineer qualifications
comprise of earning any engineering degree, gaining experience in this
field, passing the professional engineering licensure exam and then
completing a process that focus on the forensic engineering.
 To become licensed, engineers must complete a four-year college
degree, work under a Professional Engineer for at least four years,
pass two intensive competency exams and earn a license from their
state's licensure board.

7.  In abroad, the forensic knowledge will be attained through
extensive, laborious and intense study set by the Forensic
Engineering Curriculum Committee or FECC.
 The Principles and Practice of Engineering exam or PE is the
licensure examination for aspiring engineering professionals.
 The PE is administered by National Council of Examiners for
Engineering and Surveying or NCEES. After the PE exam, the
students must take the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam in
order to practice the profession.

8.  However, there are no colleges/universities offering graduate
degree in this field.
Below are some concentrations that students can take in their
degree programs:
 First Master : Forensic Engineering and Science
 Second Master : Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology
 First Bachelor : Human Error and Human Reliability
Assessment
 Second Bachelor : Applied Ergonomics

9.  In India, to become a forensic engineering scientist
complete a Master degree program in any
engineering field.
 After the completion of Master degree the candidate
should appear an Phd program in the relevant
engineering field.
 After completing the Phd they can write licensure
exam.

10.  Familiarity with building codes, specifications & industry
standards.
 Understanding of structural & soil behavior to know how
structures behave and why they fail.
 Ability to collect & analyze data(detective skills), develop failure
hypothesis &reach to correct conclusions regarding the causes of
failure.
 Having some knowledge of legal procedures.
 Good oral and written communication skills.
 Have high ethical standards.

11. Possible disciplines for structural and functional
failure investigation :
 Structural engineer
 Geotechnical engineer
 Concrete specialist
 Metallurgist/Material expert
 Architect
 Surveyors
 Photographer
 Test specialists, instrumentation specialists
 Contract law specialist

12.  To determine the causes of failure(most commonly desired
information)
 To compare statement by witnesses or injured parties with
physical evidence
 To ascertain whether an illegal or improper activity was
causative
 To assess damage to materials, products or structures and
evaluate repair estimate.

13.  The work of an engineer as expert witness is not much different
from investigating and reporting on building problem or any
functional/structural program.
 The legal requirements for the investigation are the same as any
other professional work, requiring exactitude, knowledge, and
sound reasoning.
 Once the engineer is confronted with the rules of the legal
profession, he/she must be aware of the additional rules of
forensic behavior. This does not change the general procedures
for engineering work, but makes it important to understand the
conduct and performance of an expert witness.

14. Forensic Engineer work list
1) Full documentation, understandable to laymen.
2) Investigation in the field to be used for incontrovertible evidence.
3) Combining field, laboratory, and literature work into a well balanced
report.
4) Awareness of the function of attorneys, judges, and juries to make a
truthful and effective presentation.
5) Professional performance and effective communication with the trier(s)
of fact.
6) Ability to marshal facts and not to be disturbed by aggressive
interrogation.

15. Extensive Cracking in Elevated Flyover Bridge

16. Cracking 1
Cracking 2

17. Cracking 3
Cracking 4 & 5

18.  Prof.Dr. Azlan Ab, Overview of Forensic Engineering,
Univeristy of Technology, Malaysia, 2014.
 https://study.com/articles/Forensic_Engineer_Job_Infor
mation_for_Those_Pursuing_a_Career_in_Forensic_Eng
ineering_and_Other_Forensic_Sciences.html
 Randal K. Noon, Forensic Engineering Investigation,
2001.
 http://www.ifs.edu.in/forensic-engineering/
 https://ascelibrary.org/doi/10.1061/40692%28241%2946