Testing and analysis of existing structures can be performed to assess their safe load carrying capacity, condition, cause for observed deficiencies or suitability for owner selected alterations. This work may include destructive or nondestructive testing, structural analysis and calculations or full-scale load testing. We have experience with most building materials such as concrete, steel, masonry, aluminum and wood as well as many archaic structural systems.
Structural Forensics Studies
Testing and analysis of existing structures can be performed to assess their safe load carrying capacity, condition, cause for observed deficiencies or suitability for owner selected alterations. This work may include destructive or nondestructive testing, structural analysis and calculations or full-scale load testing. We have experience with most building materials such as concrete, steel, masonry, aluminum and wood as well as many archaic structural systems.
Understanding the ECS Approach to Structural Forensic Studies
- A site visit by ECS Structural Engineering staff, who perform visual and hands-on observations
- An engineering survey and documentation, including relevant photographs, of the structure’s condition
- Comparison of the as-built structure documentation (where available) to determine if it was built per original design requirements
- Identification of deficient conditions
- Testing such as ultrasonic thickness (UT), metallurgy, chemical analysis, coring, load testing and surface penetrating radar
- A determination of the severity of each condition observed and the likely cause
- A report documenting our findings
- A budgetary cost estimate for items requiring immediate repair
- Conceptual and/or detailed repair and maintenance recommendations (signed/sealed where necessary)
Specialized Expertise in Failure Analysis and Low Strength Concrete Investigations
In addition, ECS has the expertise to assess the nature of the failure of building systems and components which runs the gamut from the performance of the overall facade or superstructure to the behavior of welds and bolts used for connections.
ECS also performs investigations of low strength concrete utilizing ACI 214.4, ACI 228.2, and ACI 437. These investigations may include coring, Windsor probe testing, rebound hammer testing and other investigative techniques.
Please contact us with any questions you may have on structural forensics testing.
Understanding the ECS Approach to Structural Forensic Studies
- A site visit by ECS Structural Engineering staff, who perform visual and hands-on observations
- An engineering survey and documentation, including relevant photographs, of the structure’s condition
- Comparison of the as-built structure documentation (where available) to determine if it was built per original design requirements
- Identification of deficient conditions
- Testing such as ultrasonic thickness (UT), metallurgy, chemical analysis, coring, load testing and surface penetrating radar
- A determination of the severity of each condition observed and the likely cause
- A report documenting our findings
- A budgetary cost estimate for items requiring immediate repair
- Conceptual and/or detailed repair and maintenance recommendations (signed/sealed where necessary)
Specialized Expertise in Failure Analysis and Low Strength Concrete Investigations
In addition, ECS has the expertise to assess the nature of the failure of building systems and components which runs the gamut from the performance of the overall facade or superstructure to the behavior of welds and bolts used for connections.
ECS also performs investigations of low strength concrete utilizing ACI 214.4, ACI 228.2, and ACI 437. These investigations may include coring, Windsor probe testing, rebound hammer testing and other investigative techniques.
Please contact us with any questions you may have on structural forensics testing.
Notable Structural Forensics Projects Carried Out by ECS
- Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA
- 7-11 Canopy Assessments, VA
- Waterford Park Forensics, Orlando, FL
- DMC Surgery Hospital, Madison, MI
- Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL
Notable Structural Forensics Projects Carried Out by ECS
- Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA
- 7-11 Canopy Assessments, VA
- Waterford Park Forensics, Orlando, FL
- DMC Surgery Hospital, Madison, MI
- Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL