Forensic Engineering

Forensic engineering is where existing structures are examined for defects and a report prepared for repair or reconstruction.

BSC’s forensic work extends across many areas of structural and civil engineering. This includes a wide range of building defects ranging from small cracks in brickwork to major structural failure.

Example - Taffy Jones Building Remediation

An interesting example of BSC’s forensic work is the Taffy Jones building in Warrandyte, on the outskirts of Melbourne (pictured left). This concrete building was burnt out in the 1939 Black Friday bushfires.

Council wished to retain the building in remembrance of the devastating fires. BSC carried out a detailed inspection and survey and recommended structural steel restraints to safely contain the structure. These were duly constructed and this unique building has been retained for posterity.

Legal Reports

When structural damage leads to litigation, BSC can provide assistance throughout legal proceedings.

We prepare legal reports with unbiased analysis of the causes of structural defects.

BSC liaises with solicitors and attends mediations and actual court proceedings where required. If legal proceedings reach the courts, BSC engineering staff can appear as expert witnesses to assist the court to determine the cause of structural failure and assist in the assessment of damages.