Forensic Geotechnical Engineering Case Studies

Abstract

When foundations and earth structures fail, it is usually the result of excessive settlement and/or shear failure of the soil which bears them. The cause may sometimes be readily discernible or obvious; however, like the foundation itself, the answer is often deeply buried and can be discerned only by examining the technical data and project documents. A comprehensive geoforensic engineering investigation can usually determine the cause and the party responsible for the failure. This generally entails a thorough examination of many forms of documents and information, visits to the site, sampling and testing of soils, interviews with pertinent individuals, and meetings with the client and their attorneys. In some situations, however, success in determining the cause in an efficient and timely fashion is highly dependent on the geoforensic engineers education, experience, judgment, thoroughness, and Sherlock- Holmes-like ability to identify the weak link in the problem. The geofo