When structural problems arise—foundation cracks appearing, floors deflecting, roofs leaking, or buildings suffering storm damage—you need answers based on engineering analysis, not speculation. Central New Jersey properties face specific challenges: flooding from the Raritan watershed, nor'easter and hurricane impacts, freeze-thaw deterioration, and the effects of varied soil conditions on foundations.
Strut E&I's forensic structural engineers investigate the root causes of building distress throughout Central New Jersey. We approach each investigation with scientific methodology, documenting conditions thoroughly, analyzing evidence carefully, and reaching conclusions supported by engineering principles and physical evidence. Our findings are documented in clear, PE-sealed reports that serve insurance adjusters, property owners, attorneys, and contractors.
Objective Structural Investigation
Forensic engineering requires independence and objectivity. Our role is to determine what happened, not to support a predetermined conclusion. We follow the evidence wherever it leads, even when findings are unfavorable to the party who retained us. This commitment to objectivity makes our opinions credible and defensible—whether in insurance negotiations, mediation, or New Jersey Superior Court testimony.
Every investigation begins with understanding the questions that need answering. What caused the damage? When did it occur? Was construction defective? Did the building meet code requirements? Who bears responsibility? Our investigations are designed to address these questions with technically sound, clearly explained answers.
Types of Forensic Investigations
Storm and Flood Damage Assessment
Central New Jersey's location exposes buildings to significant weather hazards. Nor'easters bring heavy snow loads and wind damage. Tropical systems and their remnants cause flooding along rivers and coastal areas. Severe thunderstorms produce localized wind damage and flash flooding. Our storm damage assessments document conditions, distinguish storm damage from pre-existing conditions, and provide the objective analysis insurance claims require. We have extensive experience with Superstorm Sandy damage and subsequent flooding events throughout the region.
Construction Defect Analysis
Construction defects range from minor workmanship issues to fundamental structural deficiencies threatening building safety. We investigate defects in foundations, framing, connections, and building envelope systems, determining whether construction complied with approved plans and New Jersey UCC requirements, whether designs met professional standards of care, and whether observed problems result from construction errors, design deficiencies, material failures, or other causes.
Foundation and Settlement Investigation
Central New Jersey's geology creates varied foundation conditions. Coastal plain soils may settle under loads. Piedmont clays can cause seasonal movement. Older foundations show deterioration from decades of exposure. We investigate foundation distress including cracking, settlement, and lateral movement, determining causes and distinguishing between ongoing movement and historic conditions. Our investigations provide the basis for appropriate repair recommendations and support for insurance claims or litigation.
Building Collapse and Structural Failure
When structures fail catastrophically, understanding why is essential for addressing liability, preventing recurrence, and designing repairs. We investigate failures of roofs, floors, walls, and structural systems, analyzing design documents, examining failed components, and determining whether failures resulted from design deficiencies, construction errors, material defects, overloading, deterioration, or external events.
Material Deterioration Assessment
New Jersey's climate accelerates material deterioration through freeze-thaw cycles, moisture exposure, and in coastal areas, salt spray corrosion. We assess concrete deterioration including spalling, cracking, and reinforcement corrosion; steel corrosion in structural members and connections; wood decay and insect damage; and masonry deterioration. Our investigations determine extent of deterioration, identify causes, and provide the basis for repair or replacement decisions.
Our Investigation Process
| Phase |
Activities |
Deliverables |
| Initial Assessment |
Site visit, document collection, scope definition, photograph documentation |
Investigation proposal, preliminary observations |
| Field Investigation |
Detailed inspection, measurements, testing, sample collection |
Field notes, photographs, test results |
| Document Review |
Drawing analysis, specification review, construction records examination |
Document summary, identified discrepancies |
| Engineering Analysis |
Structural calculations, code compliance review, failure mode analysis |
Technical analysis documentation |
| Report Preparation |
Findings synthesis, conclusions development, recommendation formulation |
PE-sealed forensic report |
| Litigation Support |
Deposition preparation, trial exhibits, expert testimony |
As required by legal proceedings |
Who We Serve
Our forensic engineering services support diverse clients throughout Central New Jersey. Insurance carriers and adjusters rely on our objective assessments to evaluate claims and determine coverage. Property owners need clear answers about building conditions and repair requirements. Attorneys require technically credible expert opinions for litigation. Public adjusters engage us to document damage for claim support. Contractors need third-party assessment of disputed conditions. We serve all these clients with the same commitment to objectivity and technical excellence.
Request a Forensic Investigation
Facing a structural problem that needs investigation in Central New Jersey? Contact Strut E&I's South Brunswick office to discuss your situation. We can typically conduct initial site visits within one week for routine matters, sooner for urgent situations involving safety concerns or litigation deadlines. Our forensic engineers are ready to help you understand what happened and chart a path forward.
