Forensic Structural Engineering Services in Atlanta

When structural problems arise—cracks appearing in walls, floors deflecting under load, roofs leaking at connections, or buildings suffering damage from storms, fires, or impacts—you need answers. Not speculation, not advocacy, but objective, technically sound conclusions about what happened and why.

Strut E&I's forensic structural engineers investigate the root causes of building distress throughout Metro Atlanta and Georgia. 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, contractors, and building officials.

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 courtroom 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.

When structures fail catastrophically, understanding why is essential for addressing liability, preventing recurrence, and designing repairs. We investigate collapses of roofs, floors, walls, and entire buildings, analyzing design documents, examining failed components, and determining whether failures resulted from design deficiencies, construction errors, material defects, overloading, deterioration, or external events. Our collapse investigations have addressed failures in commercial buildings, residential structures, parking decks, and temporary construction.

Metro Atlanta experiences severe thunderstorms, occasional tornadoes, and tropical storm remnants that cause structural damage to buildings throughout the region. We investigate wind damage to roofs and walls, impact damage from fallen trees, water intrusion effects on structural elements, and flood and hydrostatic pressure damage to foundations and below-grade construction. Our storm damage assessments distinguish between damage caused by the weather event and pre-existing conditions or construction defects—a distinction critical for insurance claims.

Construction defects range from minor workmanship issues to fundamental structural deficiencies that threaten building safety. We investigate defects in foundations, framing, connections, and building envelope systems, determining whether construction complied with approved plans and applicable codes, whether designs met professional standards of care, and whether observed problems result from construction errors, design deficiencies, material failures, or other causes. Our construction defect experience spans residential, commercial, and institutional buildings throughout Atlanta.

Atlanta's expansive clay soils cause foundation problems affecting thousands of buildings across the metro area. We investigate foundation distress including cracking, settlement, heave, and lateral movement, determining causes and distinguishing between ongoing movement and historic conditions. Our foundation investigations address questions of causation critical for insurance claims, warranty disputes, and real estate transactions, and provide the basis for appropriate repair recommendations.

Building materials deteriorate over time, and distinguishing between normal aging and premature failure requires careful investigation. 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 including mortar erosion, brick spalling, and tie corrosion. Our investigations determine the extent of deterioration, identify causes, and provide the basis for repair or replacement decisions.

Our forensic engineering services support diverse clients with different needs. 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.

Facing a structural problem that needs investigation? Contact Strut E&I 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.