What is forensic engineering?

Forensic engineering is essentially applying engineering knowledge to learn why a structure failed and why the damage occurred. This practice uses reverse engineering to find out why something was unable to perform. Forensic engineers could use evidence in court if the structure failure caused damage to property or human injury. Forensic engineering investigates both minor failures and catastrophic damages.

What does forensic engineering include?

This type of engineering includes investigating components, structures, materials, and products that have failed. Sometimes, these features do not operate as they were designed to and therefore cause a problem, such as economic loss. Forensic engineers reverse and retrace the procedures that led to the defect or accident. This allows them to learn why the failure occurred and how it can be prevented from happening in the future.

Types of forensic engineering

There are many different types of forensic engineering and forensic engineers. This includes geotechnical, biomechanical, and metallurgy. Some engineers also specialize in civil failures, electrical failure analysis, materials analysis, and structural failures.

What is the role of a forensic engineer?

A forensic engineer’s role is often a complicated one, which is why becoming a qualified forensic engineer can be a long process. In the US, a person must first gain an engineering degree and then an engineering license. To get this license, training engineers must pass the Principles and Practices of Engineering exam.

The primary role of a forensic engineer is to find out the nature and cause of a failure. Sometimes, this will be self-evident. But on other occasions, the cause of the accident may be less noticeable. The engineer will carry out several tests to help to understand the failure. This can include inspecting the mechanical soundness of the structure or testing pieces of material.

Once the evidence has been assembled and tests have been conducted, the engineer will form a conclusion, which will be mentioned in the report. Then, the engineer may have to give a declaration in court in regard to the failure, especially if the failure caused human