Forensic Evaluations & Support for Construction Disputes

SOCOTEC’s Forensic Engineering and Expert Witness Services provide in-depth investigations, failure analyses, and litigation support for construction, geotechnical, and structural disputes. Our team of experienced forensic engineers, scientists, and technical specialists applies advanced investigative methods to identify root causes and deliver objective, evidence-based assessments. 

Industries We Serve 

SOCOTEC’s forensic engineering expertise spans multiple industries, including: 

  • Commercial, residential, and educational buildings 

  • Infrastructure and transportation systems 

  • Industrial and manufacturing facilities 

  • Energy and utility structures 

  • Environmental and geotechnical sites

Our forensic engineering and expert witness services provide clients with accurate, unbiased assessments to resolve disputes, mitigate risks, and support legal proceedings. 

 

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Talk to our experts

Serkan SENGUL

Principal Engineer

Denver, CO

Principal Engineer

ssengul@ninyoandmoore.com +1 (303) 629-6000

Avram NINYO

Principal Engineer

San Diego, CA

Principal Engineer

aninyo@ninyoandmoore.com +1 (858) 576-1000

Forensic Engineering and Failure Analysis

Our Services

We investigate and determine the root causes of earth movement and subsurface-related failures impacting structures, infrastructure, and assets. Our experts provide clear technical analysis to support remediation strategies, risk mitigation, and dispute resolution.

Our forensic geotechnical services include:

  • Evaluation of cracked slabs and foundation distress
  • Analysis of soil settlement and expansive soil behavior
  • Investigation of retaining wall failures
  • Landslide and slope stability assessments
  • Erosion and pavement distress evaluations
  • Assessment of underground utility failures, including pipe corrosion and leakage
  • Moisture intrusion and subsurface water impacts affecting structural performance

Our materials specialists assess the performance, deterioration, and failure of construction materials. Through testing, field investigations, and laboratory analysis, we provide defensible conclusions to support claims, repairs, or litigation.

Areas of expertise include:

  • Asphalt concrete performance and failure analysis
  • Reinforced concrete evaluation, including corrosion-related deterioration
  • Reinforced masonry assessment
  • Structural steel inspection and failure investigation

We identify and quantify environmental conditions that affect property value, construction activities, and regulatory compliance. Our team delivers practical, technically sound solutions aligned with environmental requirements.

Our services include:

  • Investigation of soil and groundwater contamination
  • Vapor intrusion and methane risk assessment
  • Water resources evaluation
  • Remediation strategy development and cost estimating
  • Waste characterization, handling, and disposal oversight

We evaluate environmental health risks affecting occupants, workers, and facilities. Our approach combines field measurements, laboratory analysis, and regulatory expertise to support informed decision-making.

Services include:

  • Asbestos, lead, and mold assessments
  • Microbial investigations and moisture-related indoor air quality evaluations
  • Smoke damage assessments
  • Airborne contaminant and workplace chemical monitoring
  • Health risk assessments
  • Preparation of site-specific health and safety plans

forensics geotechnical engineering collapsed wall along road with significant structural failure

Expert Analysis of Structural and Environmental Damage

Our forensic experts conduct detailed evaluations of structural, geotechnical, and material failures, including: 

  • Geotechnical failures, including foundation settlement, landslides, slope stability, retaining walls, and expansive soil distress 
  • Fire damage, mudflows, flooding, corrosion, and material degradation assessments 
  • Pavement distress, cracking, and deterioration analysis 
  • Water intrusion and moisture damage 
  • Ground shaking, liquefaction, and lateral spreading 

Expert Witness & Litigation

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Dispute Resolution

SOCOTEC provides expert opinions and litigation support services for attorneys, insurance companies, and construction professionals. Our services include: 

  • Expert testimony for mediation, arbitration, and courtroom proceedings 
  • Failure causation analysis supported by industry standards and forensic data 
  • Damage assessments and repair recommendations 
  • Construction claims analysis related to delays, defects, and cost disputes 
  • Deposition and trial preparation with comprehensive documentation 

Specialized Testing and Analysis

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CMT and NDT

We utilize cutting-edge forensic analysis and testing methods to support our investigations: 

  • Non-destructive testing (NDT) for structural integrity assessment 
  • Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and geophysical evaluations 
  • Laboratory materials testing for concrete, asphalt concrete, steel, reinforced masonry, and soil samples 
  • Load testing and performance evaluations for structures and systems 
  • Advanced imaging and 3D modeling for forensic reconstruction 

Forensic Geotechnical Engineering Projects

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    Mount Soledad Landslide Evaluation, CA

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    Rimrock Rockfall Evaluation, MT

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    Oceanside Pier Demolition, CA

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    Oroville Dam Emergency Spillway Recovery, CA

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Want to learn how SOCOTEC’s forensic engineering expertise can support your case?

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Talk to our experts

Serkan SENGUL

Principal Engineer

Denver, CO

Principal Engineer

ssengul@ninyoandmoore.com +1 (303) 629-6000

Avram NINYO

Principal Engineer

San Diego, CA

Principal Engineer

aninyo@ninyoandmoore.com +1 (858) 576-1000