STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING

In forensics, the knowledge and experience of all of us of structures plays a key role to understand how  environmental events and weather, building usage and gravity can affect the life of a structural part or the whole structure.

Experience and knowledge of structural engineering has reflected and shown also to us how construction and installation defects, deferred maintenance and substandard materials can result in any loss or damage. 

What is structural engineering exactly?

Building defects and deficiencies become more evident after weather and environmental events, such as flooding, tornados, and hurricanes. For example, wooden structural parts that has been exposed to long-term or repeated moisture contact may be structurally damaged from rot, microbial growth, potentially resulting in failure during what would otherwise be considered a non-damaging event.

Every region of the United States has its own geographical and climatic distinctions. The expert professionals at Stephens Engineering are well informed of the unique variables in construction and structural stability in your specific region.

Our professionals are knowledgeable in the building practices and process that results in sound construction and can investigate and identify construction defects readily. From years of experience, we understand the complex factors that need to come together to achieve a sound structure. We are uniquely qualified to complete structural-related damage investigations.

What is the work of structural engineering?

What are the basic structural elements?

You must Read about The Salary of Engineer

Flood damage is a serious problem…one that needs to be addressed quickly and accurately. The experts at Stephens Engineering are experienced in investigating various types of structural- and foundation-related damage due to flooding. Flood damage investigations typically involve observation and assessment of the various building components
(foundations, pilings, framing, roofing and claddings, and inundated materials) that may have been removed, displaced or structurally compromised by the flood event.

Whether the damage is solely flood related or we are deciphering between flood vs. wind damage, we are prepared to evaluate the root cause and timeline of the damage.

What are the 3 types of structures?

What are examples of structure?

Building construction and process

Whether due to design or construction deficiencies, extreme wind loads from tornados and hurricanes, storm surge, earthquakes, tree or vehicle impacts, soil movement, material defects, decay/corrosion, or maintenance deficiencies, the Stephens Engineering experts can determine the proximate cause of the structural failure or collapse.

We primarily focus on the cause and extent of the damage and provide repair recommendations, if necessary. Each report is illustrated with photographs. Our report will locate and describe the claimed and unclaimed damage on the property and articulate a precise opinion based solely on the discovered evidence and research.

The International Risk Management Institute (IRMI) defines a construction defect as “a deficiency in the design or construction of a building or structure resulting from a failure to design or construct in a reasonably workmanlike manner, and/or in accordance with a buyer’s reasonable expectation.” Deficiencies can result from design errors and/or omissions, the installation of defective, damaged, and/or inferior products or materials, and/or substandard workmanship.

Construction defects can cause physical damage to people or property or financial losses in the form of loss of use or value and/or increased expenses.

Stephens Engineering performs roofing damage assessments on residential and commercial buildings for all types of roofing (asphalt shingles, modified bitumen, roll roofing, metal, clay and concrete tile, EPDM, TPO, built-up roofing, and more).

From low-sloped roofs to elevated high-pitched roofs, our engineers can identify the difference between weather-related damage (hail and wind), installation defects, animal or man-made damage, new vs. old damage, or age-related deterioration.

Stephens Engineering Consultants, Inc. provides commercial and residential foundation inspections and assessments. Having a foundation inspection by an experienced structural engineer with help you to understand the real causes behind the damage and provide recommendations for remediation.

We know that a foundation inspection needs to be completed with great care and attention. For this reason, our foundation inspection service goes beyond the common “Level A” offered by home inspectors. In addition to a thorough visual inspection of the structure and foundation, our “Level B” foundation inspection includes: