Forensics Aid Building Failure Investigations

By Mark Harris Berman, Architect & Planner

Tired of re–runs? Check out CSI Somerville! Buric’s own Construction Scene Investigators can be found performing sleuth activities in the NJ office under the direction of Mark Harris Berman. Using tools of the trade, Architectural forensics is used to determine building failures. But what exactly is forensic architecture?

Looking up both words in the dictionary and combining the essence of the definitions presents,

“The professional analysis of buildings, spaces and other built environments with regard to design, code, construction or material deficiencies to be used in a court of law or similar forums.”

Forensic architects analyze and report on construction–related projects, primarily focusing upon construction failures, deterioration, injuries, negligence or compliance issues. This requires the ability to examine the issues in relation to the original design and construction documents, contract administration and construction observations, laws, codes, life–safety issues and industry and professional standards. An analysis of the as–planned versus as–built construction documents establishes responsibility, liability and damages. Recommendations and repair costs are typically requested in response to additional litigation needs.

Building science provides the trained forensic architect with the means to fully evaluate the concept, design and construction process from a perspective beyond the role and responsibilities of the conventional designer. The forensic architect identifies key construction milestones and establishes the interrelationships between design errors, construction installation deficiencies and the occurrence of building problems or deterioration.

Forensic analysis may include on–site investigations and inspections, testing (general, invasive, or laboratory), documentation of existing conditions, dissection of building components, photography and videography as well as thermography of concealed spaces. It may be necessary to conduct an analysis of the voluminous amounts of project documents to determine the means, methods, sequences, standards and conventions used to install building materials.

A project currently being investigated by Buric highlights the poor outcome of a facility resulting from the lack of experience, responsibility and coordination among design professionals, combined with the absence of direction by a qualified general contractor and the lack of craftsmanship. The facility was constructed with inappropriate foundations, retaining walls and seawalls as well as inappropriate structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire suppression systems.

For this project, building diagnostic evaluations demonstrated that the multi–building facility cannot withstand and has not withstood the environmental conditions of its beachfront location, the structural loads of its own construction materials, and a general failure of all building envelope waterproofing systems. Our investigations have also shown that the buildings cannot be appropriately maintained in a normal or reasonable fashion to limit ongoing water infiltration, structural deformation or mold formation. The ongoing impact from these conditions has been detrimental to the residences.

In summary, the results of a comprehensive forensic architectural evaluation consist of a simplified understanding of the complex responsibilities, assemblies and forces that create building problems. These results assist owners, attorneys, lenders and community associations in the successful completion of litigation or alternative dispute resolution processes.

Through evaluation, better knowledge is gained of the specific causes, range and magnitude of building issues. Clearer insight is also gained on the direction and limitations of corrective actions required to repair, restore or remodel the existing buildings in a practical, timely and cost effective manner.

For more information on the forensic process, contact Mark at 908.534.9111.