Forensic Engineering Case Studies: An Indispensable Source of Experience and Knowledge

Due to the peculiarities of design environment structural engineers have to face, an environment where prototypes are designed and erected without intensive and purposeful development and testing, case studies of failures and/or near misses are an indispensable source of experience and knowledge. By discussing actual and historic case studies, the development of the tools and meth- ods of forensic engineering as well as of the findings from these for the design, erection, supervi- sion, inspection and maintenance of civil engineering structures will be addressed. The interface- problems, when different parties are involved, are highlighted and the necessity, to establish good and reliable co-ordination mechanism is carved out.