
7
2
Structural Distress
Introduction
Structures have a propensity for failure for a variety of reasons. Consequently structural
distress, in its many forms, is one of the four major categories that a forensic engineer
investigates. Structural distress can be produced by many factors such as improper design,
improper construction, component failures, manufacturing defects, failure to meet appli-
cable codes, natural events, or unforeseen or unexpected events. e forensic engineer
is oen employed by an attorney, an insurance company, or an owner to investigate the
nature of the failure and to determine culpability. A note of caution is necessa