Fire Investigation Forensic ExpertsCustom Forensic Solutions

Civil & Structural Forensic Engineering Services

When a building, roof, bridge, process plant, grain elevator, sewer, drilling rig, or other structure fails, McDowell Owens experts are here to examine, evaluate, investigate, and find answers.

McDowell Owens investigates civil and structural incidents and explains what happened, how it occurred, and how to avoid the same issues in the future. We dive deep in evaluating the design, materials, and methods that were employed in the construction of a structure to determine the loading and stability factors that contributed to the loss.

McDowell Owens Civil & Structural Forensic Investigation

McDowell Owens Engineering, Inc. is a multi-disciplinary, nationwide forensic engineering firm. Since 1986, we have provided comprehensive, unbiased civil and structural forensic engineering, and failure analysis services.

As established leaders in forensics, McDowell Owens professional engineers, scientists, and consultants are experts in forensic structural investigation.

When we investigate a structural failure in a forensic investigation, we seek answers to:

  • How and why did the structure fail?
  • Were there indications that a failure was pending?
  • If so, for what period of time were those indications apparent?
  • Ultimately, who was responsible?

Civil & Structural Expertise

At McDowell Owens, we have decades of experience, industry-based knowledge, project management skills, and analysis experience. We will identify the cause and sequence of damage to the attributable loss estimate, then produce reports that are detailed, clear, and understandable.

McDowell Owens civil & structural experts have experience in:

  • Roof Analysis
  • Stress Analysis
  • Foundations
  • Structural Failure
  • Post-Damage Structural Analysis

Our experts investigate the site, evaluate the design, materials, and methods employed in the construction, determine loading and stability factors that may have contributed to the loss, and reach an unbiased conclusion. We understand that every incident is unique, and we work to avoid the expectation bias trap.

We have investigated:

  • Structural Collapse
  • Fire and Explosion Damage
  • Water Damage
  • Construction Defects
  • Tree Impacts
  • Snow and Ice
  • Lightning Strikes
  • Vehicle Impacts
  • Wind
  • Climate Change
  • Construction Ground Vibration
  • Material and Foundation Related Failures
  • Structural Collapse
  • Fire and Explosion Damage
  • Water Damage

Our Civil & Structural Forensic Consultants

McDowell Owens consultants have extensive experience in a variety of civil and structural forensic matters, allowing us to provide scientific clarification and an engineering perspective that will guide your legal team through the technical details and evidence.

Forensic investigation is vital to pre-trial discovery and it’s critical to obtain data and support during the process. McDowell Owens teams are experts at conducting civil & structural forensic investigations. We combine investigative skills, scientific data, and courtroom experience for a thorough, comprehensive, and understandable report and testimony.

McDowell Owens structural forensic experts are experienced professionals in the field, combining real-world expertise with advanced degrees and certifications in various sub-disciplines. Our team stays up-to-date with industry changes and continuously enhances their skills through research and testing.

McDowell Owens forensic consulting professionals offer valuable insight and dedicated expertise on your civil and structural forensic case through thorough analysis and research.

Litigation Support and
Forensic Expert Witnesses

Since our founding in 1986, McDowell Owens experts have been involved in over 20,000 cases. We have extensive experience in every stage of the litigation process, from collecting and presenting evidence to expert witness testimony, forensic analysis, and post-litigation actions.

We provide dependable, unbiased litigation support that is comprehensive, yet accessible to non-experts. McDowell Owens teams combine investigative skills, scientific data, and courtroom experience for a thorough and understandable report.

When you work with us:

  • We will match you with an engineer with the expertise to inform your case.
  • We promptly respond to your litigation needs, including 24/7 support.
  • You are assured of working with a team of licensed experts with extensive credentials.

5 Frequently Asked Questions About Civil & Structural Forensics