Structural Forensics Engineering | Denver, Colorado
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Did you search for "structural engineer home inspection," on Google and land on this page? Our structural engineering professionals specialize in the analysis of flaws in the design and construction of structures of different forms, sizes, and uses. We have previous expertise in building design, construction, operation, and evaluation, as well as contract administration, programming, design development, construction documentation, consultant coordination, construction administration, project close-out, and building maintenance. Our team are professionals in examining the work of designers and builders for compliance with industry standards of care. We review material performance and specifications, building envelope systems, and damage caused by natural disasters, as well as the application of building rules, zoning restrictions, and accessibility requirements.
When wind, snowstorms, fires, car accidents, tree falls, or other occurrences destroy structures, our Denver Forensic Structural Engineers examine the degree of the damage and suggest realistic solutions to restore or rebuild the damaged structure. We provide structural drawings, HVAC design, and building permit assistance to our clients. We will also assist the contractors throughout the project by clarifying our structural designs and doing a general field inspection of construction. We also build shoring for emergency contractors to use in stabilizing and repairing dangerous structures. |
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The expert Structural Forensic Engineers at our Engineering Company also assist the customer in determining the underlying cause of the damage. Frequently, the apparent source of harm is deceptive. As a result, knowing the exact reason is critical since it influences the necessary structural repair design as well as insurance coverage. For example, a fracture in the ceiling that appears after a blizzard is sometimes attributed to the weight of the snow. However, it can be caused by pre-existing building flaws, slow foundation shifting, or long-term roof structure degradation. Our structural engineering professionals have years of experience, skill, and resources to diagnose the root cause of damage and propose repair solutions to address the issue at its source.
Our crew is equipped with several types of drones to map the damaged area, take overhead shots, and shoot photos and movies in dangerous and difficult-to-reach regions such as attics and partially collapsed structures. We also have thermal cameras and thermal drones to assist us analyze water and thermal leaks in buildings fast and precisely.
We have done thousands of structural forensic examinations; our experience includes both modern and historic wood, steel, concrete, masonry, and aluminum structures. We have worked on a wide range of structures, including residential and commercial structures, as well as silos, barns, and docks.
We also provide construction litigation support to assist you in resolving issues for insurance and legal purposes. Our structural forensic engineers testify in court as expert witnesses and may provide useful insights into claims and disputes involving industrial, commercial, and residential construction.
Our crew is equipped with several types of drones to map the damaged area, take overhead shots, and shoot photos and movies in dangerous and difficult-to-reach regions such as attics and partially collapsed structures. We also have thermal cameras and thermal drones to assist us analyze water and thermal leaks in buildings fast and precisely.
We have done thousands of structural forensic examinations; our experience includes both modern and historic wood, steel, concrete, masonry, and aluminum structures. We have worked on a wide range of structures, including residential and commercial structures, as well as silos, barns, and docks.
We also provide construction litigation support to assist you in resolving issues for insurance and legal purposes. Our structural forensic engineers testify in court as expert witnesses and may provide useful insights into claims and disputes involving industrial, commercial, and residential construction.
Why the Building Envelope is so Important
Similar to how a human has skin, an outer layer, so does a building. This is known as its " envelope" or sometimes called its " facade". The building envelope is not just the outer visible layer, but also what is underneath it. Most often, moisture and thermal barriers are put in place under the outer layer to safeguard the building's interior and exterior. One of the main reasons for failure of the building envelope is moisture. When water seeps into the facade of a building, it becomes it is the first defense is to protect the structure is vulnerable to a variety of dangers.
The structural damage can not only result from water damage, but biological and mold material can also begin to develop creating a secondary issue that can be more severe than the original structural damage.
Certain kinds of mold could pose serious health risks, and even death, in the event that they are not treated.
A poor building envelope could transform a gorgeous, brand new structure into an unusable area in the span of a few days. Since the building envelope has to function as a part of an overall ecosystem, it's vital to create a design that considers the various aspects of construction and design.
Here some important aspects to think about prior to creating a new building envelope.
1.What is the purpose of the building?
If the building in question is a brand-new medical center or hospital in general, the indoor quality of air is paramount importance. Inside the walls of a hospital there are a multitude of things to take into consideration, including the health and safety of the occupants, costly equipment that could be vulnerable to extreme temperatures or the effects of water, as well as the building's site.
2.Where will the building currently being constructed? And how is it affected by the weather like in that region?
In most cases, a thermal barrier is typically used underneath the building's exterior to ensure that the transfer of energy and heat is efficient for the natural environment. For instance, in areas that experience cold winter temperatures, and summer brings hot ones it is essential to create an envelope for the building that is able to be effective at both temperatures. In a climate where temperatures don't change significantly it is required.
Finally, the building envelope should be designed to withstand the weather elements in any particular location and must meet not just local building codes, but as well industry standards.
3.What kinds of major weather events are commonplace in the area in the area where the construction is being constructed? Are additional measures required by regulations for local buildings to avoid loss in the event of the occurrence of a hurricane?
An engineer or architect who is certified is the most qualified expert to engage for designing the building envelope and design. Even with a trained professional the building envelope may be damaged if a defect in the design or construction occurs. This is the reason this intricate system is getting more focus. It's no longer an " feature" or afterthought. It is essential to consider it in the very beginning stages of design, much as the foundation of a building
The structural damage can not only result from water damage, but biological and mold material can also begin to develop creating a secondary issue that can be more severe than the original structural damage.
Certain kinds of mold could pose serious health risks, and even death, in the event that they are not treated.
A poor building envelope could transform a gorgeous, brand new structure into an unusable area in the span of a few days. Since the building envelope has to function as a part of an overall ecosystem, it's vital to create a design that considers the various aspects of construction and design.
Here some important aspects to think about prior to creating a new building envelope.
1.What is the purpose of the building?
If the building in question is a brand-new medical center or hospital in general, the indoor quality of air is paramount importance. Inside the walls of a hospital there are a multitude of things to take into consideration, including the health and safety of the occupants, costly equipment that could be vulnerable to extreme temperatures or the effects of water, as well as the building's site.
2.Where will the building currently being constructed? And how is it affected by the weather like in that region?
In most cases, a thermal barrier is typically used underneath the building's exterior to ensure that the transfer of energy and heat is efficient for the natural environment. For instance, in areas that experience cold winter temperatures, and summer brings hot ones it is essential to create an envelope for the building that is able to be effective at both temperatures. In a climate where temperatures don't change significantly it is required.
Finally, the building envelope should be designed to withstand the weather elements in any particular location and must meet not just local building codes, but as well industry standards.
3.What kinds of major weather events are commonplace in the area in the area where the construction is being constructed? Are additional measures required by regulations for local buildings to avoid loss in the event of the occurrence of a hurricane?
An engineer or architect who is certified is the most qualified expert to engage for designing the building envelope and design. Even with a trained professional the building envelope may be damaged if a defect in the design or construction occurs. This is the reason this intricate system is getting more focus. It's no longer an " feature" or afterthought. It is essential to consider it in the very beginning stages of design, much as the foundation of a building
Building envelope issues are caused by poor design, poor construction, and damage from natural disasters. Nelson's building envelope specialists are architects and engineers who specialize in analyzing all types of envelope systems, from low and steep-slope roofing to barrier and hollow wall systems, and built using materials and methods ranging from current and cutting-edge to historical and out-of-date. They analyze the source and cause of building envelope flaws, assess the level of building damage caused by those deficiencies, and make repair suggestions and plans. A properly planned, built, and maintained building envelope is the "skin" that protects a structure's interior from the elements. Deficiencies in the building envelope allow water entry, which can cause damage ranging from minor finish distress to serious structural difficulties, depending on the size of the openings and the length of time they have been there. Furthermore, a weakened building envelope allows conditioned air to leave and unconditioned air to enter, causing discomfort for building occupants.
Construction Defect Claims
A bunch of our work includes evaluating actual and alleged construction faults in residential, multi-family, and commercial structures. We advise and, where necessary, share our expertise of engineering and construction challenges with our clients. We can evaluate typical building envelope-related construction difficulties as well as multiple, complicated structural issues. To assist our clients in dealing with these claims, we give clear and straightforward information as well as counsel.
Roofing System Assessment
Our structural engineering pros and architects in Denver are professionals in analyzing roof systems and coverings. Our roofing expertise includes evaluation of roof design and detailing, evaluation of drainage conditions, code analysis, evaluation for impact distress, evaluation of wind-related damages, determination of cause and extent of water intrusion, and analysis of as-built conditions and maintenance issues. Our team is prepared to do extensive damage assessments on all steep-slope and low-slope roof systems. These tests involve extensive surveys to evaluate and quantify hail impact and wind-related distress, sample removal to evaluate the roof assembly, material laboratory examination, and moisture surveys, including infrared imaging.
Building Code Upgrades
Our experts are frequently requested to assess which aspects of a damaged building must be improved throughout the restoration process to comply with applicable building requirements. Codes may demand that outmoded building components and systems be updated or totally replaced, depending on the nature and extent of damage, while other components and systems can simply be fixed. In one instance, a fire severely destroyed a school, necessitating extensive repair. The administrative offices, classrooms, an auditorium, the gymnasium, and the library were among those impacted. Due to the severity of the damage, the conclusion was made that the administrative offices and neighboring classrooms needed to be demolished and rebuilt. The building code required that the auditorium be considerably renovated to fulfill accessibility standards, but the remaining portions of the school could be fixed without major improvements.
