Structural Distress

        Evidence of structural distress can exist in any kind of structure: a two-story wooden house, a large block office building, or a steel highway bridge.  Such evidence reveals itself by cracks, split rafters, or broken bolts.  The causes of these problems are not as apparent as the effects.  Private individuals, insurance companies, and legal professionals have an interest in determining the origins of structural distresses.   AEA uses scientific principles and physical data to determine the causes of a wide variety of structural problems.

Site Investigation

        An accurate determination of a structural failure must be preceded by a site investigation.  The structure is measured, drawn, and photographed for use in the analysis.  In cases involving failure of the earth beneath a structure, soil samples are collected for testing.

Analysis and Report Preparation

        The data and evidence acquired in the site investigation is coupled with physical laws and mathematical models, as well as CAD programs, to provide an accurate analysis of the the cause of the failure.  AEA can use its design capabilities to determine the adequacy of structural members that failed under certain loading conditions.  Often, it is necessary to compare the construction of a house or other structure with applicable building codes, such as BOCA.

      After the analysis, the findings are prescribed in a professional report which includes:

• Analysis of Findings
• Photographs
• Scaled Drawings
• Applicable Equations and Methodology
• Conclusions/Recommendations
• Legal Accountability
• Court Qualified