Structural Forensic Engineering Calgary | Failure Investigations | AERZ

settlement flexure crack on retaining wall
settlement flexural crack on retaining wall

Professional Structural Failure Investigations, Damage Assessments & Expert Engineering Opinions

When structural problems occur, determining the root cause is critical. AERZ Civil Structural Consulting provides forensic structural engineering services throughout Calgary and Alberta to investigate structural failures, building damage, foundation movement, construction defects, and safety concerns.

Our forensic investigations combine site inspections, engineering analysis, building code review, and practical construction experience to identify causes, assess risks, and develop cost-effective repair recommendations.

Whether you are a homeowner, insurance company, lawyer, contractor, property manager, or developer, our engineers provide objective and defensible engineering opinions supported by technical evidence and industry standards.

What Is Structural Forensic Engineering?

Structural forensic engineering involves the investigation of damaged, distressed, or failed structures to determine:

  • What happened
  • Why it happened
  • Whether the structure remains safe
  • What repairs are required
  • How similar failures can be prevented in the future

Our investigations focus on identifying the root cause of structural problems rather than simply addressing visible symptoms.

Residential Structural Investigations

We help homeowners understand and resolve structural concerns affecting their property.

Common residential investigations include:

Foundation Cracks and Settlement

  • Foundation cracking
  • Differential settlement
  • Frost heave damage
  • Basement wall movement
  • Foundation displacement
  • Slab-on-grade distress
  • Garage slab cracking
  • Structural movement investigations

Structural Damage Assessments

  • Sagging floors
  • Deflected beams
  • Roof movement
  • Structural framing concerns
  • Load-bearing wall modifications
  • Renovation-related damage
  • Structural alterations without permits

Water and Moisture Related Damage

  • Water intrusion impacts
  • Moisture-related deterioration
  • Building envelope failures
  • Condensation damage
  • Freeze-thaw deterioration
  • Structural effects of long-term moisture exposure

Commercial and Industrial Structural Investigations

AERZ provides forensic engineering services for commercial, institutional, and industrial facilities.

Investigations include:

  • Structural distress evaluations
  • Building movement assessments
  • Structural damage due to construction activities
  • Steel structure failures
  • Concrete structure deterioration
  • Industrial facility assessments
  • Foundation movement investigations
  • Structural rehabilitation evaluations

Retaining Wall and Site Structure Investigations

We investigate failures and distress involving:

  • Concrete retaining walls
  • Timber retaining walls
  • Segmental retaining walls
  • Mechanically stabilized earth walls
  • Site structures
  • Landscape retaining systems

Typical concerns include:

  • Wall movement
  • Cracking
  • Rotation
  • Drainage failures
  • Settlement
  • Overloading
  • Construction deficiencies

Construction Defect Investigations

Construction defects can result in expensive repairs and disputes.

Our forensic engineers evaluate:

  • Improper construction practices
  • Code compliance concerns
  • Structural design deficiencies
  • Material deficiencies
  • Installation deficiencies
  • Building envelope failures
  • Contractor-related disputes
  • Defective structural components

Fire Damage Structural Assessments

Following fire events, structures may experience hidden structural damage that is not immediately visible.

Our assessments include:

  • Post-fire structural evaluations
  • Reinforced concrete damage assessments
  • Steel structure heat exposure evaluation
  • Wood framing damage assessment
  • Repair recommendations
  • Structural safety reviews
  • Restoration and reconstruction guidance

Blast, Explosion and Impact Investigations

We investigate structural effects associated with:

  • Explosion events
  • Industrial incidents
  • Vehicle impacts
  • Accidental structural damage
  • Construction accidents
  • Equipment impacts

Services include:

  • Cause assessment
  • Damage evaluation
  • Structural stability assessment
  • Repair recommendations

Insurance and Property Loss Investigations

We work with insurance companies, adjusters, restoration contractors, and property owners to determine the extent and cause of structural damage.

Common investigations include:

  • Storm damage
  • Wind-related damage
  • Snow load damage
  • Hail-related impacts
  • Water damage
  • Foundation movement
  • Impact damage
  • Fire and smoke damage

Our reports provide clear engineering opinions supported by field observations and structural analysis.

Litigation Support and Expert Witness Services

AERZ Civil Structural Consulting provides independent engineering opinions for legal matters and dispute resolution.

Services include:

  • Expert engineering reports
  • Technical opinions
  • Construction dispute support
  • Insurance dispute support
  • Mediation assistance
  • Arbitration support
  • Expert witness services

Our objective is to provide defensible engineering conclusions based on evidence, accepted engineering principles, and professional judgment.

Structural Retrofit and Repair Recommendations

Determining the cause of a problem is only part of the solution.

Our engineers provide practical repair recommendations including:

  • Foundation stabilization
  • Structural strengthening
  • Beam and column reinforcement
  • Retaining wall repairs
  • Structural rehabilitation
  • Building envelope improvements
  • Moisture management solutions

Advanced Structural Analysis Capabilities

AERZ utilizes advanced engineering software and analytical methods to evaluate complex structural problems.

Capabilities include:

  • Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
  • STAAD.Pro
  • Structural load analysis
  • Wind load assessment
  • Seismic evaluation
  • Structural retrofit analysis

Our Forensic Investigation Process

1. Initial Consultation

Discuss the problem, concerns, and available documentation.

2. Engineering Review

Review drawings, photographs, reports, permits, and background information.

3. Site Inspection

Perform a detailed on-site investigation and documentation.

4. Structural Assessment

Evaluate structural systems, materials, and damage patterns.

5. Engineering Analysis

Determine cause, contributing factors, and safety implications.

6. Recommendations

Develop repair, stabilization, or monitoring recommendations.

7. Reporting

Provide a professional engineering report documenting findings and conclusions.

Why Choose AERZ Civil Structural Consulting?

✅ Professional Engineer (P.Eng.)

✅ Residential, Commercial & Industrial Experience

✅ Forensic Investigation Expertise

✅ Foundation and Structural Failure Analysis

✅ Building Envelope and Moisture Assessment Knowledge

✅ Advanced Structural Analysis Capabilities

✅ Litigation and Expert Witness Support

✅ Practical Repair and Retrofit Solutions

✅ Alberta Building Code Expertise

✅ Calgary-Based Engineering Firm

Areas We Serve

  • Calgary
  • Airdrie
  • Chestermere
  • Cochrane
  • Okotoks
  • High River
  • Strathmore
  • Foothills County
  • Rocky View County
  • Southern Alberta
  • Alberta-wide projects

Request a Structural Forensic Investigation

If you are experiencing foundation movement, structural cracking, settlement, construction defects, fire damage, retaining wall concerns, or other structural problems, AERZ Civil Structural Consulting can help determine the cause and provide practical engineering solutions.

Phone: 403-708-3275
Email: info@aerzcivstrconsulting.ca

Schedule a Consultation Today