An Overview of Forensic Structural Engineering

Ratay, Robert T.

doi:10.2749/101686617x14881932437176

Cited by 6 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…Although the forensic investigation process of structural failure is reversible when compared to the design process for new structures, the forensic structural engineer is required to know both current and past design standards, construction technology and methodology, behaviour of structures, and must be able to anticipate the situations and events that could potentially cause structural failure. Design standards according to which a specific GRAĐEVINAR 73 (2021) 7, 717-736 Bridge failures, forensic structural engineering and recommendations for design of robust structures structure was designed and built, provide a starting point for the investigation, as they represent the minimum level of structural reliability which the structure is required to fulfil [10]. In addition to technical competencies, a successful forensic structural engineer should possess certain communications and analytical skills, and must be socially and professionally accountable.…”

Section: Overviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Bridge failures, forensic structural engineering and recommendations for design of robust structures

2021

JCE

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A review of forensic structural engineering, which is a strategy that follows after bridge failure, is presented in the paper. A detailed statistical analysis, and worldwide systematisation of available bridge failure data for the 1966-2020 period, are given. More than six hundred cases of partial or full collapse of bridges are analysed in detail, and causes that have led to their failure are examined. Failure of each of these bridges was in most cases not caused by a single factor, i.e. the main cause was most often just a trigger in the cause-and-effect sequence of events that contributed to such failure. Consequently, in addition to main causes, the influence of human factor, as a precondition leading to failure, is considered in each of the analysed cases. Types of progressive collapse, being a critical structural failure mechanism, are described in the second part of the paper, with an emphasis on bridges. An overview of the theory of structural robustness is also given. Design guidelines and approaches, aimed at preventing catastrophic failure and creating more robust structures, are presented. Methods for achieving robustness in the design of new bridges and in the strengthening of the existing ones are also described, and practical real-life examples are provided.

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Section: Overviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Bridge failures, forensic structural engineering and recommendations for design of robust structures

2021

JCE

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“…The field of forensic structural engineering has also become attractive recently for many engineers around the world. Ratay published an overview [13], in which the main aspects, difficulties, and future dynamics of wind-failure forensic fields are presented.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessment and retrofitting of an existing steel structure subjected to wind-induced failure analysis

Maraveas

Tsavdaridis

2019

Journal of Building Engineering

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“…In this context, forensic structural and/or civil engineers have the role of identifying the technical causes that induce failures and responsibilities that causes these failures. Further, forensic engineering could be considered as a fact-finding expertise for identifying responsibilities-related failures [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Poulos [12] established a framework to investigate the potential foundation failures resulted from common foundation and geotechnical aspects. Ratay [2] presented an overview of the professional practice of forensic structural engineering by discussing the factors and parameters involved in failures and forensic analysis. His study indicated that there is a need to systemize the forensic structural engineering investigations.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%