Forensic Structural Engineering

WDP & Associates was founded on the award-winning expertise of the firm’s Principals and Associates in the field of forensic structural engineering. Building upon advanced engineering degrees and years of experience, WDP’s staff continues to conduct research and analysis of structural material properties and structural behavior. This knowledge is applied on our projects and in the development of building codes, industry standard test methods, and guidelines through our participation in industry organizations such as ACI, ASTM, ICRI and TMS.

WDP’s depth of engagement and experience in failure investigations provides valuable knowledge, insight and lessons learned, which we are able to apply to our peer review and expert witness services. WDP has served as an expert resource for structural engineering problems, particularly in the areas of corrosion and non-destructive testing.

Nondestructive testing (NDT) is a powerful set of tools used by WDP engineers to determine the existing conditions of the structure in question and predict past and future conditions of that structure. WDP has developed extensive expertise in NDT, especially relating to concrete and masonry, in order to gain an understanding of the existing conditions of structures. NDT is used to gain vital information at the least cost and disruption to the client.

 WDP provides NDT services, including:

  • Impact-Echo Testing
  • Infrared Thermography
  • Surface Penetrating Radar
  • Static and Dynamic Load Testing
  • Electrochemical Corrosion Testing
  • Ultrasonic Testing

WDP’s structural forensic experience encompasses structures of all types—buildings, bridges, parking structures, tanks, marine structures, tunnels, culverts, retaining structures—and also specialty structural systems, such as scaffolding and hoist structures.

Clients benefit from WDP’s hands-on, senior level involvement. The direct involvement of our senior staff on projects means that we can quickly and efficiently determine the most appropriate investigative strategies for the problem. In addition, our experience yields alternative solutions to best address the multiple goals of meeting code requirements, service life objectives, constructability, and budget constraints.  Equally important, our senior level engineers’ recommendations are tailored to the business objectives and/or operational goals, such as:

  • Assessing the impact of observed damage on occupant safety,
  • Prioritizing repairs to accommodate owner budgets,
  • Determining a structure’s viability for purchase or repurposing.