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Have you heard of the term forensic engineering? When people hear the word forensic, they usually associate it with crime scenes or solving crimes. Forensic engineering also has an investigation as a primary element. But what do forensic engineers investigate? We shall discuss the basics of forensic engineering and forensic litigation support services as well.
After a structural failure such as a bridge or building collapse has occurred, the job of the forensic engineers is to determine what went wrong. Only if they find out why the failure occurred, they can prevent a similar disaster from occurring again.
All factors leading to failure are identified and analyzed. This is not just to prevent a similar occurrence. Sometimes, the affected parties may file a lawsuit. The findings by a forensic engineer can be used as evidence in court as well. The victim may use forensic litigation support services for help.
The architecture of each building is different. Everything from the shape, design, materials used, etc… varies widely. Thus, no two structural failures are the same. With each case, a forensic engineer needs to start afresh investigation. He/she must go on until the exact reason for the accident is identified.
Crime lab analysts also fall under the forensic team. However, these professionals are directly involved with the proceedings in the court. Their investigation is to directly aid in conviction of a particular person involved in a crime. Forensic engineers are different. They do find evidence for what caused a structural failure. But they may not necessarily be involved in the legal proceedings.
Yet another difference is the work environment. Crime lab analysts usually work for law enforcement agencies. They need not personally visit the site of crime. Their main job involves testing the various samples that are provided to them. Thus, their work environment is the laboratory. However, forensic engineers may either work independently or under a law enforcement agency. Irrespective of this, forensic engineers must personally visit the site of structural failure. Sometimes, they even try to recreate what might have happened. This is to help them get a better idea of the exact cause of the structural failure.
Technically, crime lab analysts have a lesser responsibility in the sense that their crimes may be connected to individuals or a small group at best. Identifying the perpetrators and ensuring conviction is their objective. Forensic engineers on the other hand have a huge responsibility. Structural failures result in massive amounts of loss – financially and otherwise. If they are unable to identify the exact cause, there is a huge risk that the accident might happen again.
Thus, a forensic engineer is one who investigates the “who, what, and why” of structural failures. Any mishap such as a bridge collapse, building collapse, etc… is considered a structural failure. If you are a victim of structural failure, you can take help from one of the reputed forensic litigation support services to present relevant evidence in court proceedings.
Tanaya is a Senior Content Developer at IoT Avenue who helped to build the content of the site along with several other sites with her compassionate SEO driven content. She is also a HubSpot, certified Content Marketer. She brings her five years of experience to her current role, where she is dedicated to developing the content of different websites.
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