When compared to the volume of construction undertaken, the number of failures of buildings and other structures is thankfully small. However, failures do occur and for a variety of reasons. Information about failures is vital to make construction even safer. This book contains contributions from a number of distinguished international experts and considers many facets of what has become termed forensic engineering. Numerous case studies from modern and historic buildings and structures - from the tower at Pisa to transmitter masts - provide a book of value for practitioners and students alike.

Introduction; Historic collapses; Some lessons from the past; Pisa goes critical; The application of forensic knowledge to management and design; Learning from failures and collapses; Risk management from the lawyer's point of view; American practice; Technical investigation of failure - a view from the marine industry; The role of risk assessment in failure investigations; Failures and vulnerabilities of reservoir control structures; Diverse engineering failures; Reinforced aircrete slabs; Lessons learned from the Oklahoma City bombing; Failures of masts and towers.

Professionals and students in civil and structural engineering, construction, architecture and design and related disciplines.

'This outstanding book comprises contributions from a number of distinguished international experts in forensic engineering. ... It covers risk assessment, aspects of construction law and insurance as well as structural failure and remediation. This is a remarkable book which ought to be essential reading for construction professionals.' Structures and Buildings

'This book analyses a wide range of such failures, with the laudable intention of learning from our mistakes. It makes compulsive reading. ... A constant theme running through the book is that of risk assessment and management. ...It should be read by all engineers, but especially young engineers'. Concrete.

'This is a very thorough book. ... I commend the book very strongly to all engineers, whether engaged in design or construction. Peter Campbell has done a remarkably valuable job in assembling such a good array of thoughtful talent'. The Structural Engineer