In most countries, the design and construction of all aspects of the built environment are regulated by rules and procedures which help prevent failures. When compared to the volume of construction undertaken, the number of failures of buildings and other structures is thankfully small. However, failures do occur, some making headline news, and for a variety of reasons. Information about such failures is vital to make construction - whether it be an office block, bridge, tower or reservoir - even safer.

This book has been written by a number of distinguished international experts and considers many facets of what has become termed forensic engineering. Numerous case studies and examples from across the world, from Pisa to the Oklahoma bombing, cover not only modern buildings, structures and elements, but some buildings that can truly be described as historic. The spread and depth of topics covered is remarkable and illustrates the importance of this subjhect in modern engineering design.

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

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