OVERVIEW
Understanding Why Structural Distress Occurred
Cracking, movement, deterioration and other signs of structural distress are often symptoms of a larger condition. Determining the significance of those observations requires understanding the structure, its load paths, its history and the conditions that may have contributed to the problem.
Anax Engineering provides structural forensic investigations for existing buildings and structures where distress, damage, deterioration or unexpected performance requires engineering evaluation.
Our approach combines field investigation, review of available information and structural analysis to identify probable causes, evaluate the significance of observed conditions and develop practical recommendations for repair, monitoring or further investigation.
Investigation Before Conclusions
Forensic engineering begins with documenting what actually exists and developing an understanding of how the structure is behaving before determining the appropriate response.
Observed Distress — Document cracking, displacement, deflection, deterioration, corrosion, settlement and other visible conditions.
Structural Behavior — Evaluate load paths, framing relationships, support conditions and how observed distress relates to the structural system.
Probable Causes — Consider construction, loading, movement, deterioration, foundation behavior and other factors that may have contributed to the condition.
Recommended Action — Establish appropriate next steps ranging from monitoring or further investigation to repair and structural strengthening.
Typical Forensic Investigations
Structural Cracking & Distress
Evaluation of cracking, deformation, movement and other visible indications of structural distress.
Foundation Movement & Settlement
Investigation of settlement, differential movement and related distress in foundations and supported construction.
Deterioration & Corrosion
Assessment of structural materials affected by moisture, corrosion, age or long-term exposure.
Construction-Related Conditions
Evaluation of unexpected structural conditions identified during renovation, construction or building modification.
Damage Assessment
Engineering evaluation of localized structural damage and its effect on the surrounding structure.
Existing Structural Conditions
Investigation of undocumented, altered or unusual construction requiring engineering interpretation.
OUR APPROACH
Starting With the Evidence and Working Toward the Cause
Structural forensic work begins with documenting the observed condition and developing an understanding of how the structure was intended to perform, how it has changed over time and what factors may have contributed to the distress.
Anax Engineering reviews available drawings, reports, repair history and other project information, then combines that background with field observations and structural analysis to evaluate the condition in context.
Where the cause is not immediately apparent, the investigation may identify additional information, testing, selective openings or monitoring that would help distinguish between competing explanations.
The objective is to develop technically supportable conclusions based on the available evidence and provide practical recommendations for repair, monitoring or further investigation.
01
Review Available Information
Review drawings, reports, repair records, photographs and other available information to understand the structure, its history and the conditions leading to the investigation.
02
Document Existing Conditions
Perform field observations to document cracking, movement, deterioration, deformation, damage and other conditions relevant to the structural concern.
03
Evaluate Structural Behavior
Assess load paths, support conditions, framing relationships and other structural factors to understand how the observed condition relates to the building system.
04
Develop Probable Causes
Evaluate available evidence and consider loading, movement, deterioration, construction, foundation behavior and other factors that may explain the observed distress.
05
Recommend Next Steps
Document conclusions and establish practical recommendations for repair, monitoring, additional investigation, testing or structural strengthening as appropriate.
STRUCTURAL DISTRESS & DAMAGE
Evaluating What the Observed Conditions Mean
Visible distress does not always indicate the same level of structural concern. Similar cracking, movement or deterioration can result from very different causes and can have very different implications for the structure.
Anax Engineering evaluates observed conditions in relation to the structural system, load paths, support conditions, material behavior and available building history to determine their likely significance.
The investigation considers whether the condition appears localized or systemic, active or stable, structural or nonstructural, and whether it may affect strength, stability, serviceability or long-term durability.
This broader evaluation helps distinguish cosmetic or maintenance-related conditions from issues that warrant repair, monitoring, additional investigation or structural intervention.
Conditions Commonly Evaluated
Cracking & Movement
Cracks, separations, displacement and movement in structural and supported building components.
Deflection & Deformation
Excessive sagging, bowing, rotation or other changes in structural geometry.
Settlement & Foundation Distress
Differential movement, foundation settlement and distress associated with changes in support conditions.
Corrosion & Material Deterioration
Loss of section, spalling, decay and other deterioration affecting structural materials.
Localized Structural Damage
Damage resulting from impact, construction activity, water exposure or other isolated events and conditions.
ADDITIONAL INVESTIGATION & VERIFICATION
Developing the Information Needed to Support the Evaluation
Existing structures do not always provide enough visible information to determine the cause or extent of a problem during the initial site visit. Concealed construction, undocumented modifications and limited access can leave important questions unresolved.
When additional information is needed, Anax Engineering can help identify targeted investigation methods that address the specific structural concern rather than expanding the scope unnecessarily.
Depending on the condition, this may include selective openings, dimensional verification, monitoring, material testing, survey information or additional documentation of concealed structural components.
The objective is to obtain the information necessary to evaluate the structure with greater confidence and develop conclusions and recommendations that are supported by the observed conditions.
Potential Investigation Methods
Selective Openings & Probes
Expose concealed framing, connections or materials where direct observation is needed to verify existing construction.
Field Measurements
Verify dimensions, elevations, member sizes, deflections and other physical conditions relevant to the investigation.
Monitoring
Track cracking, displacement or movement over time when determining whether a condition is active or stable.
Material Testing
Coordinate appropriate testing where material strength, deterioration or composition must be better understood.
Survey & Supplemental Documentation
Use survey data, photographs, historical drawings and other available information to establish changes in structural condition or geometry.
FINDINGS & RECOMMENDATIONS
Clear Engineering Conclusions and Practical Next Steps
The final value of a structural investigation is the ability to translate field observations, available records and structural analysis into conclusions that are clear, technically supportable and useful to the client.
Anax Engineering documents the conditions observed, summarizes the information considered and explains how those findings relate to the structural concern being investigated.
Where appropriate, recommendations may include repair, strengthening, monitoring, additional investigation or further design work. The recommended response is based on the nature of the condition, its apparent cause, the level of structural significance and the information available at the time of the evaluation.
The objective is to provide building owners, architects, contractors and other project stakeholders with a practical engineering basis for deciding what should happen next.
Need Help Evaluating a Structural Condition?
Concerned about cracking, movement, deterioration, damage or another unexpected structural condition? Anax Engineering can investigate the issue, evaluate its significance and help establish practical next steps for repair, monitoring or further investigation.