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Lab microscope and camera (C) Daniel FriedmanForensic Investigation of Buildings

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  • POST a QUESTION or COMMENT about the forensic investigation of contaminants, defects or failures of buildings, building components, or the building indoor environment

This page provides our index to articles on the forensic investigation of building problems, failures, or building environmental hazards.

This article series aids building inspectors & building failure investigators & indoor environmental investigators with access to tools & methods useful across a range of disciplines ranging from forensic engineering & building inspections types of laboratory test methods and forensic microscopy.

While some of the forensic methods and microchemistry used in these techniques have their origins in criminal forensic investigative methods, our focus is not on crime but on buildings and the indoor environment. Page top: TNT crystallizing during a forensic test procedure in the classroom.

InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.

- Daniel Friedman, Publisher/Editor/Author - See WHO ARE WE?

Building Failures & Indoor Environment Investigation Tools, Methods, & References

Collapsing building © Daniel Friedman

Here we list key articles discussing methods & procedures for scientific and rigorous investigation of building conditions, defects, hazards.

To find what you need quickly, if you don't want to scroll through this index you are welcome to use the page top or bottom SEARCH BOX to search InspectApedia for specific articles and information.

Article Series Contents

Definition of Forensic Investigation of Buildings & the Building-Environment

The detection diagnosis, and identification of the cause, effects, and thus possible remedy of building defects or failures and of building-related environmental complaints or hazards using physical evidence and scientifically and mathematically sound methods, guided by a sufficiently-broad investigation scope as to reasonably-assure that key factors are not excluded.

The terms forensic and science imply the forming of opinions through a disciplined approach rather than just speculation. This approach to building investigation includes the disciplined professions such as architecture, engineering, chemistry, professional home inspection, as well as science, mathematics, and forensic microscopy but also the wealth of diagnostic information arising from the various building trades.

Experienced building failure and indoor environmental complaint investigators, and even home inspectors and contractors of more humble scope are likely to agree that in any such investigation (why did the foundation crack, why did one section of my roof blow off, why does my house smell, why is my basement wet, why does my heat keep going off) the most effective forensic investigation approach will combine at least the following:

Client & site information: the building forensic investigator conducts a careful interview of the building owners, occupants, or clients to understand the concern or complaint, and to consider, without pre-determined prejudice or conclusion, the observations of the client or others. Checklists, data logs, and similar documents can assist in this step.

Collapsing building © Daniel FriedmanBuilding construction materials, site conditions, and event history:

by visual inspection and where available consultation of appropriate documentation, the building investigator considers the individual and the interrelated effects of the building's materials, site, exposure, architecture, and maintenance history.

For cases in which the known problem is not patently obvious, or where the investigator is open to discovery of less evident but important contributors to a building failure or environmental complaint, this process, especially when informed by information about the site & from client above, can identify targets for more in-depth or perhaps invasive inspection and testing.

Building & environmental physical measurements & tests

 where appropriate, such as tests of materials, contents, or samples that are conducted to identify contaminants, to study material failures, etc. However reliance on blind tests alone, without the other steps above, is likely to give unreliable results.

Diagnosis & recommendations:

based on all of the information gathered, the forensic investigator constructs, tests, documents, and then provides a reasoned explanation of the cause, effect, and possibly the recommended remedy for the building or building environment concern under investigation.

Other Definitions of Forensic Investigation

As will be readily evident from formal definitions of fields of non-criminal-related or police forensic investigation work given below, the definition of forensic science and building investigation are somewhat confusing, sometimes contradictory, and often narrowly drawn to legal concerns or to confine its scope to performance within a specific profession.

This narrowing is necessary for certain fields of investigation, particularly legal work.

The more narrow definitions below also appear to reflect the protection of the turf of some practitioners.

Forensic Science

The application of scientific knowledge and methodology to legal problems and criminal investigations. - http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/ 11/15/2013

Forensic Architecture

The presentation of spatial analysis within the contemporary legal and political forums. Their practice combines the principles of property surveying, structural engineering, the physics of blast forces and the chemistry of composite materials.

The project undertakes research that maps, images, and models sites of violence within the framework of humanitarian law and human rights. - composite adapted from Wikipedia 11/14/13 & the Centre for Research Architecture, Department of Visual Cultures, U.K., http://www.forensic-architecture.org/ 11/14/2013

Forensic Engineering

The investigation of materials, products, structures or components that fail or do not operate or function as intended, causing personal injury or damage to property.
- Wikipedia 11/14/2013

The application of the art and science of engineering in matters which are in, or may possibly relate to, the jurisprudence system, inclusive of alternative dispute resolution. - National Academy of Forensic Engineers - NAFE: 1991

Forensic Building Science & Investigation

The investigation, resolution and prevention of construction related defects and ensuing damage. - example drawn from a private engineering firm, http://forensicbuilding.com/ 11/14/2013

Forensic Building & Environment Investigation Topics at InspectApedia

Lab microscope and camera (C) Daniel FriedmanNote: try using the InspectApedia search box in the light blue area near page top to find any building or indoor environmental topic inspection, detection, diganosis or repair topic at InspectApedia. CONTACT US if after a search you cannot find information you need.

Building Forensic Inspection & Testing Texts

Articles & Products

Texts on Microscopy, Microchemistry, Particle Identification

Building Forensic Inspection & Testing Tools & Equipment

Thermography images courtesy Paul Probett (C) InspectApediaPhoto at left, demonstrating thermal imaging by Paul Probett, is discussed at THERMAL IMAGING, THERMOGRAPHY

Building & Environmental Investigation Forensic-level Education

Forensic Science & Forensic Engineering

Forensic Microscopy

Watch out: there can be public confusion between these two McCrone organizations, both stemming from the same original root.

Home Inspection Education

Building & Environmental Forensic Investigation Supplies

​

InspectAPedia is an independent publisher of building, environmental, and forensic inspection, diagnosis, and repair information provided free to the public - we have no business nor financial connection with any manufacturer or service provider discussed at our website. 

 We are dedicated to making our information as accurate, complete, useful, and unbiased as possible: we very much welcome critique, questions, or content suggestions for our web articles. Working together and exchanging information makes us better informed than any individual can be working alone.

Opinions here are the responsibility of the author. Most of this material has been subject to ongoing peer review but is without any professional engineering analysis. Building inspections may include the discovery of defects involving life, safety, and significant costs.

Building inspectors who are not both qualified and certain of the authoritative basis of their conclusions should obtain their own expert advice from qualified experts.

This work is also based on the author's construction & inspection experience, training, research, and survey of material from ASHI, and from N. Becker, R. Burgess, J. Bower, D. Breyer, A. Carson, J. Cox, A. Daniel, M. Lennon, R. Peterson, J. Prendergast, W. Ransom, D. Rathburn, E. Rawlins, E. Seaquist, and D. Wickersheimer. Some useful citations are in the article above and atReferences or Citations .

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Reader Comments, Questions & Answers About The Article Above

Below you will find questions and answers previously posted on this page at its page bottom reader comment box.

Reader Q&A - also see RECOMMENDED ARTICLES & FAQs

On 2020-08-29 by Douglas Dodd - I need a forensic engineer

New House, southern NH. Hot roof with 5-6" foam and 6" of fiberglass in ceiling. Walls 2" foam follwed by 3.5" of fiberglass.

Roof pitch low, 1.5" pitch with rubber roof. Moved in October 2019.

Beginning April 2020 odor on top floor. Tested by engineers revealed no excessive trace of a foam failure. HVAC is hot air ac.. I need a forensic engineer to interpret all data from various testing being done.

On 2020-07-22 - by (mod) -

Kathleen

Please see your question I will re-post at

THERMAL TRACKING BRIDGING GHOSTING p for a more-detailed discussion.

near the page bottom where I also will offer a more-detailed reply.

On 2020-07-22 by Kathleen

How do I know if my ghosting is in a result of my new water heater and my oil boiler or it’s from a moisture in my home. I have a 3500 square-foot home and I can’t imagine it’s moisture.

I painted my family room since the Covid and I washed an area of the wall and you can clearly see the difference.

When I wipe my windows they are black.

On 2020-06-13 by (mod)

DWW

Please check out the diagnostic procedure starting

at NOISE / SOUND DIAGNOSIS & CURE

and don't hesitate to post further observations or questions

On 2020-06-13 by (mod)

re-posting without link (under security review)

DWW said:
Hi ! I am trying to find the source of a noise which is heard loudest in the bathroom area but happens at random times throughout the day

. It seemed to start after a new combi boiler was fitted 3 years ago and the old boiler, water tank in the loft and hot water storage tank removed.

The gas pipes had to be upgraded in places to get the pressure correct (but not all of it was replaced). The noise occurs even with the stop tap shut and water drained so doesn't appear to be a water hammer issue in my house.

Could the noise be caused by a neighbour e.g. a faulty appliance valve and the noise travelling up the sewer / drain pipes ?

Here is a link to the sound I captured :

On 2020-03-18 - by (mod) - coefficient of thermal expansion for marble

Thank you for the interesting thermal expansion, Jayantibhai

a search of our website using the on-page search box to find "thermal expansion of materials" finds

THERMAL EXPANSION of MATERIALS

where you'll see that the thernal expansion of marble is about the same as granite -

Coefficient of Expansion in inches of expansion per inch of material per degree F.

Granite = 0.0000044 (also Limestone, Marble)

Keep in mind that the properties of your specific "composite" marble may make the expansion coefficient vary a bit from the general guideline.

On 2020-03-18 by Jayantibhai

What thermal expansion of composite marble dimensions 20ft by 30 ft at 40degree centigrade?

On 2018-07-27 - by (mod) - effect of weight of solar array on building structure

It would be unusual for the weight of a solar array itself to damage a building structure, Robb, but certainly a combination of troubles might have produced the damaged ceiling you show.

For example there could have been any or a combination of the following:

- pre-existing damage to the roof framing - for which you'd expect to have evidence such as prior leaks, sagging, cracking before the solar panels were installed

- point loading during construction, such as using a crane to lift all of the solar materials at once onto a single spot on the roof - for which I'd expect the damage to have appeared promptly during construction

Since the ceiling needs repair anyway and drywall is very inexpensive, I'd like you to cut a hole large enough to give good visual access to the attic space.

There you can look at the condition of the framing and sheathing, show us some more photos of what you see, as well as perhaps mapping just what failed.

On 2018-07-27 by Robb L. Robertson, PE

How common is interior ceiling damage the result of a solar installation? I could not access the attic, but the drywall break is in line with the rooftop array, and the window that is sticking.
IMAGE LOST by older version of Clark Van Oyen’s useful Comments code - now fixed. Please re-post the image if you can. Sorry. Mod.

On 2018-04-07 - by (mod) - safety of building electrical wiring after a fire?

This is not my expertise, Wayne but I'm pretty confident in the basics:

electrical components (switches, receptacles, as well as motors etc.) that were wet or directly exposed to fire need replacement

Wiring or components exposed to heat from the fire may need replacement

You'll need an onsite inspection by a licensed electrician who is familiar with fire damage repair to start with a visual inspection of the extent of damage. More subtle and perhaps implied by your question is the worry about changes in the effectiveness of wire insulation in areas of high heat.

There are temperature limits given for every modern electrical wire. If your wiring was exposed at higher than the temp limits for the specific wiring types in your building it probably needs replacement.

See these

Research articles on effects of fire or heat on electrical wiring

On 2018-04-07 by Wayne

After a fire that has generated smoke throughout, what I method for determine if wiring has to be replaced?

On 2017-11-07 by (mod) - Fiberglass under UV light

Donna

Fiberglass under UV light will often display a green flourescence, a trick useful in circuit board repair (https://www.emsdiasum.com/microscopy/technical/datasheet/sfa-3.aspx)

But I'm not sure you could use that just to identify the presence of fiberglass in dust in your home as other fibers including plastics and synthetics as well as natural fibers also show up under UV or "black" light.

Under the microscope it's quite easy to identify fiberglass fragments greater than a few u in length as the ends of the fragments fracture in a peculiar concordial pattern. You can see that

at https://inspectapedia.com/Fiberglass/Fiberglass_Identification_Lab.php

See https://inspectapedia.com/hazmat/UV_Light_Use.php where we list many materials that can be shown up using a black light orUV light.

I don't understand what boric acid test you had performed, though it's true that boric acid is used in the *production* of fiberglass. (https://thechemco.com/chemical/boric-acid/) If you're concerned about a boric acid hazard associated with fiberglass dust in your home that sounds unlikely and would need more specific supporting objective data to be worth pursuing.

See

On 2017-11-07 by Donna R. - Does fiberglass insulation (house built in 2003) show up under a black light?

Does fiberglass insulation (house built in 2003) show up under a black light? Had fiberglass insulation replaced with cellulose last December. Techs torn holes in duct work. Did not tell us. Family started having health issues. They sent tech back out and he found the tears.

Had some samples tested for boric acid (only) that insulation was treated with...took 3 months and came back negative. Could it possibly be that when they were vacuuming out the old and tore the holes, that the fiberglass particles are the ones we are seeing under UV light? They look like micro filaments of blue, pink, orange and green. Can you please help?

On 2017-05-08 - by (mod) - finding information on a chemical toilet or porta potty

Len:

Take a look at our article series on types, brands, uses of Porta Potties starting at CHEMICAL TOILETS https://inspectapedia.com/septic/Chemical_Toilet_Guide.php

and you may find your model; you'll also find general use and cleaning and emptying instructions.

You can also use the page top or bottom CONTACT link to send us sharp photos of the toilet and any labels or markings on it and that may help identify it, thus producing specifications and a manual.

On 2017-05-08 by len

please help!! does ANYBODY know where I could finds the complete specs or manuals for single trailer mounted porta potty?? I would REALLY appreciate it!!! thank u!!

On 2017-05-08 - by (mod) - tiny jelly bubbles on the laminate flooring

Anna:

From just your e-text and no information about what foods, cleaners, activites, materials are use din or comprise the building I can't make a useful guess.

On 2017-05-02 by Anna

When I run my hand over my clean laminate floor, my hand has very fine dusts and when I wash my hand, I found tiny jelly bubbles on
my finger tips. what is this?


...

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