Successfully Conduct and Report on Any Architectural Forensic Investigation

Architectural Forensics clearly defines the role, responsibilities, and essential work of forensic architects. This unique resource offers comprehensive coverage of building defects and failures, types of failure mechanisms, and job-critical tasks such as fieldwork, lab testing, formulating opinions, and providing expert testimony.

Packed with 300 illustrations, in-depth case studies, and numerous sample documents, this vital reference takes you step-by-step through every phase of conducting investigations…diagnosing building failures… preventing and curing building defects…and reporting on findings. The book also includes strategies for avoiding liability and resolving disputes-potentially saving vast amounts of time and money. 438 pp.

Architectural Forensics features:

• Full details on conducting investigations and reporting on architectural forensics
• Clear guidance on preventing and curing building defects and failures
• In-depth coverage of field work, photogrammetry, and lab testing
• Practical insights into litigation, dispute resolution, and expert testimony
• Solid business advice on presentation methods, marketing, and setting up an office and website
• A valuable CD with sample forms, checklists, templates, and cost data

Inside This Complete Architectural Forensics Toolkit:

• Theory and Application of Architectural Forensics
• Building Systems: Design, Evaluation, and the Forensic Architect
• Building Systems and Other Issues: Failures, Causes, Prevention, and Remediation
• The Forensic Consultant: Investigative Techniques, Litigation, and the Final Report
• Business Development
• Abbreviations and Acronyms
• Glossary
• Sample Documents

• Acknowledgments
• Introduction
• Chapter 1. Defining Architectural Forensics
• Chapter 2. The Assignment/Investigation
• Chapter 3. The Forensic Architect's Role & Scope in Evaluations & Acquisitions
• Chapter 4. The Evaluation/Investigation Process
• Chapter 5. Nondestructive and Destructive Testing
• Chapter 6. Forensic Photogrammetry
• Chapter 8. Structural Systems
• Chapter 9. Roofing Systems
• Chapter 10. Heating, Ventilating & Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems
• Chapter 11. Electrical & Lighting Systems
• Chapter 12. Plumbing Systems
• Chapter 13. Vertical Transportation Systems
• Chapter 14. Interior Systems
• Chapter 15. Exterior Closure Systems--Building Envelope
• Chapter 16. Interior Air Quality--Environmental Issues
• Chapter 17. Natural Hazards
• Chapter 18. Additional Issues
• Chapter 19. Your Own Office and Web Site
• Chapter 20. Litigation, Dispute Resolution, and the Expert Witness
• Acronyms & Glossary
• Bibliography
• Index