Our Services
Structural Forensics Engineering
When wind, snowstorms, fires, vehicle impacts, tree falls, or other events damage structures, Origin and Cause forensic structural engineers provide clients with accurate and swift assessment to determine the extent of damage, and provide practical solutions to repair or rebuild the damaged structure. We provide structural drawings and HVAC design and assist the client with Building permit application. We will also help the contractors throughout the project, providing clarifications of our structural drawings and general field review of construction. We also provide shoring design for emergency contractors to stabilize and repair unsafe structures.
The OCI experienced Structural Forensic Engineers also help the client determine the root cause of damage. Often, the apparent cause of damage is misleading. So, determining the true cause is crucial because it affects the required structural repair design and the insurance coverage. For example, a crack in the ceiling finishes after a snowstorm is often perceived to be caused by the weight or snow. However, it can be caused by pre-existing construction deficiencies, or gradual foundation settlement, or long-term deterioration of the roof structure. OCI engineers are equipped with years of experience, expertise and resources to determine the root cause of damage and provide repairs solution to correct the problem from the root.
Our team is equipped with different types of drones to produce maps of the damaged area, take aerial photographs, and take photos and videos in unsafe and hard to reach areas like attics and partially collapsed structures. We are also equipped with thermal cameras and thermal drones that help us quickly and accurately assess water and thermal leakage of buildings.
We have completed thousands of structural forensic investigations; our experience encompasses wood, steel, concrete, masonry, and aluminum structures, both modern and old. We have experience with diverse types of structures ranging from, residential and commercial buildings to silos, barns and docks.
We also offer construction litigation support help you resolve matters for insurance and legal purposes. Our structural forensic engineers provide expert witness testimony in court and are able offer valuable insights into claims and cases involving industrial, commercial and residential construction.
Area of Coverage:
Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia
Types of investigation
Services co-ordinated Through Preferred Partners
- Expert witness/litigation support
- Damage assessments
- Scope of immediate structural safety measures
- Preparation of engineering reports
- Preparation of engineering drawings for repair or reconstruction
- Building code reviews
- Building envelope assessments
- Scope of structural repair
- Building permit applications
- Conservation Authority work permit applications
- General field review during construction
- Hazardous Building Materials Assessments*
- HVAC designs*
- Property surveys and grading plans*
- Septic system designs*
- Fire
- Explosion
- Construction Ground Vibration
- Wind
- Snow & Ice
- Tree Impacts
- Vehicle Impacts
- Lightning Strikes
- Construction Defects
- Foundation Issues
- Building Envelope/Enclosure
- Water Damage
- Structural Collapse
- Failure Investigation
- Residential
- Commercial
- Industrial
- Institutional
- Agricultural / Farm
- Recreational
- Cranes
- Pedestrian Bridges
- Retaining Walls
- Signs
- Silos
- Storage Racks
- Swimming Pools
- Utility Poles
Resource Center
Experts in this field
Darren Keuhl
Drone Operator/Collision Reconstructionist
Adam Lohonyai
Structural Forensics Practice Lead
Nabi Goudarzi
Forensic Structural Engineer
Benjamin McFadgen
Architectural Technologist
Simon Nguyen
Forensic Structural Engineer
Hussein Robah
Structural Designer
Hasan Robah
Structural Designer and Forensics Investigator