A forensic engineering investigation provided impartial insight into the causes of cracks in a concrete factory floor. The research enabled disputes between parties to be settled and identified solutions to fix the problem.
When cracks started to appear in the floor of a food production factory after just two years of operation, our client wanted to know why. Our client is a multinational food producer and approached Royal HaskoningDHV Advanced Technology & Research Centre to carry out a forensic investigation to identify the cause of the cracks and a permanent solution for the problem.
Impartiality is key to trusted result
We focused on the most probable causes of the damage, using the framework of the forensic engineering approach developed by the University of Technology in Delft (TU Delft). This ensured our work was both reliable and objective. Our investigations included interviews with the companies involved in the design and construction of the floor, as well as chemical and strength analysis of the concrete, and literary research.
Having identified the issues that led to the cracking of the floor, we managed communications between the various parties including insurers. We provided recommendations on how to successfully repair the floor.
“An important aspect of this type of work is impartiality, staying above what are often competing interests of various parties,” explained Wouter Meijers, Structural Engineer, Advanced Technology & Research. “That’s why it is useful to follow the procedures in the TU Delft approach. It also helps that we have considerable experience and track record in this field, so our conclusions are trusted.”
Project Facts
- ClientA multinational food producer
- ChallengeCarry out a forensic investigation to identify the cause of cracks in the floor of a food production factory.
- SolutionUsing the framework of the forensic engineering approach developed by the University of Technology in Delft (TU Delft), called The Delft Method.
Finding answers with Forensic Engineering
Explore the history behind Forensic Engineering and look at recent innovations such as the Delft method.[edit image]
