Forensic Engineering in Natural Disasters: Separating Design Flaws from Acts of God

 

When disaster strikes—a hurricane barrels ashore, an earthquake rips through a city, or a wildfire consumes a neighborhood—the aftermath often leads to one crucial question: Why did the structure fail?

 

Forensic engineering plays a pivotal role in answering that question. At Garrett Forensics, our work begins where destruction ends. Our objective is not just to understand what failed, but why. In the chaotic aftermath of natural disasters, the line between a failure caused by nature’s fury and one rooted in human error can be fine—but the implications are immense. Legal liability, insurance claims, and even future building practices may hinge on this distinction.

 

Earthquakes: Revealing Hidden Weaknesses
Seismic events are among the most sudden and destructive natural forces. Structures not designed to absorb seismic energy may suffer catastrophic failure, even if they meet general building codes. In forensic investigations, our team examines:

Improper reinforcement in concrete shear walls

Poor detailing of beam-column joints

Non-ductile framing systems in older buildings

One key case involved a mid-rise commercial building in a seismically active zone that collapsed partially during a moderate quake. Initial reports blamed the event itself. However, forensic analysis revealed insufficient lateral bracing and non-compliance with updates to seismic codes—placing the liability on design professionals, not the tremor.

 

Floods and Mud Flows: Foundations Under Siege

Floodwaters and debris flows often undermine buildings in ways that are not immediately obvious. While many consider these to be “Acts of God,” poor site planning or foundation design often plays a role.

We investigate:

Inadequate drainage systems or slope stabilization

Improper waterproofing and lack of floodproofing measures

Site selection and grading errors

A common forensic finding is that structures built on floodplains or unstable slopes without adequate mitigation measures were at higher risk, regardless of rainfall intensity. In such cases, negligence may lie with developers or civil engineers who failed to heed geological surveys.

 

Hurricanes: Wind Load Miscalculations
Hurricanes combine wind, water, and impact forces in a devastating mix. Failures in roofing systems, siding, and entire structural frames can occur—sometimes in new or recently renovated buildings.

Our forensic engineers assess:

Wind load calculations versus actual design implementation

Improper anchorage or tie-down systems

Weak points in the building envelope (e.g., garage doors, windows)

Even when wind speeds stay below hurricane levels, significant damage can still occur if the building was not designed or maintained to manage uplift forces and lateral loads. Lightweight commercial roofs, unreinforced masonry walls, and older wood-framed structures are particularly at risk.

Forensic analysis after these events often shows that failures result not just from the wind itself, but from a combination of design shortcomings, code noncompliance, or deferred maintenance. Recognizing these factors is essential in separating truly natural damage from preventable failures.

 

Fires: Structural Vulnerability Under Heat
Wildfires and urban fires test a structure’s fire resistance and material durability. Forensic engineers look for:

Improper use of combustible materials in fire-prone zones

Inadequate firestopping or lack of fire-rated assemblies

Code violations in egress systems or suppression equipment

It is not enough to say a fire was “uncontrollable.” Often, structures survive—or fail—based on decisions made during design and material selection. We have found instances where non-rated assemblies were used in commercial buildings, contributing to rapid spread and structural failure during relatively minor blazes.

 

The Impact of Age on Structural Resilience
One frequently overlooked factor in post-disaster investigations is the age of the structure. While not a defect in itself, age often correlates with outdated building codes, material degradation, or deferred maintenance.

Older structures may suffer from:

Outdated design practices not aligned with modern hazard data

Material fatigue such as rusted rebar, deteriorated mortar, or dry-rotted wood

Code non-conformance due to being “grandfathered in” under old regulations

 

The High Stakes of Misattribution
Blaming a natural disaster without a thorough forensic analysis can result in:

Wrongful denial or approval of insurance claims

Unjust litigation against design professionals

Missed opportunities for safer design in the future

Conversely, when forensic evidence uncovers preventable flaws, it provides a roadmap for accountability, better practices, and future resilience.

 

Conclusion
At Garrett Forensics, we believe that every failure tells a story—and natural disasters, though devastating, do not absolve us of the responsibility to uncover the truth. By distinguishing between unavoidable natural forces, structural design flaws, and the compounding factor of structural age, forensic engineering protects lives, property, and the integrity of the built environment.

If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a structural failure, or need a clear, objective analysis of what went wrong, contact us. We uncover the how, so you can understand the why.