OUR SERVICES
Strand Forensic Engineering specializes in forensic investigations for residential structures, with a strong focus on identifying and addressing the root causes of structural damage.
Comprehensive Forensic Engineering Solutions
Our team of experts conducts comprehensive assessments and provides detailed reports, offering practical, cost-effective solutions for complex structural problems.
With specialized knowledge in Australian building practices and soil conditions, we deliver insights that help homeowners, builders, and legal professionals understand and address structural challenges.
Forensic Site Inspections
Thorough on-site assessments to identify structural issues.
Foundation & Structural Damage Investigation
Diagnosing the causes of foundation failures and structural defects.
Specialized Soil Testing
Including Conditioned Core Shrinkage Test (Iccs) and Soil Water Characteristic Curve (SWCC).
Structural Integrity Assessment
Evaluating the safety and performance of structures.
Expert Review Reports
Providing independent assessments for legal or technical disputes.
Independent Opinions
Offering unbiased evaluations of structural concerns.
Expert Witness Services
Supporting legal cases with technical expertise.
Court Assistance
Providing expert witness services and technical advisory support throughout litigation.
Forensic Site Inspections
We conduct detailed on-site investigations to uncover both visible and hidden structural concerns in residential properties. Our inspections focus on identifying signs of damage such as cracking, movement, moisture ingress, and material degradation. Each inspection is tailored to the site's specific conditions and structural configuration. We assess the property holistically, considering soil conditions, drainage, structural layout, and any modifications, to develop a clear picture of the building's current performance and likely root causes of issues. Our findings form the basis for reliable engineering advice and practical solutions.
Foundation & Structural Damage Investigation
Structural damage often presents as cracked walls, uneven floors, jamming doors, or even visible movement in the building frame. We investigate these symptoms in detail to determine whether they're caused by foundation movement, material fatigue, environmental factors, or construction defects. Our process includes reviewing the property's construction history, soil conditions, structural drawings (if available), and evidence of movement. With a strong focus on identifying the root cause, we help clients avoid unnecessary repairs and instead focus on practical, targeted remediation strategies that are both cost-effective and long-lasting.
Specialized Soil Testing
Reactive clay soils are a major cause of structural movement in residential buildings, particularly across Australia. We provide specialized testing, including the Conditioned Core Shrinkage Test (ICCS) and Soil Water Characteristic Curve (SWCC), to evaluate the shrink-swell behaviour of site soils. These tests help us quantify the soil's reactivity and moisture sensitivity, which is essential for understanding both current issues and future risks. This data supports engineers and designers in making informed decisions about footing design, slab reinforcement, or underpinning strategies, especially in new builds or repair projects in highly reactive areas.
Structural Integrity Assessment
We offer comprehensive assessments to determine the structural soundness and serviceability of residential buildings. This service is especially valuable for older homes, storm-damaged structures, or properties being considered for renovation or redevelopment. Our assessments involve examining load-bearing elements, checking for structural fatigue, and reviewing previous alterations that may have impacted integrity. The results help property owners, buyers, and insurers understand the building's remaining structural life and whether repairs, strengthening, or full reconstruction is the best path forward.
Expert Review Reports
Our expert review reports provide independent, technically sound opinions for a wide range of applications, whether you're dealing with an insurance claim, builder dispute, or require a second opinion. Each report is based on site evidence, engineering principles, and current building standards. We present our findings in a clear and structured format, making them suitable for submission in legal proceedings, mediation, or professional discussions with other stakeholders.
Independent Opinions
We offer completely impartial advice on structural matters, with no ties to builders, insurers, or contractors. Whether you're unsure about previous recommendations, facing conflicting reports, or simply need a reliable second opinion, we can help clarify the situation. Our independent reviews help clients make confident decisions, be it to proceed with repairs, dispute workmanship, or assess risks before buying or selling property. We always aim for clarity, honesty, and technically defensible advice.
Expert Witness Services
When structural issues lead to legal disputes, our engineers can provide expert witness services to support your case. We offer unbiased, evidence-based opinions grounded in engineering practice and building standards. Our reports and testimony are presented in clear, non-technical language when needed; ensuring judges, lawyers, and all parties can understand the technical matters at hand. We are experienced in preparing for court appearances and defending our findings under scrutiny.
Court Assistance
We support legal teams and clients through the full litigation process; from initial investigation to court proceedings. This includes preparing expert witness reports, attending court as professional witnesses, and offering behind-the-scenes advice to legal representatives. Our role often involves clarifying technical concepts, reviewing other expert reports, and helping lawyers frame the right questions. We aim to provide confidence, clarity, and consistency for our clients throughout what can be a complex legal journey.
WHERE WE OPERATE
Our local presence ensures we understand the unique challenges of Australian geology, soil-site conditions, and construction practices.
Strand Forensic Engineering has offices in Hawthorn, Werribee, Ferntree Gully and Berwick, offering services primarily throughout Victoria and expanding into parts of New South Wales.
Our local presence enables us to respond quickly to client needs and provides our team with deep understanding of regional soil conditions and building practices, allowing us to deliver tailored solutions to homeowners and builders.
Fully Qualified and Accredited Engineering Services
Our team holds all relevant qualifications and accreditations, ensuring the highest standards of engineering practice and compliance.
STRAND Forensic Engineering is Supported by a Network of Trusted Partners
