Civil Infrastructure Failure

Around the globe, critical infrastructure is ageing, and with this comes the risk for major catastrophic events across the built environment. On August 1, the I-35 W Mississippi Bridge in Minneapolis collapsed highlighting ageing and vulnerable infrastructure across the United States. Whether it be roads, bridges, canals, dams, airports, sewage systems, pipelines, structural components of buildings, or railways, civil engineering failures are always high exposure incidents for all involved parties.

Forensic Investigations of Civil Infrastructure Deterioration and Failure

Envista's multidisciplinary team of engineers and experts are experienced with analyzing all types of failures to civil infrastructure. Comprised of leading professionals across a range of disciplines, including civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, materials, architecture, marine, and data infrastructure, our teams take a holistic, team-oriented approach to promptly and accurately determining the underlying cause of these complex incidents. Our expert findings are delivered in a clear and concise manner so that certainty is restored following any disaster.

We are able to determine:

• What was the root cause of the incident?
• Did the associated infrastructure systems contribute to the severity of the incident?
• What do service and maintenance records reveal?

Data Collection and Analysis

Due to the extensive nature of infrastructure incidents, Envista's investigation team conducts thorough site inspections, scene evaluations, and utilizes advanced technologies such as 3D scans and drone footage to fully survey and document the scene. As part of our investigation, Envista teams will evaluate:

• Design specifications
• Soils, foundations, and moisture levels
• Construction materials
• Material composition/stress
• Wastewater
• Mechanical systems