FORENSIC ENGINEERING

FINDING THE EXACT SOLUTIONS FOR THE EXACT PROBLEMS


Whether you need fiber optic design for commercial development, municipal broadband expansion, utility infrastructure, or private network installation, Levi Jay & Associates Inc. provides reliable, scalable, and cost effective engineering solutions. Our commitment to precision, efficiency, and code compliance ensures that your fiber optic project is designed for success from concept through construction. Forensic engineering services are a specialized area of civil and structural engineering focused on investigating building failures, structural damage, foundation movement, drainage issues, and construction defects. These services are essential when problems arise that impact the safety, performance, or value of a property. At Levi Jay & Associates Inc., we provide expert forensic engineering services in Texas, delivering detailed, objective, and defensible evaluations for property owners, attorneys, insurance companies, developers, and contractors. As a trusted forensic structural engineer and foundation expert in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, we help clients determine what happened, why it happened, and what steps are needed to resolve the issue.

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Sometimes the problems are not as BLACK & WHITE as they appear

A large office building with broken and collapsed foundation, causing the upper floors to tilt and sink into a giant sinkhole in the parking lot, with water and rubble flowing into the hole, under a partly cloudy sky.
A house under construction with wooden framing and sheathing. Red circles highlight construction issues, including missing hurricane ties, improper nailing, lack of sheathing at wall corners, no hold-downs at wall ends, inadequate support with large beam pockets, wrong nail placement, and no lateral bracing causing walls to collapse from side load.
Edge of a house with exposed soil and rocks, adjacent to a flowing creek with trees and neighboring houses in the background.

Our forensic engineering investigations follow a structured and methodical process designed to identify the root cause of failure or damage. We begin with a comprehensive site inspection where we document all observable conditions. This includes evaluating structural cracks, wall and ceiling separations, floor deflections, foundation distress, moisture intrusion, and drainage patterns. We also assess surrounding site conditions such as grading, water flow, and adjacent structures that may influence performance. When necessary, we perform foundation elevation surveys using precision equipment to quantify movement and identify patterns such as settlement, heave, or differential displacement. This data driven approach provides a strong foundation for accurate analysis. Beyond the field inspection, our forensic engineering analysis focuses on structural behavior and system performance. We evaluate load paths, framing systems, foundation design, and how forces are distributed throughout the structure. We also assess geotechnical factors including soil conditions, particularly expansive clay soils common in Texas, which can significantly impact foundation performance. Drainage and moisture conditions are carefully analyzed, as improper grading, poor drainage, and water infiltration are among the leading causes of foundation and structural issues.

Flooded street with water spilling from a damaged pipe in front of a house, with water fountain and tree in a residential neighborhood.
A forensic engineer wearing a yellow vest with text, white hard hat, and glasses crouches near the foundation of a building, inspecting with a device. An open carrying case with tools and a clipboard with papers are on the ground nearby.

A critical component of forensic engineering is determining causation. Our forensic engineers evaluate whether the observed damage is the result of natural factors such as seasonal soil movement, environmental conditions, or long-term wear, or if it is related to design deficiencies, construction defects, or improper installation. We assess whether construction was completed in a good and workmanlike manner and whether materials and methods meet industry standards. We also review available construction documents, engineering plans, and prior reports to determine if the original design contributed to the issue. Many structural failures and foundation problems involve multiple contributing factors. For example, a foundation issue may be caused by a combination of poor drainage, inadequate soil preparation, and construction practices. Our forensic engineering services focus on identifying all contributing factors and understanding how they interact.

This comprehensive analysis allows us to develop accurate, defensible conclusions that can be used in insurance claims, litigation, or repair planning. Our forensic engineering reports are clear, detailed, and professionally prepared to meet the needs of a wide range of clients. Each report includes a description of the property, documentation of observed conditions, detailed engineering analysis, and well supported conclusions. Our reports are designed to be understood by property owners, attorneys, insurance adjusters, and contractors while also meeting the technical standards required for legal and claims related use. As experienced forensic engineers, we ensure that our findings are objective, unbiased, and based on sound engineering principles.

Courtroom scene with a man holding a forensic engineering report titled "Investigation of Foundation Failure." Judge David Harrison sits in the background, with a flag and a court emblem on the wall behind him. A woman and a man sit at the table.