Briefing: Forensic geotechnical engineering

Abstract

Forensic geotechnical engineering is an emerging discipline with a focus on understanding what went wrong, what could have happened and how failures can be prevented using engineering analysis principles in the case of failures of geological/geotechnical origin. In recognition of the importance of the topic, the International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering constituted a Technical Committee (TC) on forensic geotechnical engineering in 2005. During the first 4 years, it was designated as TC40 and subsequently designated as TC302 in 2009 in the reorganisation of technical committees. The committee conducted programmes and major conferences to bring out failure cases and identify the reasons as well as lessons learnt. In this briefing, steps involved in forensic analysis, such as collection of data and their characterisation, formulation of the hypothesis of failure, understanding of failure mechanisms, back analysis, consideration of testing and measurements in formulation of statements, reliability analysis and liability are discussed. The role of an expert witness is highlighted.