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Courses/Engineering/Structural Engineering

Structural Forensic Engineering of Buildings

Master the investigative process of structural failures in buildings, from root cause analysis to risk assessment and ethical reporting, ensuring safety and compliance in every project.

Created byHalfMoon Educationworkspace_premium
4.9
(19 reviews)
BeginnerUpdated Nov 11, 2025
Structural Forensic Engineering of Buildings

What You'll Learn

check_circleUnderstand the forensic engineering process.
check_circleIdentify common causes of structural failures.
check_circleAnalyze legal and economic impacts of failures.
check_circleEvaluate ethical obligations in investigations.

About This Course

Explore the critical discipline of "Structural Forensic Engineering of Buildings," a comprehensive course designed for engineers interested in investigating and understanding building failures. This program delves into the multi-faceted process of forensic engineering, equipping you with the knowledge to identify causes, assess impacts, and navigate the complex legal and ethical landscapes of structural failure.

The course commences with an introduction to the forensic engineering process, emphasizing its significance and the mindset required for effective investigation. We will explore the nuances separating design and forensic engineering, highlighting the distinct skill sets involved in each. Key learning outcomes include:

  • Understanding the forensic engineering process and its practical application.
  • Learning to identify various failure mechanisms in different structural systems and materials.
  • Examining the critical role of codes and standards in both design and failure analysis, including a deep dive into the International Building Code, International Existing Building Code, and International Property Maintenance Code.
  • Investigating real-world case studies of building collapses and structural deteriorations, from historical events like the Quebec Bridge collapse to modern incidents such as the Champlain Towers South tragedy, focusing on lessons learned and preventable measures.
  • Exploring the impact of design flaws, material deficiencies, excessive loading (including snow and construction loads), improper usage, and environmental degradation on structural integrity.
  • Mastering documentation techniques for failure investigations, including site observation, photography, and the use of specialized tools like infrared cameras and crack gauges.
  • Developing effective reporting skills, focusing on clear observations, logical conclusions, and actionable recommendations, while understanding the ethical considerations of voice and client communication.
  • Navigating post-failure conflicts and disputes, including legal and economic impacts, the role of expert witnesses, and the distinctions between arbitration, mediation, and litigation.
  • Addressing ethical obligations pertinent to forensic engineers, such as avoiding conflicts of interest, maintaining confidentiality, and handling situations involving unaddressed dangerous conditions or potential malpractice.

Through detailed discussions and illustrative case studies, this course will enhance your ability to perform thorough structural assessments, interpret complex failure patterns, and contribute to safer, more resilient building practices. Join us to develop the expertise needed to excel in this challenging and vital field.

Your Instructors

HalfMoon Education
HalfMoon Education

Online Courses for Engineers

menu_book128 courses
star796 reviews

HalfMoon Education is a nonprofit continuing education provider offering live webinars and on-demand courses for engineers, architects, landscape architects, land surveyors, attorneys, paralegals, accountants and others. Since 1996, we’ve helped thousands of professionals nationwide stay current with industry standards and codes, earn CE hours, and advance their expertise through practical, expert-led learning experiences. Learn more about us at: www.halfmoonseminars.org

James D’Aloisio
James D’Aloisio

Principal with Klepper, Hahn & Hyatt in Syracuse

Mr. D’Aloisio is a principal with Klepper, Hahn & Hyatt, a structural engineering, landscape architecture, and building envelope services firm in East Syracuse, New York. A graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and is a registered professional engineer in New York and Massachusetts. He is a member and past president (1997 – 1998) of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Syracuse Section, and a member of the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), the American Concrete Institute (ACI), the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), and the Structural Engineers Association of New York State (SEAoNY). Mr. D’Aloisio is a member of ASCE/SEI’s Frost‐Protected Shallow Foundations Committee, the Structural Condition Assessment of Existing Buildings Committee, and the Sustainability Committee. Mr. D’Aloisio received the Order of the Engineer at Syracuse University in 1997. His 30‐plus years’ experience as a consulting structural engineer has primarily involved the design of new building structures, additions, and modifications, and analyses, assessments, and investigations of structures and facades. Mr. D’Aloisio has performed structural condition reviews of over 15 million square feet of buildings and he has performed over 150 structural forensic investigations. He has presented over 300 times.

Credit Information

Do these courses count toward my professional development requirements?

This portal is provided as a training and development resource for City of Markham employees. Every course is delivered by a qualified subject matter expert or learning organization, is quantifiable in hours, and is verifiable — you receive a documented certificate of completion for every course you finish, stored on LearnFormula indefinitely.

If you hold a professional designation (for example in engineering, accounting, human resources, or law), courses may be counted as professionally relevant, verifiable learning activities toward your continuing professional development. Individual practitioners are responsible for confirming that an activity meets the requirements of their professional body. For questions about the City of Markham's training and development policies, please speak with your people leader or Human Resources.

What Students Are Saying

4.9
Student's Choice
19 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

We are a registered provider with 327+ associations and regulatory bodies worldwide. We operate across 29 global markets including Canada, the US, Australia, and the UK. Every course page clearly displays its specific accreditations. Upon completion, you receive a professional certificate that can be validated online. Our certificates include all necessary accreditation details, credit hours, and completion dates, and are formatted specifically to meet the submission requirements of most global regulatory bodies.