Damage investigation and prevention for homes, buildings and infrastructure
Schadeonderzoek en schadepreventie
Damage investigation and prevention for homes, buildings and infrastructure
For several decades now, Witteveen+Bos has been investigating the causes of damage to homes, buildings, and civil engineering structures. Following these investigations, we provide advice on repairs and the prevention of further damage. We do this for both public and private clients.
Damage such as cracks, leaks, flooding, or even (partial) structural collapse can have a huge impact on people, their environment, and the economy. Structural safety is usually the first concern, followed by how to repair the damage sustainably.
Multidisciplinary
Damage can be related to many factors, including a structure’s construction and foundation, as well as local subsoil, groundwater, vibrations, or mining activities. Witteveen+Bos has experts in all these areas of expertise. On every assignment, we first determine which expertise is needed to tackle the specific issue. A custom multidisciplinary team is then put together. Having all of the required expertise in house means that complex assignments can be carried out without delay, and that clients benefit from our scale both in terms of quality and turnaround time.
Expert, reliable and engaged
Our core values – expert, reliable and engaged – provide the foundation on every assignment. By combining thorough analyses with the latest technical insights and methods, we produce robust reports. We also look at much more than just the damage.
Our damage analysis services:
1. Risk analysis and impact studies
We can identify damage mechanisms and measure their potential impact on buildings and civil engineering structures. We do this, on the one hand, by estimating the severity of risk factors such as changes in groundwater, vibrations, subsidence, or mining activities; and, on the other, by assessing the existing condition of buildings and structures in the surrounding area. We then use these analyses to recommend design adjustments or other control measures.
2. Inspections and monitoring
Sometimes inspections and monitoring are needed to prevent damage or find out more about the cause or severity of damage. Witteveen+Bos has its own inspectors and a structural health monitoring team who can carry out these tasks independently or in collaboration with partners. By performing inspections and monitoring as well as providing advice, we combine theory with practice.
3. Damage investigations and forensic engineering
If damage occurs or a major incident – such as structural collapse – takes place, then Witteveen+Bos can investigate the cause. This can range from an inventory of the damage to a root cause analysis, which can be used in legal proceedings. Witteveen+Bos conducts damage investigations for a range of parties – including (property) owners, municipalities, water authorities, operators, contractors, insurers, lawyers, and mining companies – and as an independent expert in legal proceedings.
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