Forensic Structural Reports
When the stakes are high,
you need an engineer who
goes further.
Not every structural problem is straightforward. When construction has gone wrong, boundaries are disputed, or another engineer's work needs scrutiny, you need more than an opinion. You need documented, calculation-backed expert analysis that stands up.
"We don't just describe what we see. We research the history, run the numbers independently, and tell you exactly what it means, in language that holds up in a legal proceeding."
A forensic structural report from Orthos is not a standard inspection.
Every forensic report is a thorough, independent investigation — built from the ground up, verified by specialist software, and written to withstand scrutiny.
Historical Site Research
We analyse aerial and satellite imagery going back decades to establish the site's construction history, ownership changes, and how structures came to exist - context that is often critical to understanding who is responsible for what.
Independent Structural Calculations
Full design parameter analysis including soil classification, friction angles, active and passive pressure coefficients, bending moments, and shear forces. We form our own conclusions- we don't rely on what someone else has told us.
Specialist Software Verification
Where required, calculations are independently verified using specialist geotechnical and structural software. Two methods, one conclusion- so our findings are defensible under cross-examination.
Peer Review of Existing Drawings
If another engineer's drawings are in question, we review them in full- identifying errors by sheet number, detail reference, and calculation- and document exactly where the design falls short of what was required.
NCC Code Compliance Assessment
We assess compliance against the National Construction Code with specific clause references and extracted figures included in the report- not a general assertion, but a documented, traceable breach where one exists.
Annotated Photographic Evidence
Site photographs with measurements, red-arrow callouts, and annotations that tie every visual observation directly to a specific finding in the report. Nothing is left open to interpretation.
Specific Rectification Recommendations
We don't recommend "repair the structure." We specify exact pile diameters, reinforcement grades, socket depths, concrete strengths, and post spacings — detailed enough for a builder to price and a certifier to approve.
Expert Opinion Statement
The report concludes with a formal expert opinion, written by a Chartered-registered engineer — that is structured to withstand legal scrutiny and suitable for use in NCAT proceedings, insurance claims, or litigation support.
Mosman Boundary Wall — What We Found That Others Missed
A homeowner was concerned about the stability of their boundary retaining wall following construction of a new dwelling next door. What began as an inspection became a full forensic investigation.
Historical Research
Aerial imagery analysis from 1955 to present established when the wall was built, by whom, and what ground conditions existed prior to the neighbouring excavation.
Drawing Review
We obtained and reviewed the original structural drawings for the neighbouring development, identifying design heights that failed to account for the existing boundary wall within the zone of influence.
Independent Calculation
Using Wallap software and hand calculations, we demonstrated that the as-built retaining wall posts were undersized — bending moments exceeded section capacity even without safety factors applied.
NCC Breach Documented
Excavation levels were shown to be in clear violation of NCC 2019 unretained embankment slope ratios, with the extent of over-excavation measured at 640–1340mm beyond the boundary wall base.
Rectification Specified
We provided exact specifications for soldier pile construction, reinforcement details, socket depths, and geofabric requirements — a complete remediation brief ready for contractor pricing.
Expert Opinion Issued
The report concluded with a formal CPEng expert opinion confirming structural inadequacy — providing the client with documented evidence suitable for legal proceedings against the responsible parties.
Forensic structural reports are appropriate when:
Neighbouring Construction Damage
Excavation, demolition, or new construction next door has affected your walls, fences, footings, or ground conditions.
Retaining Wall Failure or Concern
A retaining wall is showing signs of movement, cracking, or instability and you need to understand why — and who is responsible.
Peer Review of Another Engineer's Work
You have concerns about an existing structural design and need an independent CPEng assessment of whether it meets code requirements.
Strata & Boundary Disputes
Shared walls, common property structures, or boundary elements where liability is contested and expert structural evidence is required.
Insurance & Legal Support
You need a formal expert opinion from a registered structural engineer to support an insurance claim, NCAT application, or legal proceeding.
Construction Defect Assessment
A completed structure has defects — cracking, settlement, structural movement — and you need documented evidence of what went wrong and why.
Staged Engagement — Know Your Costs Before We Begin
Forensic investigations are scoped progressively. We never flat-quote a job we haven't assessed first — because the depth of investigation required depends entirely on what we find. Our staged approach means you are always in control of costs.
Stage 1 — Preliminary Review
Michael reviews all available documentation — existing drawings, photographs, correspondence — and conducts an initial site assessment. At the end of Stage 1, Orthos issues a scoped fee proposal for Stage 2, so you know exactly what the full investigation will cost before committing.
Stage 2 — Full Investigation & Report
Full forensic investigation including independent calculations, software analysis, drawing review, site evidence documentation, and a formal expert opinion report — scoped and priced transparently before work begins.
Start with a conversation.
Not sure whether your situation warrants a forensic report? Contact us and we will tell you honestly whether this is the right service for your circumstances.
Get In Touch