The whole truth

摘要

The concept of forensics, at least in the West, seems commonly to be associated exclusively with criminal matters. However, as defined by Merriam-Webster (our favorite definition source in the States) it means "belonging to, used in, or suitable to courts of judicature or to public discussion and debate". As it turns out, there are ample situations where construction defects and other building-related matters are best (or only) resolved through the use of forensic investigative and analytical skills in the practice of engineering, be it manufacturing, design, construction or even operations and maintenance of buildings and building infrastructure systems. However, how these skills are interpreted in court is another matter. One could easily write a book on the subject, but for the purpose of this article, we will limit it to two approaches.