Damage Assessment, Cause & Origin​

YA specializes in forensic evaluations of damage to existing buildings and structures. Damage can result from any number of causes, including singular events such as earthquakes, hurricanes, wind, fire, floods, and impact; long-term effects such as corrosion, soil settlement, wear and tear, and decay; or human-influenced causes such as design errors, installation defects, and deferred maintenance.

YA professionals have a vast background in forensic evaluations, which enables them to investigate all types of damage to all manner of buildings and structures. YA Damage Assessment Services are provided by experts in structural analysis and finite element modeling, non-destructive and destructive testing methods, mechanical, HVAC & plumbing systems, marine structures, building envelopes, and code upgrade evaluations.

Comprehensive damage evaluations require an understanding of engineering mechanics, structural behavior, cladding systems, load path, installation methods, and behavioral properties of a wide range of construction materials, including metals, glass, masonry, concrete, wood, sealants, roofing, etc. Although no two damage investigations are identical, the same basic principles apply to all damage evaluations. These principles include documentation of conditions, preservation of evidence, code and document review, structural analysis, testing, laboratory analysis, and report writing. YA reports clearly describe the investigation and findings and provide concise conclusions that may be easily understood.

Earthquake Damage
Failure Investigations
Fire Damage
Hail Damage
Hurricane Damage
Water Damage

Earthquake Damage

Earthquakes can affect both structural and non-structural building components. For structural components, evaluating seismic damage requires knowledge of the lateral load path and general performance characteristics of structural components and building systems such as wood, structural steel, light gauge steel, reinforced concrete, post-tensioned concrete, and reinforced masonry. Structural response may also be affected by the performance of non-building components such as finishes. Damage to non-structural components such as ceiling systems and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems is common even in weak to moderate earthquakes.

YA engineers have experience evaluating earthquake-damaged buildings and structures in numerous major earthquakes over the past 40 years, including 2019 Ridgecrest (California), 2018 Anchorage (Alaska), 2016 Ecuador, 2014 South Napa (California), 2011 Christchurch sequence (New Zealand), 2011 Mineral (Virginia), 2011 Tohoku (Japan), 2010 Eureka (California), 2010 Haiti, 2006 Kiholo Bay (Hawaii), 2001 Nisqually (Washington), 1994 Northridge (California), 1989 Loma Prieta (California). Our engineers have also investigated building and non-building damage related to human activity-induced earthquakes, including a 5.0 Mw earthquake in 2016 in Cushing, Oklahoma.

YAES has particular experience distinguishing between earthquake and non-earthquake-related damage based on our decades of experience analyzing structural failures of all types.

YA services include:

  • Damage Assessment
  • Structural Analysis
  • Finite Element Modeling
  • Development of Repair Design Drawings
  • Evaluation of Local and National Building Code Requirements for Repairs

Failure Investigations

Forensic investigation of structural failures is YA’s primary focus area. Our intimate understanding of structural behavior and extensive experience evaluating the performance of existing structures provide YA with a unique ability to diagnose the cause or causes of structural failures and, if needed, develop appropriate repairs.

YA’s expertise ranges from evaluating the global collapse of structural systems to localized failures of individual structural components. Our knowledge of the performance characteristics of structural systems, connections, and materials, including wood, concrete, masonry, metals, glass, and polymers, allows us to holistically evaluate the potential different contributing factors to a structural failure.

The tools and procedures we utilize in forensic failure investigations may include documentation of site conditions, preservation of evidence, structural analysis, finite element modeling, laboratory analysis of materials, load testing, destructive testing, and non-destructive testing. With licensed professionals experienced in navigating code requirements for repairs and computer-aided drafting capabilities, we are proficient at developing repair documents for permitting and construction.

YA Service include:

  • Destructive and Non-Destructive Testing of Structural Elements
  • Structural Analysis and Finite Element Modeling
  • Development of Repair Drawings
  • Litigation Support and Expert Witness Testimony

Fire Damage

Fires in buildings and structures affect both structural and non-structural building components. For structural components, evaluating fire damage requires knowledge of high-temperature effects on components such as wood, structural steel, light gauge steel, reinforced concrete, post-tensioned concrete, and reinforced masonry. Fire and smoke also affect non-building components such as roofing, finishes, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. YA engineers have decades of experience in evaluating fire-damaged buildings and structures. Our structural engineers are experienced in the various evaluation and testing techniques available to determine the extent of fire and heat damage to all building components. Our experience and knowledge of these techniques allow YA to guide building owners, restoration contractors, and insurance carriers regarding building elements that remain serviceable versus those that require repair or replacement.

In addition to heat and smoke, fire-damaged structures are typically affected by water from firefighting efforts. A thorough assessment of fire-damaged structures includes an assessment of the fire and heat-affected elements, the water effects on the structure, and an evaluation of building code requirements for repairs. YAES also offers mechanical engineering services to assess the effects on MEP systems.

YA services include:

  • Destructive and Non-Destructive Testing of Fire-Affected Structural Components
  • Structural Analysis
  • Evaluation of Smoke Effects and Water Damage to Building Components
  • Development of Repair Design Drawings
  • Evaluation of Local and National Building Code Requirements for Repairs

Hail Damage

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), there are around 5,000 hail storms annually in the United States. Although even moderately sized hail can damage building cladding systems, most hail damage to buildings manifests at the roof level. The severity and extent of roof hail damage depend on the roof slope, exposure, hail size, direction, and the age and type of roofing material.

Evaluating hail damage requires understanding the various roofing systems and associated components, such as gutters, vents, etc., and their susceptibility to hail impact damage. YA has extensive experience evaluating hail-related distress to both roofing and cladding systems. Our experience and knowledge of the various building envelope systems allows YAES to guide building owners, restoration contractors and insurance carriers regarding roofing and cladding systems that remain serviceable versus those that require replacement or repairs.

YA services include:

  • Detailed Reports, including Full Assessment of Roof System and Collateral Components
  • Roof System Moisture Surveys and Interior Leak Investigations
  • Historical Hailstorm Review of National Weather Service Records
  • Coordination of Destructive Evaluations and Laboratory Services
  • Evaluation of Roofing Industry Standards and Building Code Requirements for Repairs

Hurricane Damage

Hurricanes affect structural and non-structural building components and have caused billions of dollars in property damage, the most serious hazard facing many coastal communities. Evaluating hurricane damage often involves differentiating damage due to elevated water levels, wind-driven rain, high winds, and wind-driven projectiles. Both wind and wave action cause buildings to rack and sway, damaging structural systems and finishes. High winds may cause uplift on roofs, affecting roof framing and roofing systems. Determining the extent of hurricane damage requires evaluating physical effects on the structure, understanding the effects of historical hurricanes, and assessing available weather and water level data.

High winds and wind-driven projectiles may affect non-structural components such as roofing, siding, windows, and finishes. Damage to interior finishes may be extensive due to wind-driven rain and elevated water levels. YA engineers have decades of experience evaluating damaged buildings and structures damaged by hurricanes. Our experience and knowledge of the types of damage caused by hurricanes allow YAES to provide substantiated opinions regarding the cause and extent of hurricane-related damages.

Hurricanes also affect building mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. YA offers mechanical engineering services to assess the effects on MEP systems.

YA services include:

  • Evaluation of Hurricane Damage to Structural Systems, Building Envelope, Roofing and Interior Finishes
  • Moisture Surveys of Roofing Systems, Building Envelope, and Interiors
  • Detailed Reports Including Full Assessment of Building Components.
  • Structural Analysis
  • Historical Review of National Hurricane Center, National Weather Service, National Centers for Environmental Information records
  • Development of Repair Design Drawings
  • Evaluation of Local and National Building Code Requirements for Repairs

Water Damage

Water damage in buildings and structures can occur from internal sources such as pipe breaks, condensation, and long-term fixture leakage or external sources such as flooding, precipitation, or firefighting activities. Water damage comes in three categories depending on the contamination level of the source water. Effects from short-term Category 1 water damage may only require drying of the affected materials. Effects from long-term water exposure, or Categories 2 and 3 water damage, typically require a closer evaluation of the affected materials and may require removal and replacement of affected materials.

Water effects can be material deterioration, such as decay, corrosion, blistering, or debonding, staining, mold, mildew, or smell. Because damage may be concealed, the water source and intrusion pathways must be understood to locate and identify whether damage exists. Water effects on finishes, such as flooring, wall sheathing, and ceilings, are often visible or detectable using moisture meters.

YA has extensive experience evaluating the effects of water damage and routinely performs investigations to determine the cause and source of water infiltration.

YA services include:

  • Destructive and Non-Destructive Testing of Water-Exposed Building Materials
  • Investigation of Cause and Source of Water Infiltration
  • Structural Analysis of Water-Exposed systems
  • Evaluation of Water-Exposed Materials
  • Development of Repair Drawings
  • Evaluation of Local and National Building Code Requirements for Repairs