Structural Failure Analysis and Root Cause Investigation
Structural Failure Analysis and Root Cause Investigation course. Learn forensic engineering, failure diagnosis, RCA techniques, and prevention strategies for civil and industrial systems.
- Online – Microsoft Teams
- 28 – 29 May 2026
- 2 CPD Points
- Price : R 8 999.00
LEARNING OUTCOMES
After successfully completing this course, you will be able to:
Identify different types of structural failures and their causes
Apply Root Cause Analysis (RCA) techniques to engineering failures
Interpret failure evidence (cracks, deformation, corrosion, fatigue)
Evaluate design, material, and construction deficiencies
Develop corrective and preventive measures
Prepare professional failure investigation reports
Introduction to Structural Failure
- Definition and classification of failures
- Importance of failure analysis in engineering
- Types of structural failures:
- Sudden vs progressive failure
- Ductile vs brittle failure
- Failure case overview (bridges, buildings, industrial structures)
Structural Behaviour & Failure Mechanisms
- Load types and structural response
- Stress, strain, and deformation behaviour
- Failure modes:
- Buckling
- Fatigue
- Fracture
- Creep
- Corrosion-induced failure
- Material failure mechanisms (steel, concrete, composites)
Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Techniques
- Introduction to RCA methodologies
- Key tools:
- 5 Whys Analysis
- Fishbone (Ishikawa) Diagram
- Fault Tree Analysis (FTA)
- Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
- Human factors and system failures
Structural Forensic Investigation
- Failure investigation process
- Site inspection techniques
- Evidence collection and preservation
- Documentation and reporting standards
- Use of photos, drawings, and testing data
Material Defects & Quality Issues
- Material selection failures
- Manufacturing defects
- Concrete defects:
- Cracking
- Honeycombing
- Segregation
- Steel defects:
- Welding defects
- Residual stresses
Design & Construction Failures
- Design errors and miscalculations
- Inadequate safety factors
- Poor detailing and specifications
- Construction errors:
- Poor workmanship
- Improper curing
- Incorrect installation
Environmental & Operational Factors
- Corrosion and chemical attack
- Temperature effects and thermal stresses
- Overloading and misuse
- Natural hazards:
- Wind
- Seismic activity
- Flooding
Failure Analysis & Case Studies
- Root cause analysis of structural failures
- Common design and construction defects
- Case studies:
- Bridges
- Industrial structures
- Mining infrastructure
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) in Failure Analysis
- Overview of NDT methods:
- Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
- Radiographic Testing (RT)
- Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)
- Dye Penetrant Testing (PT)
- Application in failure investigation
Case Studies of Structural Failures
- Building collapses
- Bridge failures
- Industrial equipment failures
- Lessons learned and prevention strategies
Prevention & Structural Integrity Management
- Risk-based inspection (RBI)
- Maintenance strategies
- Structural health monitoring
- Lifecycle management
- Design improvements and standards compliance
Reporting & Professional Practice
- Writing failure investigation reports
- Legal and ethical considerations
- Expert witness fundamentals
- Communication of findings to stakeholders