Forensic Rock Mechanics

Things didn't quite go as planned...

Whether this was due to a change of conditions or contractor error, contract disputes are a fact of life in the geotechnical world. This is primarily due to the fact that we must estimate the properties of the material in which we will construct our excavation.

We have the tools, and experience, to take any rock mechanics "situation" and provide clear and concise details regarding the controlling components.

We exercise these techniques daily as our design methodology utilizes:

  • Statistical rock mass characterization. We quantify the unique characteristics of the rock mass for engineering design. We know its strengths and probable failure modes.
  • Failure back-analysis. We temper our designs with back-analysis of field experience. This is utilized to confirm failure modes, strengths, and other failure controlling influences.

Photogrammetry, and the resulting Digital Terrain Models (DTM) with registered and draped images provide an excellent legal base during the design phase of the project. They also provide a sound basis for documentation and continuing analysis of failed areas as the images themselves provide accurate, and measurable, models.

Whether the goal is corporate internal for problem solution, or external for claims resolution, we provide clear, expert, insight into the physical problem.