Structural Investigations

When structures show cracking, movement, distress, or water-related deterioration, AME provides thorough structural investigations to determine root causes, evaluate safety and performance, and define effective repair paths. Our team combines on-site surveying, nondestructive testing, and targeted sampling to deliver clear, defensible findings for owners, engineers, and agencies.

Forensic & Condition Assessments Bay Area Specialists Field + Lab Diagnostics Repair Guidance Focused
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Root-Cause Analysis
We identify why distress is occurring—cracking, corrosion, deflection, settlement, or system failures.
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Field + Lab Verification
Condition surveys, nondestructive testing, and selective sampling backed by laboratory analysis.
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Actionable Repair Path
Clear conclusions and recommendations for stabilization, repair design, and long-term durability.

What Our Structural Investigations Cover

We tailor each investigation to the observed symptoms, building type, and stakeholder needs—delivering the level of documentation required for design decisions, permitting, insurance, or dispute resolution.

Building & Structural Assessments

We document conditions and quantify severity so the next step—repair or retrofit—starts with reliable facts.

  • Distress surveys for cracking, spalling, delamination, and corrosion
  • Structural capacity and load-path evaluation where conditions changed
  • Seismic performance reviews for existing buildings
  • Condition assessment of concrete, steel, masonry, wood, and shotcrete
  • As-built verification against drawings and applicable codes
  • Pre-purchase / due-diligence structural evaluations
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Testing & Forensic Analysis

We use the right mix of nondestructive methods and selective sampling to confirm what we see in the field.

  • Nondestructive testing (cover, velocity, rebound, scanning)
  • Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) for rebar & post-tensioned (PT) concrete
  • Core drilling and material sampling as needed
  • Petrographic / microscopic analysis for durability or failure mechanisms
  • Corrosion evaluation and chloride / carbonation testing
  • Moisture-related deterioration tie-ins with envelope conditions
  • Failure mechanism modeling and repair-option review
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Structural Investigations - FAQs

What typically triggers a structural investigation?

Investigations are commonly requested after visible distress (cracks, spalls, rust staining, deflection), water-driven deterioration, changes in use or loading, seismic retrofit planning, or when third-party documentation is needed for insurance or disputes.

Can you determine whether cracks are structural or cosmetic?

Yes. We evaluate crack patterns, location, and movement history, then verify with field testing and selective sampling where required to distinguish structural significance from surface shrinkage or finish issues.

Do you provide repair recommendations and formal reports?

Absolutely. Our deliverables include clear conclusions, photo documentation, test results, and repair guidance that design teams and code officials can rely on for permitting and implementation.

Structural Investigation Projects

San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center

San Francisco, CA

This project required structural materials sampling and testing investigation of historic building materials at buildings 1, 6 and 8.

Richmond Civic Center (City Hall & Hall of Justice)

Richmond, CA

AME's consulting team provided waterproofing consultation and curtain wall testing for water intrusion.

Conservatory of Flowers

Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA

Existing redwood members were tested for strength and elastic modulus to identify members needing replacement.

Explore our Services

Special Investigations

Special Investigations

Independent special inspections for concrete, masonry, steel, wood and anchors, verifying code compliance and structural life-safety.

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Structural Investigations

Structural Investigations

Structural investigations and forensic assessments to identify distress causes, document conditions, and guide safe, durable repair strategies.
Building Envelope & Consulting

Building Envelope & Consulting

Building envelope and roofing consulting to prevent leaks, diagnose moisture issues, and improve long-term exterior performance.
Infrastructure

Infrastructure

Materials testing and construction inspection for bridges, roadways and public works, supporting quality, safety, and agency compliance.
Laboratory Testing

Laboratory Testing

Accredited construction materials laboratory testing for concrete, soils, asphalt, steel and masonry, delivering reliable, defensible results.
Petrographic Analysis

Petrographic Analysis

Petrographic and microscopic materials analysis for concrete and aggregates, evaluating durability, quality, and failure mechanisms.