Forensic and Engineering Consulting Across Melbourne and VictoriaForensic and Engineering ConsultingForensic Engineering Reports

Concrete testing services play a crucial role in identifying early signs of deterioration such as concrete cancer and spalling, corroded reinforcement, cracking, moisture ingress, and other forms of visual damage that compromise structural performance. Assessments typically combine non destructive methods—such as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) scanning and tap testing, to map reinforcement, detect damage, and locate areas of delamination—with targeted destructive testing, including core sampling, and material extraction where required.

This integrated approach provides a clear understanding of the extent and cause of deterioration, enabling accurate diagnosis and informed recommendations for repair and remediation.

A frame inspection confirms that a dwelling's structure has been built correctly and in line with its design, with our team checking compliance against engineering drawings, AS 1684, and the NCC. These inspections review key elements such as member sizing and spacing, bracing, and connection detailing to ensure the overall quality and integrity of the framing. This can be carried out during renovations and extensions, as well as during new builds.

Some buildings require welded steel members, depending on engineering design. We can undertake inspections of welds if required by the Building Surveyor.

We have acted as expert witnesses in many VCAT court cases, Supreme and County Court, as well as assisting owners through AFCA.

Some of these cases include:

• Defective concrete waffle slabs and structural movement
• Problematic trees causing structural damage
• Insurance claim rejections
• Defective structural framing
• Escape of liquid
• Water leaks and ingress

Our reports are compiled to comply with the appropriate expert witness framework and code of conduct (PNVCAT 2, or Form 44).

Some balconies require inspections for structural integrity and waterproofing as part of Essential Safety Measures (ESM) and are listed on the building’s Occupancy Permit (NCC Part B1, F1, and D2.16 for example)..

Balcony inspections are carried out to ensure the structural integrity of the balcony, as well as the balustrade is maintained, ensuring they remain safe and secure. The waterproofing system, drainage, and façade are also paramount to maintaining the weatherproofing of the building. Waterproofing is checked against Australian Standards AS4654 part 1 and 2, as well as relevant manufacturer requirements.

Keeping water outside of the building goes hand in hand with balcony inspections and façade inspections. Structural assessments are fully equipped to carry out extensive leak detection and investigations, with thermal imagery, moisture meters, tracing dye and comprehensive testing methodology.

Water ingress can be the cause of damp and mouldy internal conditions, damaged and rotting timber, plaster stains and paint peel, as well as overall damage and deterioration to the building. Water ingress into carpark areas and basements also lead to concrete spalling and corrosion, efflorescence, stalactites and stalagmites as well as damage to vehicles.

Building movement and structural damage can be caused by nearby trees. Structural assessments carry out a detailed inspection of your home or building, and identify the causes of movement being, invasive and damaging trees, plumbing leaks, poor site conditions, geology and more.

We can compile detailed reports outlining how trees have caused damage, and why they may need to be considered for removal. These assessments generally require a detailed structural assessment as well as a geotechnical assessment. DNA testing can be completed also if required to determine exactly which tree may be problematic.

Our team has a comprehensive skillset of building related services. We are able to undertake general condition assessments of buildings and structures to give our clients vital information on upcoming maintenance, safety risks, deterioration, and of course structural related items.

This can be useful for commercial purchases, asset maintenance and upkeep.

A building health check combines many of our services into a comprehensive first step investigation into the overall building. This is aimed at owners' corporations and committees to give high-level recommendations and actions to:

• Cracking and movement
• Concrete spalling, cracking and damage
• Water ingress
• Safety and OH&S issues
• Waterproofing and weatherproofing
• Façade maintenance

We can provide an assessment tailored to the age, size, and overall condition of the building.

Structural Assessments has the capability and qualifications to undertake many of our services in tricky hard-to-reach areas. We are qualified in rope access (abseiling) and can also utilise drones to conduct inspections, water testing, and assessments where required.

This is particularly useful for balconies, facades, roofs, and other areas that are difficult to access with traditional methods.

We have over 15 years of geotechnical expertise across Victoria, and the capability to conduct all types of geotechnical testing, including:

• Site classification for residential designs
• Geotechnical investigations for basements and Multistorey Buildings
• Geotechnical investigations for bridges and infrastructure
• Geotechnical investigations as part of Structural assessments
• Expert Witness reports

Site classification and soil testing for new builds, renovations, and extensions.