Forensic Investigation of a Five Story Concrete Building in Nassau, Bermuda Following Hurricane Matthew

Session Overview: 

Terracon performed an investigation of a five-story concrete constructed building which had sustained significant damage, both before and after Hurricane Matthew in Nassau, Bahamas. The investigation included a visual, as well as destructive and non-destructive investigation of the entire building envelop. Non-destructive testing included Corrosion Potential Testing, Carbonation Testing of concrete, Impact-echo testing, Reinforcing steel locating and water-soluble chloride testing. A thorough investigation of the building condition was then provided in a comprehensive report to the client.

Learning Objectives:

1. Presenting an overall view of the approach to performing a forensic investigation of a building structure. Attendees will be given insight as to how we approach an investigation of a building showing signs of distress, and the order in which we perform each portion of the investigation and why we decide such order.
2. Providing information of the philosophy used to determine the proper destructive and non-destructive testing necessary to provide the information to accurately assess the building condition. Attendees will be given the reasons for each type of testing performed based on the visual evidence noted during the investigation.
3. Presentation of the resulting causes of the extensive damage to the building which will allow attendees to utilize a logical approach to finding causes in their own investigations.