Particularly for failures in the built environment. For example, buildings, the most common structure in the world.

I thought this on seeing a couple of books on my shelf. One entitled Building Inspection that was written for lay people. (Ref. 1) The other is entitled Failure Mechanisms in Building Construction. (Ref. 2) This one was written for civil engineers but in layman’s language; a good read for all and sundry. These books are thorough and comprehensive. The layperson in you will feel like an expert with these tucked under your arm.

(Check out the definition of expert in the Appendix)

I’m not thinking infrastructure like storm water and sewage collection systems. Nor groundwater drainage systems. Or power supply to a building. Just the building sans infrastructure.

I mean the building that the contractor and carpenter erects according to a plan prepared by others. These people are going to have a lot of experience putting up a building. They are going to know if a building has been built according to the plans. They are experts in building construction.

They’re also going to have sufficient experience to know when a problem is outside their sand box. Like to do with infrastructure or perhaps the basic building design.

I built my home from the ground up starting by clearing the trees off the lot with a chain saw. I didn’t design the building, just followed the plans. I knew when to get specialists in to install the infrastructure. I know today when to get a specialist in to deal with a problem outside my area of forensic engineering expertise, like structural engineering. I’m certain a home owner, civil litigation lawyer or insurance claims manager would too with these books in his office or on his dining room table.

***

Appendix

1. Expert: One with the special skill or knowledge representing mastery of a particular subject. Or, having, involving, or displaying special skill or knowledge derived from training or experience. Merriam-Webster dictionary
2. Expert: A person who is very knowledgeable about or skillful in a particular area. Oxford dictionary.
3. Expert wrt this blog: Expert in whether or not the building has been built according to the plans, not in planning and design of the building.

References

1. Building Inspection (Reference missing at time of posting. Sorry)
2. Nicastro, David H., Editor, Failure Mechanisms in Building Construction. ASCE Press (American Society of Civil Engineers) 1997

(Blog posted by Eric E. Jorden, M.Sc., P.Eng. Consulting Professional Engineer and Forensic Engineer, Geotechnology Ltd., Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, October 29, 2026 ejorden@eastlink.ca)