Introduction

Jacobs has established an international reputation for the development and application of advanced analytical techniques and the use of modern technological equipment for the investigation of engineering problems for forensic and rehabilitation reasons. As a result of this well recognised expertise, Jacobs has been frequently called upon, often by other professional firms or government agencies, to investigate a wide range of engineering problems.

The Services provided by the Group in this field include:

• Project related research and development
• Fault investigation
• Field and laboratory testing
• Model testing and analysis
• Engineering problem solving
• Post failure analysis
• Load and integrity testing
• Appraisal and interpretation of data and analysis
• Litigation support
• Acting as expert witnesses in litigation

We deal with problems experienced in most building and engineering materials including soils, concrete, masonry, timber, steel and other metals, tiles and ceramics. We have investigated such building and engineering elements as external tiles, renders and applied coatings; waterproof membranes and roofing; curtain wall structures; precast and insitu cladding; suspended ceilings; insitu floor finishes and screeds; service pipes; structural elements in buildings, bridges and water retaining structures and foundations.

Projects

Murray House Client: Shui On Building Contractors Ltd Structural , investigative and forensic engineering, materials testing and quality assurance services for the reconstruction of this mid 19th Century historic building. Duties included auditing the stored stones fo the granite facade, designing a tie-back system for the facade and advising on its reconstruction, designing and detailing a replica timber trussed roof to replace the original dismantled and decayed one.

Professional Materials Testing Client: Hong Kong Housing Authority Material science, quality assurance, project management, building structures, foundation, geotechnical, investigative and forensic engineering services to the HKHA in managing their Professional Materials Testing service.

Heritage Building, Shanghai Client: Sun Hung Kai Property Ltd Structural , investigative and forensic engineering, environmental services for the repair and cleaning of the masonry facede and the repair, strengthening and re-roofing of the timber roof construction of this early 20th century historice building.