Forensic structural engineering and construction cost examination: current problems and solutions

Abstract

On September 30 – October 1, 2021, National Science and Practical Conference “Forensic Structural Engineering and Construction Cost Examination: Current Problems and Solutions” was held at the National Research Moscow State University of Civil Engineering. In the plenary reports, speakers presented the results of in-depth and detailed studies on the appointment and performance of forensic structural engineering/construction cost examinations in the course of criminal, civil, arbitration and administrative litigations, as well as the practice of using special civil engineering knowledge and knowledge in the field of pre-trial real estate valuation. The speakers identified and analyzed new trends in the development of these areas of forensic expertise. The speakers drew attention to the growing need for professional knowledge in the field of pre-design surveys, construction, operation, renovation and reconstruction of buildings and structures in operation, as well as the regularities governing the generation and transformation of market and other real estate values. The speakers drew attention to the increasing variety of forensic examinations currently conducted by employees of both public and non-public forensic institutions. The speakers also focused on the professional training of forensic experts, various forms of their training and professional advancement, the required level of teaching theoretical, procedural, organizational and methodological fundamentals of forensic examination, development of practical examination skills and demonstrating their consistency and results in expert opinions.
 The conference speakers addressed the most relevant issues of construction cost examinations which are essential when the cadastral value of real estate facilities is contested in court and when causes, conditions, circumstances and the mechanism of accidents, failures, and casualties in the course of construction and operation of construction facilities are identified. Hence, the most relevant problems of forensic structural engineering and construction cost examinations were considered, and the most effective solutions were developed.