Engineering Archives - Hawkins Forensic Investigation

Hawkins Welcomes Chemical Engineer Dr Stefano De Rosa

Chloe Duggan — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:27:59 +0000

We are delighted to welcome Dr Stefano De Rosa to Hawkins as an Associate, joining our Italian office in Rome in February 2026.

Stefano graduated from the University of Napoli Federico II, where he completed both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Chemical Engineering. Following this, he pursued a PhD in Engineering of Industrial Products and Processes, completing his thesis on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).

Throughout his doctoral work, Stefano explored a wide range of topics within fluid mechanics, including complex fluids, multiphase flows, combustion, and flame-induced deformation. His research spanned multiple industrial fields and involved modelling, solving, and analysing complex physical phenomena across varying process conditions. His findings have been published in several peer reviewed journals. After completing his PhD, Stefano spent time as a researcher at Sorbonne University in Paris, where he had previously undertaken a six-month visiting studentship.

We are pleased to have Stefano on board and look forward to the expertise, insight, and enthusiasm he will bring to the team.

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Congratulations – Hawkins Celebrates Employee Promotions

Chloe Duggan — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 07:30:12 +0000

It is with great pleasure that we announce a series of well-deserved promotions across our organisation.

Our newly promoted colleagues Ben Lister, Shimin Zhuang, Yang Dang, Ross Clarke, and Richard Baker, have consistently demonstrated outstanding technical expertise, professionalism, and a commitment to the highest quality standards. Their promotions recognise a sustained period of achievement across complex casework, advanced technical development, and active engagement in continued professional learning.

Beyond their case responsibilities, each has made significant contributions to the wider business, including leadership in Health & Safety, mentoring colleagues, and positively influencing best practice across their teams. Their strong performance in mentoring, diligence in maintaining quality standards, and sustained operational contribution have demonstrated the professionalism and quality that these roles require.

We extend our sincere thanks to each of them for their continued hard work, leadership, and positive influence across the business.

Please join us in celebrating the achievements of our newly promoted Senior Associates and Principal Associates. We look forward to their continued success and impact across the organisation.

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Hawkins Hosts Annual Spring Drinks Reception at The Whitworth Gallery

Chloe Duggan — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 13:18:02 +0000

Hawkins welcomed clients, colleagues, and industry professionals to our annual Spring Drinks Reception at The Whitworth Gallery in Manchester, bringing together guests for an evening of forensic insight, professional development, and networking.

Attendees were greeted with refreshments on arrival before settling in for a CILA accredited CPD presentation delivered by Hawkins’ sexperts and a guest speakers. Marketing Director and Chartered Civil Engineer Andrew Reeves opened the evening with an update on recent developments across the business, including:

Hawkins’ continued global expansion into Abu Dhabi, South Africa and Italy
The successful acquisition of A. Lamb Associates and Morham + Brotchie Partnership, strengthening our quantum and delay expertise
The expansion of Hawkins’ multidisciplinary team, now over 150 forensic experts supporting clients across more than 70 specialist disciplines

Forensic CPD: From Collapse to Cleanup

Our CPD presentation, From Collapse to Cleanup, guided attendees through a real-world, multidisciplinary forensic investigation. The session explored the structural failure and collapse of a racking system, followed by the clean‑up of potentially hazardous materials. It also examined a related personal injury incident involving a slip on a wet surface during remediation.

Presenters included Hawkins experts George Jackson, Claire Mann, and Ian Tatner, and quantum expert, Nigel Jackson of ALA , supported by guest contributor Mike Clementson of Claims Care Consultants

Interactive Exhibits & Networking

Following the presentation, guests enjoyed a networking reception with flowing drinks and canapés. Attendees explored a series of real-life casework exhibits, immersed themselves in a VR fire investigation experience, and took part in interactive demonstrations – including the popular “guess the accelerant” scent challenge and hands-on use of the pendulum slip-resistance tester featured in the presentation.

Hawkins extends its thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of the evening. Information about future events can be found here.

Thank you to everyone who joined us. Details of our upcoming events can be found here.

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A Structure is Only as Strong as its Weakest Link

Matthew Carrington — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 15:41:10 +0000

Construction projects of all kinds, over a wide range of scale, require structural engineering design input to direct the way they are built. The structural engineering design is almost always implemented in conjunction with architectural design, other specialisms, and the knowledge and skills of the contractor and specialist sub-contractors.

Civil and structural engineering design is a complex field where many engineers are highly qualified, with professional accreditations from engineering institutions after several years of industry experience, following a university degree. However, there is no safeguard against less qualified or less experienced people also trading as civil or structural engineers.

This article discusses the typical aspects of structural engineering design that are required in most construction projects. It includes case studies investigated by Hawkins, where the action of the structural engineering designer could be at fault.

“The strength of a structure depends on the strength of its elements and the way they are joined together.” – Gustave Eiffel

Weak Links

Some building faults might be related to issues with the structural engineering design, or omissions in it. Others may be due to the actions of other parties in the design or construction team, or faulty materials. The design process for each project must consider all the potential modes of failure of the structure. Any one thing could be missed in the design process and cause an issue with the performance of a building. Sometimes, a combination of circumstances needs to coincide to cause a failure. Almost every construction project is a prototype due to the varying combinations of building shape, location and formation of the team performing the work. The following sections describe five links in the structural engineering design chain.

1. Design Issues

It is possible for a structural engineer to completely design the strength and stiffness of the individual elements for the structure but miss a wider issue that can lead to damage or failure.

For example:

The lateral sway stability of part of a building can be reduced by replacing the vertical support from a solid masonry wall with a steel beam;
Loads on a gravity retaining wall at a change of level of external ground that were not allowed for in the design can occur if drainage is not detailed (Figure 2);
Overall structural capacity can be exceeded if a whole category of loading is omitted, such as wind or snow load.

2. Site Issues

There are cases where the design might have considered the typical scenario for the type of structure they designed, but there was something different on site that they did not allow for.

For instance:

If a designer assumed that a wall was a cavity brick/block wall, when it was in fact a solid stone wall, then the wall would be heavier than assumed. A beam installed to create an opening and support the wall could then be overloaded;
A wall that was retaining higher ground could collapse if the rest of the building that was providing lateral support to the wall was removed without considering the interaction (Figure 3);
The effect of a row of small trees on building foundations movement can be greater than the individual trees;
Different ground conditions can have more or less aggressive reactions to the concrete they are in contact with. The wrong mix of concrete might look suitable initially, but in aggressive ground conditions, it can degrade over time.

3. Calculations

Sometimes, the structural designer can miscalculate their designs.

Examples might include:

An assumed length of a beam was not updated in the design calculation when the length of the opening was longer than first planned;
In a structural assessment, the engineer might have used the material properties for normal density concrete when the element was lightweight or aerated concrete, which can only provide lower strengths;
In computer aided design, using finite-element modelling or calculation sheets prepared by a software company, the wrong input for the situation being built can lead to an understrength member. This might arise from one wrong tick in a box within the software options.

4. Stages of Design

There have been cases where the structural engineer provided sufficient design information for a preliminary stage of the design, such as submission to building control, to gain approval for the project to proceed. Then, the client or contractor did not go back to the engineer to ask for detailed design and construction details, or did not correctly apply the submitted preliminary design.

These cases have included:

Where relative positioning between structural members and their supports was critical to the building performance, but the individual member capacity design was sufficient to pass the building control plans check;
Where the order of construction would be critical to the capacity of the structural members. During construction, an unrestrained steel beam would have considerably less capacity to carry vertical loads until it was restrained by the floors to both sides (Figure 4);
Often, changes that appear to make the building simpler to construct can introduce complications to the way they would perform. The changes would need further structural design and could cause a problem if the designer had not been notified.

5. Missing Design

We have investigated cases where an item was overlooked as needing civil or structural engineering design. This can occur at interfaces between specialist contractors’ responsibilities:

i. Roof vents (Figure 5);
ii. Cladding boards (Figure 6).

These will likely perform satisfactorily in normal conditions but might not be sufficient for high winds or rain. This would likely present in the failure of several of the same items. Identifying the fault early might allow the rest of the items to be remediated.

Failures can exhibit a range of states of distress and at different times in the life cycle of a building.

The questions which must be considered when investigating the root cause of the failure will vary with the scenario, including:

Was the designer provided all the necessary and correct information?
Should the designer have found out the correct information by looking into the situation more than relying on drawing or reports they were provided?
Was there information that the designer needed to show in more detail to a competent contractor?
Was there a coordination responsibility to make sure the correct information was provided?
Should a competent contractor have given feedback to the designer that the situation was not as allowed for in the design?
Did the client appointment limit how much the designer could do in any of these aspects?

In some cases, we have been able to advise that urgent action needed to be taken to avoid further damage occurring. This can save people spending time in a position of danger looking for material damage or conducting intrusive investigations that might tip the situation further towards collapse.

“The best design is the simplest one that works”. – Albert Einstein

Conclusions

Sufficient structural engineering design relies on considering all the relevant design issues and all the particular conditions on the site. The structural engineer must complete the design calculations correctly and present the construction information clearly to the contractor. Greater levels of detail are required for the construction issue of the structural drawings than for the building control submission. That is a situation where misunderstandings can arise. Also, there are proprietary and peripheral items related to construction that might not be part of the scope of a structural engineering appointment but would have benefitted from a review by a structural engineer.

How can Hawkins Help?

Hawkins’ Built Environment team can review when something has gone wrong and assess the relevant specialism or party that might have contributed to the issue. Professional experience is important in engineering, including experience of investigation.

About the Author

Jolyon Antill is a Chartered Civil Engineer based in our Reigate office. Graduating with a first-class Master’s Degree in Civil and Structural Engineering, Jolyon has 27 years of design consultancy experience.

His range of industrial and commercial project design work includes new builds, renovations, and structural surveys, both in the UK and overseas. Jolyon also has extensive experience in regional civil and structural engineering consultancies working on educational, residential, leisure and commercial projects. If you have a civil or structural issue and need Jolyon or one of the team to investigate, please contact us.

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Hawkins International Webinar Series

Chloe Duggan — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 15:53:49 +0000

From April to June 2026, join experts from across Hawkins as they host our International Webinar Series, featuring specialists from our global office locations.

This series covers a wide range of topics, including material and mechanical failures, lithium‑ion batteries, bridge forensics, bolted connection failures, and risk in indoor climbing.

For webinar details and to register, please see below.

If you would like further information on each webinar before registering, simply click on the titles. Our events page provides details of other Hawkins events that you may find of interest.

Forensic Investigation of Materials and Mechanical Failures in MENA

Presented by Dr Tom Peat

Thursday 16th April 2026 at 9.30am BST

Mechanical Engineer Dr Tom Peat will explore Hawkins’ forensic investigation capabilities across the Middle East and North Africa, with a particular focus on materials and mechanical failures relevant to legal disputes and insurance claims. He will outline how metallurgical analysis, failure reconstruction, and engineering forensics are applied to determine causation and support liability assessments within the energy, infrastructure, and industrial sectors.

An Introduction to Bridge Forensics

Presented by Eng Phin

Thursday 30th April 2026 at 9.30am BST

In this webinar, Structural Engineer Eng Phin introduces the fundamentals of bridge forensics, with a focus on pre‑stressed concrete (PSC) bridges – one of the most common bridge types in Hong Kong and worldwide. The session covers key topics including structural systems, failure modes, and common investigation techniques.

A Bolt From the Blue: Why Bolted Connections Can Unexpectedly Fail

Presented by Patrick Walsh

Thursday 14th May 2026 at 9.30am BST

Civil Engineer Patrick Walsh will examine the most frequent design and installation errors in bolted connections that can lead to unexpected failures. The session will highlight how issues such as incorrect surface preparation, improper bolt pre‑tensioning, and misunderstandings of bolt behaviour can significantly increase the risk of structural failure.

Lithium Ion Batteries: Chemistries, Failures and Fire

Presented by David Reid Rowland

Thursday 28th May 2026 at 9.30am BST

In this webinar, mechanical engineer and forensic expert David Reid Rowland draws on two decades of investigative experience to demystify how lithium ion batteries work, why they fail, and what makes their fires so destructive and difficult to extinguish. He also explores real-world examples involving consumer products, marine cargo, and electric vehicles, highlighting the importance of regulation, protective systems, and safe handling practices.

Forensic Insights: Uncovering Failures in Mechanical Systems

Presented by Albert Law

Thursday 11th June 2026 at 9.30am BST

In this webinar, Mechanical Engineer Albert Law explores the forensic engineering approach applied to mechanical systems such as air‑conditioning units, pumping systems, fans, and other mechanical equipment. Attendees will gain an understanding of how mechanical failures are investigated, the methodologies used to identify root causes, and the role of forensic analysis in improving system reliability and safety.

Climbing: Lets Tie in & Consider the Risks

Presented by Jason Buchwitz

Thursday 25th June 2026 at 9.30am BST

In this presentation, Materials Engineer Jason Buchwitz will explore the construction and characteristics of indoor climbing walls, review trends in climbing-related accidents, and examine existing risk reduction measures, while considering which risks are unavoidable elements of the sport.

We look forward to presenting to you.

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Forensic Investigation of Materials & Mechanical Failures in MENA

Chloe Duggan — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 14:52:44 +0000

In this presentation, Mechanical Engineer Dr Tom Peat will explore Hawkins’ forensic investigation capabilities across the Middle East and North Africa, with a particular focus on materials and mechanical failures relevant to legal disputes and insurance claims.

He will outline how metallurgical analysis, failure reconstruction, and engineering forensics are applied to determine causation and support liability assessments within the energy, infrastructure, and industrial sectors.

The post Forensic Investigation of Materials & Mechanical Failures in MENA appeared first on Hawkins Forensic Investigation.

An Introduction to Bridge Forensics

Chloe Duggan — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 14:52:18 +0000

Bridges are designed for long service lives, often 100 to 120 years, and must remain safe and reliable throughout their lifespan. While a bridge may appear to be a straightforward structure enabling transportation, its performance has a direct impact on economic activity and the daily lives of the communities that rely on it. At the same time, bridges are frequently located in challenging environments and subjected to heavy loading, both of which can accelerate deterioration.

In this webinar, Structural Engineer Eng Phin introduces the fundamentals of bridge forensics, with a particular focus on Pre‑Stressed Concrete (PSC) bridges – one of the most common bridge types in Hong Kong and around the world. The session covers key topics including structural systems, typical failure modes, and widely used investigation techniques.

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A Bolt From The Blue: Why Bolted Connections Can Unexpectedly Fail

Chloe Duggan — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 14:51:44 +0000

Bolted connections are one of the most common points of root‑cause failure in steel structures. Although the overall strength and reliability of a steel structure depend heavily on the performance of its connections, these critical details are often treated as secondary and may receive limited attention during design.

In this webinar, Civil Engineer Patrick Walsh will examine the most frequent design and installation errors in bolted connections that can lead to unexpected failures. The session will highlight how issues such as improper bolt pre‑tensioning, incorrect surface preparation, and misunderstandings of bolt behaviour can all significantly increase the risk of structural failure.

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Forensic Insights: Uncovering Failures in Mechanical Systems

Chloe Duggan — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 14:50:45 +0000

In this webinar, Mechanical Engineer Albert Law explores the forensic engineering approach applied to mechanical systems such as air‑conditioning units, pumping systems, fans, and other mechanical equipment. You will gain an understanding of how mechanical failures are investigated, the methodologies used to identify root causes, and the role of forensic analysis in improving system reliability and safety.

The session will highlight common failure modes, key diagnostic techniques, and lessons learned from real‑world cases. This presentation will introduce the fundamentals of mechanical breakdowns and demonstrate how informed design and maintenance practices can help prevent future incidents.

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Stefano De Rosa

Kirsten Beckwith — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 14:56:57 +0000

Stefano si è laureato in Ingegneria Chimica con lode all’ Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II sia alla triennale che alla magistrale. Poi ha fatto un dottorato in Ingegneria dei Prodotti e Processi Industriali presso la stessa università con una tesi in fluidodinamica computazionale (CFD). Ha ottenuto il titolo di dottore di ricerca nel 2025.

Durante il suo dottorato, Stefano ha studiato una vasta gamma di argomenti di meccanica dei fluidi (tra cui fluidi complessi, flussi multifase, combustione e deformazione di materiali sotto l’effetto di fiamme), inerenti a vari ambiti industriali. Si è occupato di modellazione, soluzione ed analisi di fenomeni complessi, sfruttando approcci differenti e investigando varie condizioni di processo, pubblicando i suoi risultati in giornali scientifici di settore.

Dopo aver completato i suoi studi, ha passato un breve periodo come ricercatore all’Università Sorbonne a Parigi, dove aveva già passato sei mesi in visita durante il suo dottorato, prima di cominciare la sua carriera da ingegnere forense.

Stefano si è unito ad Hawkins a febbraio 2026 come Associato nell’ufficio Italiano di Roma.

LINGUE

Stefano parla fluentemente Italiano, Inglese, Francese e Spagnolo.

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