Forensic Investigations

Forensic Investigations

Our forensic work is not limited to technical investigations, maintenance, complex issue resolution, heritage building restoration, and asset planning. Capacity Engineering Limited frequently assists parties to construction and construction warranty disputes. Condominium Corporations, lawyers, insurance companies, contractors, and developers are examples of clients who entrust their situation to our firm. We have built a strong reputation for technical excellence and rock solid reliability; clients who come to us for forensic engagements tend to return with a wide variety of engagements, from their more significant disputes, through to routine design and maintenance works.  Every situation is unique, but the technical facts always lead to the truth of the facts: Even if our findings do not always favour the clients position, the clear neutrality of our reporting as a Friend of the Court shines through; as a result, our reports have routinely supported favourable settlements, fitting the situation faced by the client.  


We have developed relationships with numerous insurers, lawyers, and other major stakeholders, with their teams continuing to bring their forensic disputes to us for professional engineering support. CEL specializes in expert witness testimony for cases surrounding structural engineering, building envelope and fenestration deficiencies. CEL has been involved in many hundred of forensic investigations for our clients over the past five years. We use the fundamentals of physics and code understanding in order to develop a strategy for the client, typically involving a high quality investigation and detailed report. Our support to lawyer deposition and cross examination planning has been strongly praised and which continues to attract repeat clients of litigators across the country.


Forensic Investigations tend to be sensitive in nature and as a result, limited information regarding these engagements is provided.


Forensic Investigation History


  • 55-Storey Condominium Tower Forensic Investigation - Toronto
  • Condensation deficiencies
  • Water penetration deficiencies
  • Stack effect issues
  • Glass breakage and Nickel Sulphide Inclusion


  • 24-Storey Condominium Tower Forensic Investigation - Ottawa
  • Failure of HVAC plumbing system structural failure
  • Failure of 6th floor exterior pool podium
  • Balcony guard rail deficiencies
  • Water infiltration deficiencies
  • Parking garage water membrane failure


  • 4-Storey Condominium Building Forensic Investigation - Ottawa
  • Foundation efflorescence and rising damp investigation
  • Shear wall cracking investigation
  • Roof water ponding review
  • Review of parking garage water infiltration


  • 5 Building Development Forensic Investigation - Calgary
  • Fenestration deficiencies


  • Long Term Failure Modes & Reuse Forensic Investigation – James Hope & Sons Building, Ottawa


  • Forensic Reports and Structural Remediation for Multiple Custom Homes - Ottawa


  • Blast Damage Forensic Investigation – Birks Building, Ottawa


  • Heritage Masonry Veneer Collapse & Repair - Numerous Heritage Buildings, Ottawa 


  • Tornado Damage Investigations - Numerous Tornado Impacted Buildings, Ottawa 


  • Active Collapse of Masonry Veneer - 10 Storey residential tower, Ottawa
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