
Forensic Analysis of Ground/Structure Damage
Forensic engineering is the study of why a certain structure or feature failed or why a problematic condition occurred. MEA staff have extensive experience with geoforensic investigations. These investigations are best undertaken by experienced, well qualified engineers.
Field Services Commonly Provided Include:
- Damage Mapping
- Structure Mapping
- Exploration of Ground Conditions
- Field Testing of Subsurface Conditions

Groundwater Monitoring/Seepage
The effects of groundwater seepage on levees, dams, impoundments, open and underground excavations, temporary water retaining structures, etc. can be very problematic and result in failure if not investigated, observed, addressed, and/or remediated. Moreover, field monitoring of dewatered areas such as in karst and underground mine works can be necessary to assess ground stability. Supplementing laboratory data and documented construction/mining information with survey data of the existing surface elevations and in-situ testing is sometimes required to fully analyze the conditions.
Groundwater site testing and analysis often includes:
- In-situ Hydraulic Conductivity and Permeability Testing
- Exploration of Ground Conditions
- Piezometer/Monitoring Well Installation and Testing
- Porewater Pressure Measurement
- Groundwater Sampling

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) or Borehole Radar
Ground Penetrating Radar, or GPR, is traditionally used on the ground surface to detect utilities and underground tanks or structures, and classify subgrade materials. MEA performs surface GPR surveys. At MEA, we have also developed a crosshole radar system that is used to detect and assess the presence of mine voids. For more information, see our Project Investigation Bulletin on Borehole Radar Use.
- Mine Void Detection
- Sinkhole Detection
- Pavement and Subbase Thickness
- Utility and Underground Tanks or Structure Locating
- For more information, see our Technical Bulletin on Borehole Radar Use.

Surface Seismic/Electric Resistivity
Under certain conditions, both seismic (refraction and reflection) and electric resistivity surveys have been used to assess subsurface conditions. For example, for the depth to bedrock, karst conditions, and the presence of mining may be assessed using these techniques. Therefore, these services can be offered for the following:
- Karst Condition Assessment
- Bedrock Depth Determination
- Presence of Underground Mining

Investigation of Existing Mine Conditions
The existing mine conditions are investigated when establishing the risk of mine failure and to understand the potential grouting requirements. In order to accomplish these objectives on abandoned mines, MEA provides the following services:
- Boring Inspection by Experienced Staff
- Core Drilling
- Borehole Camera Inspection
- Mine Water Sampling
- Borehole Radar Verification of Mine Map

Mine Subsidence Investigation
MEA has executed numerous investigations of mine subsidence and the associated damage. MEA’s staff have extensive experience in forensics, and therefore are well suited to distinguish subsidence damage from damage from other causes.
Field Services and monitoring services MEA provides are below:
- Field Mapping of Subsidence Features
- Damage Mapping
- Manometer and Level Surveys of Ground and Structure Movements
- Inclinometer Surveys

Geotechnical Subsurface Investigations
Geotechnical subsurface investigations are conducted to identify the soil profiles, groundwater levels, and any concern with the subsurface conditions. These investigations involve sampling soils and rock in order to determine their properties using our in-house laboratory. In order to achieve these objectives, MEA provides the following services:
- Field Inspection by Experienced Staff
- Drilling and Sampling
- Soil and Rock Laboratory Testing
- Groundwater Monitoring
- Test Pits

Coal Impoundment Facilities
A by-product of the mining process is large amounts of water-suspended solid waste, called tailings. The construction and continued performance of coal impoundment facilities is highly regulated and required monitoring.
MEA’s Field Services:
- Drilling and Sampling of the Subsurface Conditions
- Installation of Piezometers and Inclinometers
- Periodic Inspection of Impoundment Conditions
- Monitoring of Piezometric Levels
- Monitoring of Inclinometer Measurements

Pavement Investigations
MEA has performed a significant number of investigations related to the performance of existing concrete and asphalt pavement systems. These investigations could be related to maintenance or quality control issues or from premature pavement failure.
Field services MEA provides:
- Pavement Damage Mapping
- Core Drilling of Pavement Materials and Subgrade
- Falling Weight Deflectometer Testing (FWD)
- Heavy Weight Deflectometer Testing (HWD)
- Ground Penetrating Radar Profiles
- In-Situ California Bearing Ratio (CBR) Tests
- In-Situ Plate Bearing Test