Engineering Failure Analysis & Root Cause Investigation

This 4-CEH course presents a structured civil-engineering approach to investigating infrastructure and construction failures, identifying causal factors, determining root causes, and developing corrective actions. Failure is treated broadly, including distress, serviceability problems, premature deterioration, construction nonconformance, recurring defects, drainage or hydraulic deficiencies, field incidents, and performance that falls short of a defined requirement.

The course emphasizes evidence-based engineering judgment. Learners move from an observed adverse condition to a defensible explanation by preserving field evidence, reconstructing project history, testing competing hypotheses, distinguishing mechanism from cause, identifying failed controls, and connecting verified causes to corrective action.

The course is framed for civil, transportation, and construction engineering practice and concludes with a 10-question multiple-choice final examination. A score of 70% is required to pass, and retakes are permitted until passed.