ASA counts contractors, architects, concrete experts, and many others among its construction experts.  Most are professionals and/or private consultants; a number of them are professors at prominent universities.

Our experts are often referred to law firms engaged in construction defect litigation or to insurance companies attempting to remediate construction problems alleged in homeowners' claims.

Architecture
ASA's architectural experts, members of the American Institute of Architects, can examine all aspects of the construction planning process, from architectural standards to production of construction documents to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) design standards.

Building Codes & Permits

Concrete Construction
Problems with concrete (a mix of cement, sand, crushed stone, gravel, and water) can have destructive consequences, as expressed in cracked foundations and resulting structural instability.

Contamination / Environmental Issues
Geotechnical engineers, geologists, chemists and others investigate both small-scale and large-scale (Superfund) ground contamination. 

Electrical Power & Wiring
This critical area of sub-contracting, with all its attendant safety concerns, is addressed by electricians and electrical engineers.

Equipment & Machinery
Safety, failure, and proper use of construction equipment  are investigated by these experts who are often mechanical engineers.

Fire Protection Engineering
Defined by the National Fire Protection Association as "the science of reducing loss of life and property by fire, including both fire extinguishment and fire prevention."  These are experts in sprinkler, halon, and other anti-fire systems.

Framing
The framing of structures is an elemental topic in construction, touching on everything from wood/timber quality to structural integrity concerns to the burgeoning use of steel framing in residential construction.

General & Sub- Contracting
The partitioning of responsibility between general building contractors and sub-contractors and the definition of their respective duties is a major concern in construction claims and subsequent litigation.

Geotechnical Issues
Soil mechanics and engineering geology are some of the issues that geotechnical engineers and related experts deal with.

Grading
See soil compaction & subsidence issues below.

Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC)
A wide-range of concerns can be tackled by these experts, among them: Proper design and installation; gas, steam, and high-pressure piping; boilers, heat exchangers, and pumps; "sick building" syndrome; and sprinkler systems.

Landscaping

Piping & Plumbing
These experts examine large- and small-scale piping/plumbing issues, including leakages, blockages, and defects in piping workmanship and materials.

Project & Site Management
Experts in this area address the duties and responsibilities of construction/contracting managers.

Roofing & Waterproofing
Roofing and waterproofing experts address water intrusion at all points of entry into structures. 

Safety
Alleged and actual safety problems are often addressed in construction litigation, especially as pertains to OSHA and Cal/OSHA regulations and California's Title 8 Construction Safety Orders.

Seismic Reinforcement
In earthquake-prone regions, attention to seismic safety in construction is critical.

Experts in seismic reinforcement can examine quality of construction relative to current standards and codes.  In addition, these experts (some are civil and structural engineers) can address how to fix actual and potential earthquake-related problems, from sliding failures (when a building slides off its foundation) to bridge column steel casing retrofits to the use of seismic base isolators.

Soil Compaction & Subsidence Issues
Excessive soil compaction can result in poor drainage.  Soil (land) subsidence can have deleterious effects on structures, causing cracked slabs and floors, improperly aligned doors, and structural problems.

Soil problems are commonly caused by improper grading when land is prepared for construction.  Whether soil is removed or fill is added, the resulting land isn't compacted or balanced properly.  In certain tracts, insufficient attention to watershed and drainage issues can be a problem, too.

For more information on construction-related areas of expertise in engineering, visit the sections on mechanical engineering and structural and civil engineering.  

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