Uncovering the Ground Truth.

When structures fail, the consequences can be costly, disruptive, and sometimes dangerous. Determining the why behind those failures requires more than guesswork — it requires a systematic, science‑based approach. At Sandia Geotechnical Services (Sandia GEO), our Forensic Geotechnical Investigations provide the clarity engineers, property owners, and legal teams need to understand what went wrong and how to move forward.

What is a Forensic Geotechnical Investigation? 

A forensic geotechnical investigation is a detailed study of soil and subsurface conditions to identify the causes of structural or site failures. By combining geotechnical engineering, geology, and forensic analysis, we uncover the factors that contributed to issues such as:

• Building settlement or foundation failure

• Roadway or pavement distress

• Landslides and slope instability

• Disputes over construction practices or site conditions

Our Process

We follow a rigorous, step‑by‑step methodology to ensure reliable results:

1. Initial Site Assessment – Review existing reports, site history, and stakeholder input.

2. Field Investigation – Conduct soil sampling, borehole drilling, and monitoring as needed.

3. Laboratory Testing – Analyze soil properties including classification, moisture, density, and shear strength.

4. Data Analysis & Modeling – Compare actual soil behavior with expected performance to identify discrepancies.

5. Reporting & Recommendations – Deliver a clear, comprehensive report with findings, conclusions, and remediation strategies.

When required, our team can also provide expert testimony to support litigation or dispute resolution.

Challenges We Solve

Forensic investigations often involve complex conditions, limited prior data, and tight timelines. With 25+ years of experience in New Mexico and Arizona soils, Sandia GEO brings the regional expertise and technical depth needed to navigate these challenges and deliver dependable results.

Why Choose Sandia GEO?

• Proven Expertise – Decades of geotechnical and forensic investigation experience

• Unbiased Assessments – Clear, evidence‑based findings you can trust

• Regional Knowledge – Specialized understanding of Southwest soil conditions

• Support in Litigation – Comprehensive documentation and expert testimony when needed

When the stakes are high, you need answers you can trust. Contact Sandia Geotechnical Services today to discuss a Forensic Geotechnical Investigation and gain the clarity needed to resolve structural or site failures with confidence.