A robust expert opinion has three prerequisites:

• a sound, detailed knowledge of the subject area of expertise, in this case, structural engineering
• extensive experience in the application of the expert knowledge
• to be well practiced in prosecuting the technical facts supporting the opinion

Expert opinions may be sought in cases of structural damage, or to develop arguments for resolution of building disputes

Areas typically addressed by opinions include:

• type and extent of damage or construction fault
• technical assessment of the fault or damage
• risk evaluation
• options for remediation works 

Expert opinions will be written Under Instruction, which instruction may be revised as the expert's opinion develops.

The Expert may be retained to assess conformance of remediation works to the required solution..

SUSTAINABILITY:

The ability to maintain a defined system in its fully operational state for a specified period of time

Acheiving Sustainability

1. Define the system to be maintained

       a. precise engineering definition

        b. scope, purpose

        c. interactions, inputs, outputs

2. Define the purpose of the system

         a. initial purpose, operational purpose, final purpose

         b. fully operational

               i) stable

               ii) incrementing

               iii) oscillating

         c. partially operational

               i) causes

               ii) consequences

              iii)  remediation

          d. identify required KPIs

3. Maintenance

          a. measure and report

          b. required tasks of the system

          c. system KPIs

                   i) performing well

                   ii) in distress

         d. identify remediation required for each distressed KPI

         e. corrective action

                   i) identify and remove causes of KPI distress

4. Time duration

Ensuring Sustainability

The application of sustainable practices necessarily implies the activation of corrective actions when sustainability is recognised as being under threat.

Non-linear analysis of reinforced concrete provides higher design strength values, with a higher certainty, when compared to standard linear 'rectangular stress block' methods.

Post-yield ductility characteristics are also provided, very important in earthquake design.

Ultimate reserve load capacity is also defined, which is very useful in defining risk profiles in structural failure analysis.

Analysis methods are available for both beams and columns, and for circular, rectangular and 'T' section profiles.