A detailed understanding of failure mechanisms is essential to the practice of forensic engineering, the investigation of failures and other performance problems. This book clearly examines various types of failure mechanisms, including their causes and identifying characteristics, and provides a comprehensive collection of case histories. Diagnosis of building failures, including all aspects of construction, is provided, in addition to comparing and contrasting failure mechanisms across multiple disciplines. Emphasis is placed on performing engineering investigations including fieldwork, laboratory testing, research, formulating opinions, generating reports, and providing expert testimony. Topics include shelf angles, deck drains, thermal expansion, cracking, fatigue, fracture, overstress, unstable shoring, tempered glass, tower distress, sealant reversion, glazing system leaks, masonry/plank construction, frame shortening, zipper gaskets, handrail post deformation, sloped glazing slips, and floating walls.