Substantially rewritten and includes over 150 diagrams to illustrate the main principles. Provides a guide to the common causes of structural damage. Examines techniques for collecting evidence including desk study, visual inspection, distortion survey, testing and ground investigation along with advice on managing liability. Describes a wide range of investigative techniques covering most of the circumstances likely to occur in practice. Includes additional material on structural behaviour, initial appraisal, building types, the use of iron in buildings and the problems that occur in buildings built on clay.

Supersedes first edition published in 1991 by Gower.