Destructive Testing Evaluations
Sovell Investigative Testing and Consulting (SITC) has conducted and participated in hundreds of destructive testing (DT) evaluations. When an investigation reaches the point where destructive analysis is required, it is critical that testing is performed by a team with the experience, technical expertise, and procedural discipline necessary to accurately evaluate existing conditions.
Standards-Based, Defensible Evaluations
SITC performs destructive testing evaluations in accordance with industry-recognized ASTM standards to ensure findings are clear, reliable, and legally defensible, including:
- ASTM E1188 – Collection and preservation of information and physical evidence by a technical investigator
- ASTM E860 – Examination and preparation of items that are or may become involved in civil or criminal litigation
These standards establish strict protocols for:
- Evidence handling and preservation
- Documentation of existing conditions
- Notification of interested parties
- Witness participation when testing may alter or destroy evidence
Inspection Openings & Field Documentation
Destructive evaluations typically involve progressive inspection openings, requiring the careful removal of wall materials to expose concealed conditions. Because each layer may be altered or destroyed during the process, SITC ensures that:
- An experienced investigator is present during testing
- Each step of the process is documented
- Evidence is preserved to the greatest extent possible
- All actions are performed in accordance with litigation-aware procedures
Why SITC
With SITC, destructive testing evaluations are conducted methodically, transparently, and in accordance with accepted forensic practices. Our approach ensures that findings can be relied upon for:
- Failure analysis
- Insurance and legal proceedings
- Dispute resolution
- Corrective repair planning
The result: conclusions that are technically sound, clearly documented, and defensible.
