Failure analysis typically includes a technical evaluation of a failed product, structure, or component to determine the actual cause of the failure. The objective is usually to determine whether the failure can be attributed to design, material, or manufacturing problems or to misuse.

• Collapse of a three-story department store with 14 fatalities.
• Collapse of a steel system building used as an agricultural pavilion.
• Failure of an epoxy coating at a wastewater treatment plant.
• Identification and correction of moisture infiltration problems through roofs, walls, and floors of buildings
• Anti-skid brake failure on an ambulance.
• Failure of a PVC pipe fitting in pressure service.
• Failure of a high-temperature limit switch on an appliance.
• Failure of a high-pressure "mud" hose on an oil well rig.

      In failure analysis work, the engineers often make the use of the databases, codes and standards of organizations such as those listed on Accident Investigations page, as well as the National Association of Corrosion Engineers.

      The engineers supplement their own measurements and calculations when appropriate by obtaining the services of qualified testing laboratories such as Southwest Research Institute, Trinity Engineering Testing Corp., and Radian Corporation.