Failure Investigations​
Independent engineering failure investigation services
Independent Engineering Failure Investigation Services
When a component, weld, structure or manufactured product fails, understanding why it happened is essential to prevent recurrence, reduce risk and support informed decision-making.
At WQ Inspection & Certification (WQiC), we provide independent engineering failure investigation services for manufacturers, fabricators, insurers, contractors and asset owners. Our experienced engineers and inspectors identify the root cause of failures using recognised inspection techniques, non-destructive testing (NDT), metallurgical assessment and technical analysis.
Whether the failure has occurred during manufacture, installation or in-service operation, we deliver impartial investigations backed by clear technical reporting.
What is a Failure Investigation?
A failure investigation is a systematic examination of a failed component or structure to determine the root cause of the failure and identify any contributing factors.
The objective is not simply to identify what failed, but to establish why it failed and provide practical recommendations to help prevent similar incidents in the future.
Investigations may involve individual components, welded fabrications, pressure equipment, structural steelwork, pipelines or complete assemblies.
Our Failure Investigation Services
Every investigation is tailored to the circumstances of the failure and may include:
- Visual inspection
- Non-destructive testing (NDT)
- Weld inspection
- Fracture and crack assessment
- Corrosion evaluation
- Dimensional inspection
- Material identification
- Metallurgical examination
- Review of fabrication procedures and documentation
- Assessment against applicable codes and standards
- Technical reporting with findings and recommendations
Our engineers combine practical inspection experience with recognised industry standards to deliver accurate, evidence-based conclusions.
Types of Failures We Investigate
WQiC supports investigations involving a wide range of engineering failures, including:
- Weld failures
- Structural steel failures
- Fatigue cracking
- Corrosion damage
- Material defects
- Manufacturing defects
- Fabrication quality issues
- Pressure equipment failures
- Mechanical component failures
- Heat affected zone (HAZ) cracking
- Service-related failures
Each investigation is approached independently, ensuring conclusions are based on factual evidence rather than assumption.
Industries We Support
We work with organisations across a wide range of sectors, including:
Structural steel fabrication
Construction
Manufacturing
Pressure equipment
Energy
Rail
Aerospace
Heavy manufacturing
Our Other Services
Welding Qualifications
Issuing welding qualifications in the UK for pressure equipment and other high integrity industries.
Mechanical Testing
UKAS-accredited laboratory providing mechanical testing for materials, components, and samples.
Thermal Cutting
Verify and demonstrate the effectiveness of your cutting procedures with annual thermal cutting tests carried out in accordance with BS EN 1090.
Drop-In Weld Bays
Fully equipped bays ideal for contractor testing and qualification. Located directly next to our lab for fast assessment & feedback.
Neville Davies
2023-05-12
Outstanding service, providing knowledgeable advice and delivering results in excellent time, would highly recommend.
Neil Smith
2021-04-30
Great team cheers lads
Robert Plant
2018-10-23
In a world where you need a reliable supplier who can support you through anything (if its an audit or working out why something isn’t working) this company is on the ball, I would even go as far to say for the last three years has been a pleasure trading with WQ Inspection & Certification Ltd.
As a medium sized manufacturer, we have found our quality of workmanship increased as they encourage us with best practices and support us with how to go about being proactive.
Industry Accreditations
Speak to Our Technical Team
If you require an independent engineering failure investigation, WQiC is here to help.
Our experienced inspectors and engineers will work with you to determine the cause of failure, provide clear technical evidence and deliver practical recommendations that support safety, quality and long-term reliability.
- 0121 505 2066
- admin@wq-ic.co.uk
- WQIC House, 23 Bagnall Street, Tipton, West Midlands, DY4 0EF