This guide is intended as a foundation for other E58 Committee standards that are focused on specific technical disciplines, for example Guide E2493.

The emphasis of this guide is on the practice of forensic engineering in the United States, though elements of practice in other countries may be similar. Commercial use of the terms "engineer" and "engineering" are regulated by state and federal law; this document uses these terms only to describe a technical discipline, and not to confer title or status. Courts may decide that individuals with qualifications other than those described herein can testify as experts in forensic engineering.

Certain forensic engineering investigations of incidents and claims may be related to the behavior or condition of one or more physical systems, or the manner in which they were used. These investigations may also be related to compliance inspections, subrogation, litigation, and other activities. It is important to note that some incidents may be considered alleged, particularly when objective proof of their occurrence is not apparent.

Suggested additional readings are listed in Appendix X1.