Expert Civil, Heavy, Underground Construction:
Site Inspection Services

In the world of construction, what happens underground often determines the success—or failure—of an entire project. When disputes arise or infrastructure fails, it’s not always easy to pinpoint the cause. That’s where civil, heavy, underground construction site inspections come in. At Discovery Experts, we provide the clarity clients need when the stakes are high. Whether it’s a failed directional drilling installation, a sewer collapse under a city street, or an equipment accident in a utility trench, our team is equipped to evaluate what went wrong and why. We specialize in expert inspections that not only uncover the facts but also hold up in courtrooms, mediation, and regulatory reviews. Our focus? Delivering objective, code-compliant, and technically sound analysis for legal professionals, insurers, and construction stakeholders.

Civil heavy underground construction site inspection with utility trench and field engineer

Why Underground Construction Inspections Matter

Think about it—would you drive over a bridge if you weren’t sure it had been inspected properly? The same logic applies beneath our feet. Civil, heavy, and underground construction plays a hidden but vital role in modern infrastructure. From gas lines to water mains, fiber optic systems to storm drains, these systems must function safely and meet strict compliance requirements.

Unfortunately, these projects often encounter issues that aren’t immediately visible: misaligned pipes, unstable soil, improper trenching, or vaults that weren’t built to spec. And when those problems surface—sometimes literally—it often leads to costly disputes, regulatory fines, or even injuries.

This is where third-party inspection becomes essential. Whether it’s verifying installation quality during construction or investigating a failure afterward, our services provide an impartial, detailed look at what’s beneath the surface. These inspections are especially valuable when legal action is on the horizon.

At Discovery Experts, we know the codes, the materials, the methods—and most importantly, how to explain complex findings in clear, credible terms that judges, juries, and regulators understand.

Our Areas of Expertise in Heavy and Underground Site Inspections

From utility conflicts to boring mishaps and structural vault failures, we’ve seen it all. Here’s how we help uncover the truth in some of the most technically demanding parts of construction.

Utility and Pipeline Inspections

Trenching, Boring & Directional Drilling Reviews

Vaults, Manholes, and Substructure Analysis

Heavy Equipment and Site Operation Hazards

Expert Testimony and Legal Support

An inspection means little if its findings can’t stand up in court. That’s why Discovery Experts combines engineering know-how with the ability to communicate clearly and persuasively as expert witnesses.

Our reports are more than just technical documents—they’re litigation tools. We structure them for clarity, backing up every conclusion with evidence, applicable codes, and professional opinion. This helps legal teams build stronger cases, whether in mediation, deposition, or trial.

We’ve testified in complex cases involving:

  • Directional drilling failures that struck unmarked lines
  • Utility vault collapses blamed on substandard construction
  • Pipe-bursting operations that caused foundation cracks
  • Trench collapses resulting in worker injury


Our team is experienced with civil litigation, insurance claims, and regulatory hearings. If you’re looking for expert support, consider our Construction Litigation & Expert Testimony Services

Our Inspection Process and Technology

We approach each inspection with methodical precision. It starts with document review: plans, specs, change orders, safety logs. From there, we plan a site assessment using tools tailored to the project’s needs.

Our capabilities include:

  • Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) for subsurface scanning
  • Structural load testing for vaults and manholes
  • Drone imaging and 3D modeling
  • Soil density and compaction testing
  • Utility locates and CCTV pipe inspections

Each inspection culminates in a report that includes diagrams, photos, and a step-by-step breakdown of findings. We use plain language without compromising technical accuracy—making our reports equally accessible to attorneys, adjusters, and engineers.

We also ensure chain-of-custody for any physical evidence or data collected on-site. Read more about our Trial and Deposition services.

Why Discovery Experts Is the Right Choice

When you’re dealing with an underground construction issue, it’s not enough to know what happened—you need to prove it. That’s where we excel.

Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Licensed engineers and certified experts across multiple disciplines
  • Decades of experience in forensic construction consulting
  • Trusted by attorneys, insurers, and municipalities nationwide
  • Rapid response times and clear, actionable reporting
  • Fully defensible, court-admissible findings

     

We’re not just technicians—we’re storytellers of the built environment. And we know how to translate technical truths into legal clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What projects need expert underground inspections?

Any infrastructure project involving utilities, deep excavation, or specialized construction methods may require expert review—especially when failure, delay, or injury occurs.

Are these inspections usable in legal cases?

Absolutely. Every inspection is performed with evidentiary standards in mind. Our reports and expert opinions are frequently used in litigation and claims.

How fast can you inspect a site?

We’re structured to respond quickly, especially when litigation or regulatory deadlines loom. We also offer virtual consultations to scope urgent needs.

What do you need to begin an inspection?

We typically request construction drawings, site photos, safety logs, and any relevant contracts or reports. The more complete the documentation, the faster we can proceed.

Discovery Experts has provided Construction Case Review services for such firms as:

Southern California Edison Co.
Vast Networks (CVIN)
Quinn Caterpillar (California)
Vermeer Corporation
Salvation Army
City of Oceanside, CA
City of Glendale, CA
City of Santa Monica, CA
City of Inglewood, CA
City of Kansas City, MO
Gulf & Ship Island R/R Co
Tri-Pointe Homes
Rutan & Tucker Law
Ciancio Ciancio Brown Law
Franko Moroney LLC
Grant Genovese & Baratta LLP
Bullivant Houser Bailey PC, Attorneys
Long & Delis Law
Schumann Rosenberg LLP
Bush & Ramirez PLLC

Book a Civil, Heavy, Underground Construction Inspection Today

If you’re facing a construction dispute or investigating a project failure, the sooner you get expert eyes on the situation, the better. Discovery Experts provides trusted, experienced, and litigation-ready inspections that dig beneath the surface—literally and legally.

Request a Consultation.