Final answer:
Forensic engineers investigating a dam collapse would use crack monitors, Schmidt hammers, and other devices to analyze the concrete cracks.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is that forensic engineers would use a variety of instruments to study the cracked concrete of a collapsed dam. These instruments may include crack monitors to measure the width and growth of the cracks, as well as devices like a Schmidt hammer to assess the concrete's hardness.
To understand the pattern of cracking, they might reference the characteristics of mudcracks, which are typically wider at the top and narrow at the bottom. Engineers analyze these patterns to determine the orientation and conditions that led to the formation of the cracks.
When evaluating concrete failure, the role of materials such as the steel reinforcing rods is considered due to their similar coefficients of linear expansion to concrete.
Understanding the interaction between materials under different environmental conditions, such as temperature changes causing thermal stress, is crucial in forensic engineering. Additionally, historical examples of concrete structures, like Roman constructions, may provide insight into the longevity and resilience of concrete when assessing modern failures.