Image Credit: Avigator Fortuner/Shutterstock.com While every concrete structure demands maintenance every so often, sometimes this go-to construction material abruptly cracks, chips off, becomes discolored, corrodes or even fails to support crucial structures. When there is a serious and unexpected problem with concrete, forensic experts with backgrounds in engineering and construction materials can use microscopy, chemical analysis and other methods to describe the mechanisms behind the damage. Their analyses may identify bad elements in the concrete mix, mistakes from contractors, contaminants or various other factors that have negatively impacted integrity and/or appearance. The findings of these investigations can be used to address the problem, prevent it later on, or identify a liable party.