Max Alavi

PhD, PE, MASCE

Expert in Structural Failure, Seismic Analysis, and Heavy Infrastructure Disputes

Credentials & Certifications

Academic Degrees

Ph.D. in Structural Engineering
Double M.Sc. in Design of Foundations and Structures
B.Eng. (Honors) in Civil Engineering

Professional Licenses

Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.), California

Jurisdictions

Qualified for Expert Testimony in the USA and Internationally

Forensic Expertise

Dr. Max Alavi provides forensic structural and civil engineering services focused on the evaluation of structural performance, design adequacy, and construction-related failures across complex infrastructure and industrial projects. He supports attorneys, insurers, contractors, and public agencies in high-value disputes by delivering clear, defensible opinions grounded in advanced engineering analysis and field experience.

His work focuses on structural failure analysis, seismic performance, and the evaluation of construction practices, including temporary works, foundations, and heavy structural systems. Dr. Alavi is highly experienced in identifying design deficiencies, constructability issues, and performance failures under real-world loading conditions.

His areas of expertise include:

Structural failure analysis and root cause evaluation

Seismic analysis, retrofit, and earthquake performance

Bridge engineering, demolition, and staged construction analysis

Finite element modeling (nonlinear static and dynamic analysis)

Foundation systems and soil–structure interaction

Temporary works including shoring, falsework, and formwork

Heavy industrial and oil & gas structural systems

Design review and standard-of-care evaluation

Litigation support & Testimony

Dr. Alavi has extensive experience supporting legal counsel through all phases of dispute resolution, including forensic investigation, structural analysis, expert reporting, and technical review. He is recognized for his ability to explain complex structural behavior and failure mechanisms in a clear and defensible manner suitable for legal proceedings.

His litigation support experience includes:

Structural failure and design deficiency disputes

Construction defects involving structural systems

Bridge construction, demolition, and retrofit disputes

Seismic performance and retrofit-related claims

Change order and constructability disputes

Mediation, arbitration, and expert consultation

Commonly Litigated Structural Issues

Dr. Alavi is frequently retained on matters involving:

Structural Failures & Deficiencies

Collapse, distress, and structural instability
Design errors and inadequate load assumptions
Construction-related structural deficiencies

Seismic & Retrofit Issues

Earthquake damage and structural performance evaluation
Seismic retrofit design and implementation disputes
Code compliance related to seismic requirements

Bridge & Infrastructure Disputes

Bridge construction, staging, and demolition failures
Structural integrity during staged dismantling
Temporary works and construction support systems

Temporary Works & Construction Engineering

Falsework, formwork, and shoring failures
Construction staging and sequencing issues
Constructability and safety-related deficiencies

Heavy Industrial Structures

Structural systems for oil & gas and petrochemical facilities
Machinery foundations and dynamic loading issues
Industrial facility structural performance

Professional Profile

Dr. Max Alavi is a highly accomplished structural and civil engineer with decades of experience in the design, analysis, and construction of major infrastructure and industrial projects across the United States, Europe, and the Middle East.

His experience includes leadership roles on major bridge projects such as the Carquinez Bridge and San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge, as well as involvement in seismic retrofit programs, structural integrity assessments, and demolition engineering. He has also contributed to the development and verification of widely used structural analysis software, including SAP2000, SAFE, and ETABS.

Dr. Alavi combines deep theoretical expertise with practical construction experience, allowing him to evaluate complex engineering problems and provide robust, defensible opinions in high-stakes disputes.