Abstract
Disasters regarding buildings and civil construction works have a significant impact on society, not only because of material losses but due to the impact generated for eventual victims, which can cost their lives, their physical and psychological well-being, and their resources. From this point of view, judicial demands are discussed not only in civil, labor, and social security, but also in the criminal sphere. Thus, Forensic Engineering through Diagnostics procedures has proved to be a great ally in clarifying to the Court technical issues related to the causes o and the responsibilities of the event. Hence, the present work aims to show the aspects observed when investigating a collapse occurred in a public health establishment, applying the principles of Diagnostic Engineering with scientific method in a Forensic Investigation. In addition, the feasibility of a non-destructive, cheap, and easy-to-perform test with the use of phenolphthalein to determine the depth of carbonation of the concrete was also validated, indicating damages in the structure. On the other hand, administrative and engineering management aspects were also identified that would characterize the non-compliance with the duty of care, characterizing a causal link with the harmful results arising from it.