Expert Services
Our depth of in-house expertise means we can effectively manage your expert service matters across the entire construction and structural spectrum.
SJA is a leading provider of independent expert services, specialising in the provision of construction related expert witness services to owners, contractors, subcontractors and law firms for the purposes of litigation, arbitration, adjudication and mediation proceedings across all construction and infrastructure related sectors.
Our Expert Services team have assisted in the resolution of some of the largest construction related disputes in Australia and major disputes internationally. The expertise we bring comes from decades of hands-on experience delivering major building, construction and infrastructure projects.
SJA’s experts commit to the highest levels of integrity, quality and objectivity, delivering detailed analyses in a clear and concise manner and are committed to supporting clients with accurate, unbiased opinions allowing them to objectively assess their position and ultimately achieve optimum results and outcomes.
SJA’s experts are adept and experienced in providing their evidence in the form of written reports and oral evidence under examination before the appointed dispute resolution tribunal in all jurisdictions across Australia and other alternate dispute resolution processes.
Our team provides these services globally. In all states and territories of Australia, New Zealand and internationally.
Service Offering
At SJA, our Expert Forensic Structural Engineers provide independent, evidence-based analysis and expert testimony to resolve complex structural disputes and failures.
SJA’s Expert Forensic Structural Engineering division combines over 100 years of collective experience with the resources of a leading global construction services firm. Our team of highly qualified independent testifying experts brings unparalleled depth to forensic structural engineering, from structural failure analysis to seismic assessment.
Service offering;
Expert Witness Services
- Expert reports for all court jurisdictions
- Conclave services and joint reports
- Litigation support and testimony
- Mediation and arbitration services
- Adjudication proceedings
- Insurance claim assessment
Structural Compliance and Code Review
- National Construction Code compliance verification
- Australian and New Zealand Standards assessment
- International standards compliance (where applicable)
- Design verification and peer review
- Construction quality assessment
Structural Failure Analysis and Investigation
- Design inadequacies and code non-compliance assessment
- Construction defects and tolerance issues
- Fabrication faults and material failures
- Structural performance evaluation
- Failure causation analysis
Specialised Structural Analysis
- High-rise building design and defects
- Post-tensioned and prestressed concrete structures
- Steel structures and connection failures
- Temporary works and formwork failures
- Basement and excavation support systems
- Retaining walls and ground retention
Seismic Engineering Specialisation
- Expert evaluation of seismic design compliance
- Earthquake-resistant design verification
- Forensic assessment of seismic-related insurance claims
- Expert review of post-earthquake damage evaluations
- Structural integrity assessment following seismic events
- Remediation strategy evaluation
- Review of strengthening proposals and methodologies
Forensic delay and disruption analysis involves investigating delays within construction projects for the purpose of resolving disputes. This process aims to identify which delay events significantly impacted project completion and to uncover the underlying causes behind these events.
Forensic assessment and expert witness services are vital in addressing delays and disruptions, especially in construction and legal contexts. Our team of professionals meticulously analyse and report on the causes and impacts of delay and disruption issues, aiding stakeholders in navigating disputes.
SJA, specialise in delay and disruption, providing impartial testimony in legal proceedings, aiding in arbitration, mediation, and litigation. Our objective assessments help achieve fair resolutions and ensure efficient project management. Ultimately, our delay and disruption services promote transparency, accountability and resolution in complex situations.
As a leading provider of independent expert services, specialising in the provision of construction related expert witness services to owners, contractors, subcontractors and law firms for the purposes of litigation, arbitration, adjudication and mediation proceedings across all construction and infrastructure related sectors, our team is available to assist you with:
- Delay analysis
- Disruption analysis
- Forecasting costs to completion
- Productivity analysis
- Extension of time assessment
- Schedule analysis
- Auditing of program sequencing
- Expert witness advice
- Expert witness testimony
In the realm of expert services, particularly regarding delay cost quantum, forensic assessment and reporting, expert witness services play a pivotal role in dispute resolution.
Delays can lead to significant financial implications, and being able to accurately quantify these costs requires specialised expertise and meticulous analysis. SJA’s in-house team of professionals in this field meticulously investigate and evaluate the various factors contributing to delays, employing specialised methodologies to determine the financial impact with precision.
Through comprehensive forensic assessments, our experts are able to provide our clients with detailed reports that offer clarity and insight into the monetary ramifications of delays. This expert service enables stakeholders to navigate legal proceedings and dispute resolutions with accuracy and confidence.
As a leading provider of independent expert services, specialising in the provision of construction related expert witness services to owners, contractors, subcontractors and law firms for the purposes of litigation, arbitration, adjudication and mediation proceedings across all construction and infrastructure related sectors, our team is available to assist you with:
- Delay analysis
- Disruption analysis
- Forecasting costs to completion
- Productivity analysis
- Extension of time assessment
- Schedule analysis
- Auditing of program sequencing
- Expert witness advice
- Expert witness testimony
Detecting potential issues early in a project’s planning stages and at key milestones is paramount for ensuring successful execution. These issues encompass a spectrum of challenges, including technical hurdles with tools and systems, concerns about deliverable quality, deviations in project schedules, and cost overruns.
Within SJA’s expert services domain, our experts focus lies in forensic assessment, rigorous reporting, and providing expert witness testimony, particularly in the context of project delivery challenges.
SJA’s seasoned professionals bring a wealth of experience and technical acumen to the forefront, meticulously dissecting every facet of the project lifecycle to unveil root causes, identify discrepancies, and establish accountability. With a meticulous eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to impartiality, our team navigate through the complexities of project management, unraveling intricacies that may contribute to delays, budgetary discrepancies, or compromised quality.
As a leading provider of independent expert services, specialising in the provision of construction related expert witness services to owners, contractors, subcontractors and law firms for the purposes of litigation, arbitration, adjudication and mediation proceedings across all construction and infrastructure related sectors, our team is available to assist you with:
- Delay analysis
- Disruption analysis
- Forecasting costs to completion
- Productivity analysis
- Extension of time assessment
- Schedule analysis
- Auditing of program sequencing
- Expert witness advice
- Expert witness testimony
At SJA our Expert Services cover a wide range of forensic assessments, reporting and expert witness provisions tailored to address various critical matters in the construction industry. Our team specialise in defect inspections and reporting to accurately quantify necessary remediation works.
SJA’s seasoned experts thoroughly analyse each aspect of a defect claim and are able to provide clients with detailed reports and an effective guide with resolution strategies.
From identifying structural deficiencies to assessing material inconsistencies, our team ensures a comprehensive understanding of issues for informed decision making and to streamline remedial processes.
Our reports not only outline contributors to setbacks but also provide actionable recommendations for future risk mitigation. Committed to excellence, our Expert Services provide reliable guidance through forensic assessments and project management challenges with industry leading expertise and precision.
As a leading provider of independent expert services, specialising in the provision of construction related expert witness services to owners, contractors, subcontractors and law firms for the purposes of litigation, arbitration, adjudication and mediation proceedings across all construction and infrastructure related sectors, our team is available to assist you with:
- Defect inspection and reporting
- Delay analysis
- Disruption analysis
- Forecasting costs to completion
- Productivity analysis
- Extension of time assessment
- Schedule analysis
- Auditing of program sequencing
- Expert witness advice
- Expert witness testimony
Our Experts
Mark Lincoln
Managing Director & expert - quantum & commercial
Mark has over 30 years of experience in the building, construction, engineering, rail, infrastructure and defence industries successfully providing commercial and contracts management direction and support in respect of a wide range of construction and service-based projects.
Mark has demonstrated success implementing operational and commercial project turnarounds, preparation and negotiation of claims (including insurance claims) and the resolution of disputes. He has also been involved in the preparation of or independently as appointed expert prepared expert reports in relation to time and quantum, to a variety of owners and contractors engaged in capital works programs located in Australia, Asia and Europe.
Steve Abbott
Founder & Construction Expert - delay, quantum, quality & process
With 42 years’ experience in the building, construction and engineering industries, Steve has provided expert services on some of the largest building, construction and engineering projects across Australia together with major projects in New Zealand, Macau, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and the United Kingdom.
Steve is an accomplished construction expert specialising in the areas of forensic delay analysis, disruption analysis, quantum, quality of product and construction process / project delivery. He has provided expert witness services in relation to Arbitrations (including International Arbitrations), Expert Determinations, Mediations and has authored expert reports and testified in most legal jurisdictions including the Supreme Courts of New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria.
Tim Hoare
SENIOR ADVISOR & EXPERT - STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
Tim is a highly experienced Structural Engineer with over 26 years’ experience in the engineering and construction industries. He is an accomplished Structural Engineering expert in areas of design inadequacies and code non compliances, fabrication faults and construction defects.
Tim has provided expert witness services in relation to litigation and mediation and has authored expert reports in NSW and Victorian court systems and testified in NSW.
Maurice Bitar
Senior Advisor & expert - Structural Engineering
Maurice is an experienced Structural Engineer with over 23 years’ experience in the engineering and construction industries. He has extensive knowledge of the current standards and designs.
Maurice has been involved in many major structural projects in commercial, retail, defence, age care, and residential. He has extensive knowledge in design of reinforced concrete, post tension concrete, precast, structural steel, composite steel and masonry.
Maurice is chartered and registered on the National Engineers Register and an active member of the Institute of Engineers Australia. He is an experienced at preparing expert reports and is a testifying witness.
Maximilian Benz
Quantum Expert
Maximilian is a Lexology Index Recommended quantum expert and Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors with considerable experience in the building and construction industry encompassing the Middle East, Asia and Oceania.
Maximilian has been appointed in international arbitration proceedings through to the final phase of cross examination, with his expertise being drawn from working with professional quantity surveying consultancies, contractors and owners. The last nine years of Maximilian’s focus has been on expert witness and expert advisory matters.
Maximilian has developed knowledge through working on numerous iconic projects globally in the leisure, power and utilities, commercial, retail, rail, oil & gas and aerospace sectors. These projects range from office fit out’s to multibillion-dollar funded airports.
Maximilian has provided expert witness and advisory services, conducting quantum analysis of project data and accounts to provide advisory and expert witness reports on matters in dispute. His experience includes; estimation of damages and estimation of construction, assessment of change, contracts management, assessment of prolongation, assessment of disruption and assessment of employer/owner claims.
Maximillian has worked with numerous contract forms i.e. FIDIC, NEC, JCT, PSSCOC, Bespoke etc, providing commercial, contractual and tendering advice including and development of estimates from concept design to detailed design. This entails working solo and/or in teams to strategies on ideas and thoughts to plan and organise development projects, claims and other matters.
To date, his geographical experience includes Australia, Algeria, Bahrain, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, Malta, Mongolia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, the Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the Republic of South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.
Dr Masoud Moghaddasi
Structural Engineering Advisor and Expert
Dr. Masoud Moghaddasi is a Chartered Professional Structural Engineer with over 15 years of specialised experience in structural engineering. He has contributed to the successful delivery of complex projects across the Commercial, Residential, Rail Infrastructure and Industrial sectors, offering deep insight into structural performance, construction practices and failure mechanisms.
His international career, which includes work in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Southeast Asia, provides a broad perspective and strong command of regional codes, particularly the Australian and New Zealand Standards. This underpins his rigorous approach to code compliance and forensic analysis.
Dr. Moghaddasi is an expert in investigating structural failures and construction defects caused by gravity, wind, and seismic loads, ground movement and thermal effects. His advanced knowledge of seismic engineering, supported by academic research and field experience, enables him to deliver clear, defensible expert opinions for legal, insurance and government clients.
He is registered on the Australian National Engineering Register (CPEng) and is a Chartered Member of Engineering New Zealand.
Zdravko Kuruzović
dELAY eXPERT
Zdravko is a seasoned Delay Expert with over 14 years of experience in planning, project controls and forensic delay analysis. He began his career in EPCM project planning, contributing to complex mining, oil and gas, process plants, power plants and infrastructure developments across Africa, before specialising in forensic delay analysis.
Appointed as a delay expert in numerous formal disputes, Zdravko has also supported expert witnesses in preparing detailed analysis and reports. His work spans multiple industries and contract forms, including FIDIC, NEC, JCT and bespoke agreements.
Fluent in multiple languages, Zdravko combines technical proficiency with strong analytical skills to deliver objective, high-quality advisory and expert witness services. His expertise includes delay estimation, entitlement apportionment, disruption and prolongation assessments and owner / employer claims evaluation.
Zdravko is known for his attention to detail, adaptability and commitment to client outcomes, qualities that have consistently led to successful legal determinations and established long-term client relationships.
Kieran Sweeney
State Manager, VIC & Expert - Quantum
Kieran Sweeney is a seasoned Quantum Expert drawing on over 30 years of experience in the construction industry. His expertise has evolved through key roles as Senior Commercial Manager, Senior Quantity Surveyor and First Principles Estimator. He is an AIQS Certified Expert and a Chartered Construction Manager recognised by the CIOB.
Kieran has contributed to a wide array of sectors, including transport, mining, water, oil and gas, as well as commercial and residential developments. He is frequently engaged to conduct forensic quantum analysis and has authored numerous code-compliant reports for major arbitrations, adjudications (incl. SoPA) and litigation proceedings.
With a career spanning both project-level civil construction and consultancy advisory, Kieran brings practical and technical insight to every stage of a project. His experience across Ireland and Australia includes the preparation of detailed analyses, comprehensive reporting and strategic support for contractual matters. He applies his specialised knowledge of resource based estimating and quantity surveying to infrastructure projects, often serving in expert advisory roles on technical, commercial and contractual issues.
John Archer
Senior Advisor & expert - Quantum
John Archer is a Senior Advisor at SJA Construction Services with over 18 years of international experience across the UK, Australia, and East Asia. A qualified Quantity Surveyor and Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, John specialises in contract management, commercial advisory, and quantum analysis on major infrastructure and engineering projects.
He has held senior roles across sectors such as rail, oil & gas, mining, chemical plants, water, residential and healthcare, with a strong focus on claims preparation and dispute resolution. Now based in Sydney, John provides expert services with a particular emphasis on quantum matters and strategic claims advice, drawing on his hands-on experience with both contractors and subcontractors.
Chris Hodges
Regional Manager, WA & expert - delay
Chris Hodges is a construction expert with over 30 years of comprehensive, hands-on experience across all phases of the project lifecycle from feasibility and planning through to execution, close-out and dispute resolution.
Chris brings a practical, solution-focused approach to both project consultancy and expert advisory roles, providing impartial delay and disruption analyses for contractors, owners and legal teams. He also advises on claims preparation, helping clients assess case strengths and communicate effectively.
Chris’s expertise spans multiple sectors, including infrastructure, marine, mining, oil & gas and commercial construction. He is highly regarded for his deep knowledge of planning and programming, and he regularly leads teams in project planning, controls and performance improvement.
Having frequently been engaged to address complex issues involving delay, disruption and project recovery, Chris has served as both a Consulting and Independent Expert, delivering objective, detailed reports and analyses in support of claims, adjudications, mediations and litigation proceedings.
Our Leads
Rob Foster
GENERAL MANAGER & expert - delay
Rob is a project planning & programming professional with over 30 years’ experience providing innovative planning and scheduling advice for live projects and forensic analysis of delays and disruption in project delivery.
Tim Stevens
Regional MANAGER, New south wales & expert - delay & quantum
Tim is a professionally qualified commercial manager whose broad experienced has been gained over a 30-year career in the Australian and UK construction industries.
Tim has extensive experience in the commercial leadership, management and administration of large projects across a wide range of sectors including transport infrastructure, commercial, defence, education, health and retail. gc
Ben Marshall
General Manager & expert - project management
Ben is an accomplished Project Management professional with over 23 years’ experience and has successfully delivered construction projects of varying types and sizes throughout the United Kingdom, the Middle East and Australia.
He has gained an in-depth knowledge of the development and construction process through his repeated exposure to the whole of life cycle on numerous projects including large mixed-use, retail, commercial, education, residential and hospitality projects.
He has a great contractual and commercial understanding, excellent stakeholder management skills and brings a strong track record in project planning and approvals, procurement of consultant teams and works contractors to deliver the best project outcomes. His technical skills are complemented by a strong ethic towards collaborative project environments and optimising project outcomes.
Scott Patten
regional manager , new zealand & expert - quantum & commercial
Scott is an RICS qualified Chartered Quantity Surveyor and Commercial Mediator with over 20 years’ experience in the engineering, defence and construction industries. He has a depth of expertise in all facets of contractual agreements, ranging from main contract to design and service agreements.
He has worked across multiple geographic locations including the United Kingdom. United Arab Emirates, Australia and New Zealand.
Scott has prepared expert reports across infrastructure, commercial, defence and mining sectors and has worked on matters including change control, risk management, insolvency, preparation/negotiation and resolution of disputes.
Tim Sherwood
Senior Advisor & expert - Quality
Tim specialises in construction defects providing advisory services, performing building inspections and, where there are claims in relation to alleged construction defects, providing Independent expert reports under instructions from legal advisors retained by owners or contractors. With his industry experience and intimate knowledge of the BCA and its associated compliance requirements.
Tim has prepared many independent expert reports which have been used as evidence in legal proceedings. Tim is also an experienced testifying expert having provided oral evidence that has been examined before the New South Wales and Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunals. Tim has also prepared detailed expert reports in relation to large scale defect claims before the Supreme Court of New South Wales.
Jeanne Zhang
SENIOR ADVISOR & EXPERT - COMMERCIAL & QUANTUM
Jeanne has over 17 years’ experience in the commercial management and contract administration of construction projects. Jeanne has supported the delivery of many projects across a broad range of industry sectors across Australia.
Jeanne is skilled in providing commercial support, quantum analysis and reporting for projects in building, infrastructure, mining and civil sectors and has worked on matters including dispute resolution, adjudication, arbitrations and expert determinations.
Lionel Poustie
state manager, northern region
Lionel is an experienced and proven senior manager in ASX-listed businesses and privately-owned organisations in the construction, manufacturing and mining industries.
Lionel has worked internationally and across Australia, specialising in developing business process improvements and implementing practical solutions to complex issues.
Chris Gray
Regional Manager & Expert - Commercial & Quantum
With over 15 years of experience in the construction industry across the UK and Australia, Chris has worked in both consultancy and contractor roles across sectors including transport, infrastructure, environmental remediation, energy, and building. He has held positions with major contractors and consultancies, developing expertise in commercial and contract management, claims, project auditing, and change control.
Chris has supported project delivery under a range of procurement models, including design and construct, construct-only, and framework agreements. He has worked on high-value infrastructure and remediation projects, providing both hands-on commercial support and input into independent expert reports. His varied project experience and academic background in quantity surveying and construction underpin his ability to support commercial outcomes in complex environments.
Karl Payne
Senior Advisor & expert - commercial & quantum
With more than 27 years’ experience in the building, construction and engineering Industries, Karl has worked in roles as a quantity surveyor and senior commercial management within some of the largest construction organisations in Australia and the United Kingdom.
Karl has assisted with the preparation of expert reports for adjudication applications and responses involving both time and cost with contractor’s, subcontractor’s, and clients.
Kevin Siggers
Senior Advisor & Expert - Commercial & Quantum
Kevin has over 30 years’ experience in the building, construction and engineering industries with extensive experience in road and rail infrastructure projects. Kevin has played an instrumental role in many major projects in roles including quantity surveyor, managing quantity surveyor, program managing quantity surveyor, commercial manager and contracts manager.
Kevin has extensive experience in expert analysis and reporting for infrastructure projects and has worked on matters including authoring claims (EoT, Delay and Disruption, latent condition) and variations for major contractors, claim preparation, claim reviews and responses, dispute resolution process papers and responses on rail metro infrastructure.
