Areas of Work:
• Civil, Structural & Geotechnical Engineering.

Professional Associations:
• Chartered Engineer registered with the Engineering Council
• Member of the Association for Consultancy and Engineering
• Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers
• Member of the Society of Construction Law
• Member of the Society of Expert Witnesses
• Graduate Member of the Institution of Structural Engineers

Listings:
• The Expert Witness Directory (formerly The Law Society Directory of Expert Witnesses) (since 1999)
• The UK Register of Expert Witnesses (since 1998)

Geographical Areas of Work:
• England, Scotland, Wales, Channel Islands.

Areas of Expertise include:
• Building subsidence related to trees, drains etc.
• Foundation settlements
• Building superstructure defects.
• Foundation defects including piling.
• Damage caused by building works.
• Highway drainage and levels.
• Monitoring of building movements.
• Landslip and slope stability.
• Building drainage. Land drainage.
• Flooring Problems
• Personal Injury investigations

Investigation and Report Services

Robert Cowan has many years experience with investigations into Civil, Structural and Geotechnical Engineering problems. His clients include Loss Adjusters, Contractors, Insurance Companies, Solicitors, private clients etc.

Investigations usually follow the discovery of structural defects. A visit is made to carry out a thorough inspection and take records of damage present. This is followed by an initial report setting out preliminary views and often recommending further investigations or monitoring. Those investigations may take the form of geotechnical sampling and testing or opening up areas to check on the structure. Monitoring of cracks using digital measuring equipment is often supplemented by level monitoring of foundations with precise optical equipment. More detailed reports and advice follow with future action as required. By carrying out a full analysis of the problem remedial works can be tailored to minimise the cost and extent of those works.

Expert Advisor/Expert Witness Services

It is not unusual for the above services to lead into these more specialist requirements. Expert Witness services have been a major part of Robert Cowan’s workload since 1982 with experience in a wide variety of cases. The majority of instructions are received from Solicitors, Insurance Companies, Loss Adjusters and Local Authorities and in recent years cases have been evenly split between Claimants, Defendants and the role of Single Joint Expert.

Robert Cowan is experienced in giving evidence in Court. However he believes that constructive discussions with other Experts and the achievement of joint lists of agreements/ disagreements on technical issues can often lead to settlement of a case without the need for this.

Upon receipt of a new instruction, Robert Cowan will normally carry out a critical assessment of the documents and prepare an initial report in order to provide a prompt appraisal of the situation. This is usually followed by appropriate inspections, investigations and research leading to a detailed technical report. Where appropriate the report will be prepared in accordance with the CPR rules. A pro-active approach is taken at all times and balanced assessments are given.

History and Future

Robert Cowan graduated from University College London in 1969. After a 3 year Indentured Engineer training with an international Contractor, he was employed between 1972 and 1979 as a Senior Engineer with Consulting Engineers, working in Uganda, Kenya, London and Southampton.

In 1979 he set up the practice of Robert Cowan Partnership and in 1998 formed Robert Cowan Associates Ltd to create new opportunities for future growth. As Managing Director he led a team of 15 staff operating from offices in Fareham, Hampshire and Cowes, Isle of Wight.

In July 2005 Robert Cowan stepped down from his role as M.D. of Robert Cowan Associates Ltd and formed Robert Cowan Ltd in order to specialise in Investigation, Report, Advisory and Expert Witness services.

Continuing Professional Development:

Robert Cowan keeps up to date with current procedures and standards by regularly attending seminars, conferences, training courses and meetings in addition to study of appropriate technical literature.

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Robert Cowan Limited
The Studio
8 Hamble Close
Warsash
Southampton
SO31 9GT

Telephone: 01489 577221
Fax: 01489 577221

Registered Office:
Station House
North Street
Havant
PO9 1QU
Registered No: 05472023