What is the key difference between 'as-built' drawings and 'as-found' conditions in forensic inspection?

• A. As-built shows design intent; as-found documents actual field condition, including modifications and deformations after events.
• B. As-built reflects modifications after events; as-found is the original design.
• C. As-built and as-found are identical.
• D. As-built focuses on materials, as-found on geometry.

Answer: (A)

In forensic inspection, you distinguish between what was intended in the design and what actually exists in the field. As-built drawings document the constructed reality: the final geometry, installed components, and any changes that occurred during construction. They record how the structure ended up, including modifications made along the way. As-found conditions describe what you observe on site at the time of inspection, capturing the present state, including any damage, deformations, repairs, or alterations that occurred after construction or due to events. The best answer captures that as-built reflects design intent realized in the built form, while as-found shows the actual field condition, including post-construction changes and deformations.