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Newsletter No 31 - July 2013
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Report Overview
The deadly collapse on 24th April of an eight storey building in Dhaka is believed to be the worst that there has ever been when there has been no external force. There were over 1,100 deaths and more than 1,000 serious injuries. Higher mortality figures have occurred in disasters from earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, floods and from terrorist action at the World Trade Center in New York, but in Dhaka there was no such external factor. Total collapse of a large part or of all of the structure with floors pancaked on top of each other left a dreadful pile of reinforced concrete and masonry debris. Progressive collapse describes what occurred but the sheer scale of this happening to a major building and its occupants is a horrifying reminder of the magnitude of the forces with which we deal. In due course it is hoped that there will be formal reports with in-depth analysis to give insights into what went wrong. The critical importance of structural safety has been tragically highlighted by this disaster. There are subscribers to the Newsletters in many countries and reports are submitted from some of them. In this issue are one from Australia and one from SE Asia which describe events which could happen anywhere and the lessons that can be learned are universal. Other reports concern near misses, and concerns which could be the precursors to more severe incidents. Two of the reports, concerning structural steelwork are being considered by BCSA (British Constructional Steelwork Association) and as a result they will be providing new guidance. The success of the CROSS programme depends on receiving reports, and individuals and firms are encouraged to participate by sending concerns in confidence to http://www.structural- safety.org/ how-to-report/
Overview of Reports in this Newsletter
337 Falsework collapse during slab pour in SE Asia
There was a partial collapse of falsework on a project in Southeast Asia. He says that during a pause in a slab pour of a post tensioned slab with band beams, a collapse of the supporting falsework occurred across an area of approximately 300 m2. A forensic investigation led to the discovery of a multitude of errors with regards to falsework design and construction.
360 Adjacent excavations in Australia
In parts of Australia, says a reporter, deep excavations in clay and sandy materials have caused damage to adjacent property and to existing buildings founded on high level footings. Additional regulations have been introduced, but these difficulties continue.
336 Modifications to balustrades in a shopping centre
A reporter was asked by a fabricator about balustrades on a balcony at an existing shopping centre. A previous contractor had repaired the balustrade and replaced glass infill panels but additional work was needed. The reporter was concerned that the balustrades would not stand up to the currently required loadings.
378 Stability of tenants' mezzanine
A reporter is concerned about structures where cold-rolled sections depend upon the chipboard for their lateral torsional restraint, and to act as a horizontal diaphragm.
339 Further concerns about competence
A reporter carries out steelwork connection design for fabricators. This involves using the output of the consulting engineer responsible for the frame design and specification of joint force. He says that he commonly identifies problems with the incoming design.
340 Nuts falling from tension glazing system
A reporter says that he was asked to look at an office building containing glass curtain walling where a steel nut had fallen from the walling into the atrium area below. The walling comprised up to four storeys of large glass panels supported by secondary steelwork running vertically. The secondary steelwork was formed from tension rods arranged in X-shapes stacked vertically, and screwed in to cast components. These cast components in turn connected to clamps to the corners of each glazing panel.
349 Error in proprietary design program
It has been noted, says a reporter, that a current package for pad foundation design has no factor of safety against overturning, returning a "pass" for unfactored loads and a utilisation ratio of 1.
278 Hoarding incident
A reporter says that under high, but not severe, wind loads a portion of timber hoarding failed and struck site personnel.
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