REVIEW OF BUILDING DESIGN SYSTEMS AND PROBLEMATIC STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS INHIBITING PROGRESSIVE COLLAPSE

Authors

  • Graeme McKenzie
  • Bijan Samali
  • Chunwei Zhang

Keywords:

Implosion, Building Systems, Progressive Collapse, Problematic Elements

Abstract

To design for blast or ballistic loadings a structure is or has been subjected to, a designer needs
to be fully aware of all aspects of normal building design systems that will be confronted as well how the
mechanism of collapse will or has occurred. Some structures, depending on how they are designed or
constructed, possess inherent structural problems that can impede collapse. In the case of a controlled
demolition (implosion) prior to the use of explosives RC stairwells should be removed, RC facia with windows
removed, all internal cladding and ceilings removed and internal shear walls used to accommodate wind
loadings demolished. RC floors should be weakened by removal of sections of the concrete floor matric thus
allowing for the formation of plastic hinges when the tensile forces in the floors shift to the reinforcing steel
causing it to yield. Everything possible must be done to facilitate collapse and allow gravity to assist in the
process. With an uncontrolled demolition (implosion) many factors are unknown during the design process and
assumptions must be made. In this case based on past events, explosives and charge weights used must be
assumed in advance of an event but nevertheless the design engineer must produce a design that facilitates a
delay in collapse long enough for those caught inside the structure to escape to safety. Understanding building
design systems in relation to possible collapse and problematic structural elements that could possibly inhibit
such collapse are imperatives in designing for and against explosive demolitions.

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Published

2019-01-30

How to Cite

Graeme McKenzie, Bijan Samali, & Chunwei Zhang. (2019). REVIEW OF BUILDING DESIGN SYSTEMS AND PROBLEMATIC STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS INHIBITING PROGRESSIVE COLLAPSE. GEOMATE Journal, 16(53), 215–221. Retrieved from https://geomatejournal.com/geomate/article/view/2863

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