Review of international research on structural robustness and disproportionate collapse

Tweet

Posted on: 7 October 2011
By: mackene
No Comments »
Filed under: News

This research report concludes an extensive international literature review into robustness and disproportionate collapse in structures undertaken on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government and the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure. The first element was an appraisal of the different building risk classification systems in use for different purposes around the world, appraising the merits and disadvantages of each. The second element of the study was a review of the basic design methods which could be used, namely prescriptive methods, alternative load path analysis, risk-based approaches, and key element-type local hardening or specific local resistance methods. Thirdly, consideration was given to the application of these approaches in the different codes, good practice guidance and other design material in use around the world, and conclusions drawn on deficiencies either in the design guidance or the underlying knowledge. Fourthly, specific consideration was given to the behaviour of different structural materials and the state of knowledge about each, including a brief discussion of the approaches currently in use for each material and the mechanisms of resistance available to the designer when designing for resistance against collapse. The fifth and final element of the study comprised a brief appraisal of the potential for learning from other areas of engineering such as nuclear, seismic, structural fire and offshore engineering. Conclusions from all five elements of the study led to 28 recommendations being made.

Read more online