Abstract
In 2003 five balconies of an apartment building in Maastricht, the Netherlands, collapsed, resulting in two fatalities. The building was just completed.
Forensic investigations showed that detailing of the reinforcement in the precast concrete slabs of the balconies was questionable. Several design changes hampered clear force flow through the structural elements. Inappropriate design fixes were made after discovery of some cracks that could not avoid failure of a lower concrete ridge, resulting in a progressive collapse of the 5 balconies.
Profound investigation of this case showed various human and organizational factors, that might have contributed to the failure. A complex process, with several design changes and many involved parties increased the probability of failure. Furthermore, insufficient communication, inadequate checking and inadequate follow up to warnings were present.
This paper will give insight in technical causes of the failure and of contributing human and organizational factors. These underlying factors will be systematically studied, by using a theoretical framework.
Forensic investigations showed that detailing of the reinforcement in the precast concrete slabs of the balconies was questionable. Several design changes hampered clear force flow through the structural elements. Inappropriate design fixes were made after discovery of some cracks that could not avoid failure of a lower concrete ridge, resulting in a progressive collapse of the 5 balconies.
Profound investigation of this case showed various human and organizational factors, that might have contributed to the failure. A complex process, with several design changes and many involved parties increased the probability of failure. Furthermore, insufficient communication, inadequate checking and inadequate follow up to warnings were present.
This paper will give insight in technical causes of the failure and of contributing human and organizational factors. These underlying factors will be systematically studied, by using a theoretical framework.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | 20th Congress of IABSE, New York City 2019 |
| Subtitle of host publication | The Evolving Metropolis - Report |
| Pages | 2166-2172 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9783857481659 |
| Publication status | Published - 2019 |
| Event | IABSE Congress New York City: The Evolving Metropolis - The Javits Center, New York, United States Duration: 4 Sept 2019 → 6 Sept 2019 http://www.iabse2019.com/ |
Conference
| Conference | IABSE Congress New York City |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | IABSE 2019 |
| Country/Territory | United States |
| City | New York |
| Period | 4/09/19 → 6/09/19 |
| Internet address |
Bibliographical note
Accepted Author ManuscriptKeywords
- Forensic structural engineering
- Human
- Organizational factors
- Structural failure