Investigation of L'Ambiance Plaza Building collapse in Bridgeport, Connecticut

Culver, Charles G.; Scribner, Charles; Marshall, Richard D.; Yokel, Felix Y; Gross, John L.; Yancey, Charles W C

doi:10.6028/nbs.ir.87-3640

Cited by 9 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 1 publication

(1 reference statement)

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“…Among other reasons, improper design of post-tensioning tendons and questionable weld details and substandard welds contributed to the progression of damage in the structure (Culver et al, 1987;Cuoco, Peraza, & Scarangello, 1992;Martin & Delatte, 2000).…”

Section: Historical Eventsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Robustness-Based Optimal Progressive Collapse Design of Reinforced Concrete

Praxedes Silva Neto

2023

Preprint

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Progressive collapse of structures is a cascading failure phenomenon with a failure consequence that is disproportionate to the direct damage of an initiating event. The Ronan Point Building collapse in 1968 triggered the start of research on disproportionate progressive collapse in building structural engineering. Intense research was followed after the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building bombing in 1995 and the disastrous collapse of the World Trade Centre after aircraft strikes. Progressive collapse has essentially two distinct features: system- rather than component-level responses, and low probability and high consequences. The majority of existing design codes and standards consider progressive collapse implicitly, by improving the performance of a structure through the specification of minimum levels of strength, continuity, and ductility. On the other hand, existing explicit design procedures largely consist of a component-based design approach. This study proposes an innovative system-based and risk-informed decision making framework for progressive collapse design of reinforced concrete frames. Considering the full spectrum of risk due to initiating events, a novel risk-based robustness index is proposed as a system-level performance criterion for design. From a conventionally designed structure, an optimization pro- cess identifies optimal allocation of resources that results in a robust system. An efficient design frontier is defined based on optimal designs when varying the additional expenses provided for the improvement of robustness of a structure. The efficient frontier is then used to verify the cost effectiveness of the design alternatives in conjunction with the cumulative prospect theory. In order to assist in the decision-making process of progressive collapse design provisions, a risk-cost trade-off framework is proposed. The design framework establishes whether additional resources must be used to enhance the robustness of a structure, and when required, it further identifies the optimal expenses that should be used to prevent potential progressive collapse.

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Section: Historical Eventsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Robustness-Based Optimal Progressive Collapse Design of Reinforced Concrete

Praxedes Silva Neto

2023

Preprint

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“…NBS concluded (Culver et al, 1987) that the failure occurred because a lifting rod was not fully seated in the slot on a lifting collar. In this configuration, the lifting collar would have been overloaded causing the supporting angle to rotate and release the lifting rod.…”

Section: C233 the Eventmentioning

confidence: 99%

Best practices for reducing the potential for progressive collapse in buildings

Ellingwood¹,

Smilowitz²,

Dusenberry³

et al. 2007

161

111

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This document is intended to provide owners and practicing engineers with current "best practices" to reduce the likelihood of progressive collapse of buildings in the event of abnormal loading. The report includes a discussion of an acceptable risk approach to progressive collapse, which involves defining the threat, event control, and structural design to resist postulated event. Practical means for reducing risk for new and existing buildings are presented. An extensive review is provided of the design methods used to enhance a buildings resistance to progressive collapse. These include the indirect method (providing sufficient tie forces), the specific local resistance method (designing key elements to withstand abnormal loads), and the alternate load path method (allowing for redistribution of load in the event of the loss of a key member). Design considerations for different structural materials are summarized. The methodology for evaluating and mitigating progressive collapse potential in existing buildings is also discussed. Three appendices provide supporting information. Appendix A presents a worldwide review of progressive collapse provisions in various national design standards. Appendix B identifies knowledge gaps related to progressive collapse that require research. Appendix C provides case studies of progressive collapses. This document is not intended to provide step-by-step design guidance for practicing engineers; however, applicable design standards are referenced and summarized in Appendix A.

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“…After this initial slip, the jack rods and lifting nuts in the entire E line progressively slipped, causing the ninth floor slab to collapse, which initiated the collapse of the entire building (Korman 1987). This theory was later abandoned by NBS in favor of Theory 4 (Culver and Marshall 1994).…”

Section: Fig 4 Lifting Assemblymentioning

confidence: 99%

Another Look at the L'Ambiance Plaza Collapse

Martin

Delatte

2000

J. Perform. Constr. Facil.

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ABSTRACT:The collapse of the L'Ambiance Plaza building, under construction in Bridgeport, Conn., in 1987, killed 28 construction workers. A number of concurrent investigations were undertaken to attempt to determine the cause. At least six separate theories were developed. However, a prompt legal settlement kept these investigations from being completed. This paper reviews the collapse and discusses the competing theories. The failure focused controversy on the safety of the lift-slab construction method.

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Investigation of L'Ambiance Plaza Building collapse in Bridgeport, Connecticut

Cited by 9 publications

References 1 publication

Robustness-Based Optimal Progressive Collapse Design of Reinforced Concrete

Robustness-Based Optimal Progressive Collapse Design of Reinforced Concrete

Best practices for reducing the potential for progressive collapse in buildings

Another Look at the L'Ambiance Plaza Collapse

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