The Protectability of Block Coverings of Industrial Buildings With Defective Load-Bearing Structures From Progressive Collapse

Abstract

Beginning with the 20th century metal structures are widely used in the construction branch in Russia. The reason for it was in the development of calculation methods of structures. Beginning with 1930 and till now a substantial number of the industrial buildings (about 90 %) of production plants have been built of metal structures. The essential part of them - 20…60 % of the whole volume - has block coverings consisting of bearing and braced elements. At the present time the data on the operation duration of industrial structures is not systemized throughout Russia. This data may serve as one of characteristic factors for estimating safety operation level, because while the operation term increases, the wear also increases (mechanical damages), which influences the bearing capacity of the structures. The following article examines the collapse of industrial building coverings that may be accompanied not only by material losses, but also by fatal accidents. Statistical data of damageability of trusses and their elements are presented; the consequences of collapse are examined. The average life time of trusses is determined which is serving as a criteria that characterizes damage accumulation. The nature of the collapse of block coverings is revealed which, in most cases, may be classified as progressive.