Flat Slab Collapse in Windsor, Ontario, Canada

[asixth]

It happens too often, an engineering failure gets investigated and no report released. When structural failures occur, the forensic findings should be released for the entire engineering industry. How are we meant to review the unified set of principles that we design for to ensure they are adequate.

My belief is that 22kip (100kN) crane (whether it was loaded to 100kN or not is another question) is the 'straw which broke the camel's back' and that an engineer should have been consulted prior to putting that crane on the floor. No competent engineer would have certified that floor to be structurally adequate to support that load. The deck looks 5-6" with not much reinforcement. Assuming any structural plans of the carpark would be long gone by now.

 

[hokie66]

In this case, the report should have a good chance of being released, as there would be no one left to blame for the design or construction shortcomings.

 

[Hacksaw82]

Well, here's some more info. Appears that an additional layer of asphalt was put on the deck recently, by the previous owner.

http://www.windsorstar.com/Asphalt+...ng+structure+engineer+says/3261984/story.html

A lot of factors seems to be adding up here, for the perfect storm so to speak. Extra asphalt, boom truck, rebar corrosion, shotty construction. It's pretty amazing when you think how much it takes to overcome the safety factors.

 

[msquared48]

There you go...

The "Lets install a protective layer layer of asphalt to protect the corroding rebar" scenario.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
Motto: KISS
Motivation: Don't ask

 

[dik]

Looking at the photos, it looks like a fairly thick layer of asphalt was added... a couple of inches or so.

Dik