32.9.4. Progressive Collapse and Redundancy

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is progressive collapse?

   Hint

   Think about how one failure can affect an entire structure.

2. 2.

   Define redundancy in structural terms.

   Hint

   What happens when a load-bearing element fails?

3. 3.

   What is progressive collapse?

   • A minor failure in a building.
   • A phenomenon causing increased structural strength.
   • A failure mechanism where one failure leads to others.

   Hint

   Consider the chain reaction.

4. 4.

   True or False: Redundant designs minimize risks during disasters.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about what happens when one support fails.

5. 5.

   Analyze a structural design lacking redundancy. How might it perform under seismic stress, and what failures could arise?

   Hint

   Consider how many paths there are for forces to travel and where weaknesses might lie.

6. 6.

   Propose a design for a small office building that incorporates redundancy. Detail how you would implement it and the expected benefits.

   Hint

   Think about what helps stabilize a structure when some parts weaken.