Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a structural failure?
A: For the purposes of this project, the group has defined a structural failure as any unintentional failure of the non-moving parts of an object due to loads. This is distinct from a mechanical failure, which involves the break down of system of moving parts.

Q: Are all structural failures accidents?
A: For this project, our definition requires that the failure was not intentional. Thus, a demolition would not count as a structural failure. Similarly, war damage and terrorist attacks, such as the events of September 11th, would not be considered a structural failures for this report.

Q: Can natural disasters cause structural failures?
A: It depends on whether or not the disaster was foreseeable when the structure was designed. For example, if a large earthquake hit Philadelphia and caused several buildings to collapse, they would not be considered structural failures since earthquakes are not a reasonable concern for building in Philadelphia. If, however, this example occurred in California or Japan, then these incidents can be considered structural failure since these regions are earthquake-prone and thus earthquake-proofing should been included in the initial design.

Q: What structures will be included in the report?
A: The report will include the Hyatt Regency collapse, the Johnstown flood, the De Havilland Comet crashes, the Rana Plaza collapse, and the sinking of the RMS Titanic.

Q: Why did you choose these structures?
A: We intend for this report to cover a diverse range of disasters. The Hyatt Regency Collapse was the deadliest structural failure in U.S. history and is probably the archetypal example of a structural failure. The Johnstown flood (a.k.a. the South Fork Dam collapse) demonstrates how design changes and unethical practices can lead to a disaster. The Titanic shows how materials can influence a structure's soundness. The De Havilland Comet provides an example of the influence fatigue can have on a structure. Finally, the Rana Plaza was chosen as one group member has a personal connection to the disaster.

Q: What happened to the Comet?
A: The Comet was the first commercial jet liner. In 1954, several aircraft crashed near Italy. The investigation concluded that the plane's square windows concentrated stress and caused fatigue. This fatigue eventually led to a fracture.

Q: What is fatigue?
A: Fatigue is one possible way a material can fail. A cyclical stress is applied to a material which in time can cause a fracture. For example, if you bend a piece of metal or cardboard repeatedly, it will eventually break.

Additional questions will be added throughout the term.