Questions and Answers
What is one of the human factors that can contribute to collapses?
Which natural disaster is specifically mentioned as a cause of building collapses?
What can contribute to collapses even without external triggers like earthquakes?
Which earthquake caused widespread landslides and building collapses across southwestern China?
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What is a potential risk to the built environment due to manmade causes?
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What geological feature may lead to collapses by dissolving porous limestone over time?
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What was the cause of the collapse of a nine-story office building in Philadelphia in 1985?
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Apart from deliberate demolitions, what else can lead to structure failures?
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Which tragic event highlighted vulnerabilities within architectural design and structural engineering?
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What can cause slope failures or debris flows in slopes and embankments?
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Which of the following is an example of a catastrophic failure involving complex systems and institutions?
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What can help us anticipate and prevent future incidents related to collapses?
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Study Notes
Collapse: When Things Fall Down
Collapses can occur due to various natural and human factors, leading structures to lose their strength and stability, ultimately resulting in a descent towards the ground. In this exploration of collapses, we'll delve into the phenomenon from several angles — both literal and metaphorical.
Natural Collapses
Natural disasters like earthquakes can cause buildings to collapse when they experience seismic forces beyond their structural resistance. Earthquake-induced failures have been observed worldwide, with numerous instances of collapsed buildings and infrastructure after major quakes. For example, during the 1985 Mexico City earthquake, over 10,000 buildings were damaged or destroyed due to soil liquefaction and foundation failure.
Another instance is the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, which triggered widespread landslides and building collapses across southwestern China. However, it's vital to understand that even without external triggers, some geological features may lead to collapses, such as karst formation, where porous limestone dissolves over time, creating underground caves and sinkholes.
Manmade Collapses
The built environment also faces potential risks due to manmade causes. Poor construction practices, outdated materials, and environmental stressors can contribute to structure failures. Corrosion, fatigue, and material degradation are just some reasons behind modern building collapses.
One notable tragedy involving manmade collapses occurred during the demolition of a nine-story office building in Philadelphia in 1985. A poorly designed support system led to the premature collapse of large portions of the building, causing five deaths. Since then, safety protocol has evolved considerably, reducing the likelihood of similar events occurring today.
Apart from deliberate demolitions gone wrong, accidents and intentional acts can lead to structure failures. One infamous case was the fall of the World Trade Center towers following terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. This tragedy highlighted vulnerabilities within architectural design, structural engineering, and emergency preparedness planning.
Different Types of Collapse
While most people associate collapses solely with vertical structures, other types may also exhibit instability. Slopes and embankments, for example, can undergo slope failures or debris flows if destabilized by erosion, water saturation, or earthquakes. Similarly, bridge piers and retaining walls have failed due to scouring, excessive loading, and settlement issues.
Beyond physical structures, complex systems and institutions can face catastrophic failures too. Economic recessions, political upheavals, and technological breakdowns often involve elements of decay and sudden collapse. An excellent illustration here would be the financial meltdown of 2007–2008 or the fall of communist regimes in Eastern Europe at the end of the Cold War.
In summary, collapses encompass various phenomena associated with decline, deterioration, or failure. Understanding these processes will enable us better to anticipate and prevent future incidents while learning valuable lessons from past experiences.
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Description
Explore the reasons behind natural and manmade collapses, from seismic events to structural weaknesses. Delve into different types of collapses beyond traditional buildings, including slopes, systems, and institutions.
