Structural failure can occur due to design flaws, neglect, or natural disasters. Building materials and intended use affect the likelihood of failure. Sensors and mathematical models are used to monitor and reduce risks.
Structural failure occurs when a structure, such as a building, physically collapses or breaks in some similar way. The causes of structural failure are numerous, both natural and man-made. In some cases, the design or actual construction of the building may be to blame, while in other cases, negligence, overloading, or a natural disaster may be to blame. Sensors and mathematical models are employed in building design and maintenance to reduce and monitor the possibility of structural failure.
When a building is constructed, the amount of mechanical strain or stress it is likely to experience is taken into consideration in the design. Possible stressors include the shape and intended use of the building—for example, a high-rise office building is physically different from a parking garage or single-story residential home. Each of these buildings will respond to heavy loads, wind, rain and earthquakes differently.
The material is also important. The steel frames and large amounts of building glass used in high-rise buildings, for example, give these tall buildings the flexibility to withstand the force of high winds. The peaked shingle roofs of homes in cold climates allow snow to roll off rather than accumulate under heavy loads and create weight that could lead to roof collapse, a common type of structural failure. Brick buildings, while less prone to fire than wooden buildings, can be more dangerous in an earthquake, as the heavy masonry can collapse and create a dangerous hazard for those inside.
Structural failure can occur due to a design flaw if those who designed the building did not take into account its location, shape and intended use. It can also occur due to neglect or misuse of the building, for example, loading it beyond its intended capacity with people or extra weight from objects such as machinery. These instances of building collapse are man-made and can be prevented by mathematically modeling the likely stresses on the building during the design process and adhering to these guidelines throughout the life of the building.
Natural disasters and weather phenomena can often pose a bigger threat. High winds, fire, the weight of rain or snow, and earthquakes can lead to structural failure. While these factors are anticipated as much as possible during design and construction, accidents still happen. Unexpected corrosion of a metal framing member due to water infiltration can lead to the collapse of a structure. Defects in the concrete mixes used in building foundations can lead to cracking and eventual subsidence.
To mitigate these risks, engineers often use sensor systems mounted inside the structure. Devices called accelerometers can measure vibrations and are used to measure the function of bridges. Strain gauges and fiber optics can be used to detect load-induced stresses and damage on structures. These and other related sensor devices help engineers predict and prevent possible structural failure.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
