1. STRUCTURAL FAILURES-CAUSES AND REMEDIES:
B.NAGU NAIK
CH.ARUNA
G.S.S.SAI KALA
GVP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING (A)

3. Technically a failure is defined as
STRUCTURAL FAILURE :
Occurs when building loses its ability to perform its intended design function.
Technically a failure is defined as
“an unacceptable difference between expected and observed performance”.
Occurs when overstressed construction reaches a critical stress level.

4. TYPES OF STRUCTURAL FAILURES :
Failure during construction
Failure due to failure of services
Failure due to improper maintenance

5. CAUSES OF FAILURE (CONTROLLABLE):
Errors in designs
Improper selection of materials
Poor workman ship
Formwork failure
Geotechnical failure
Failure due to improper maintenance
Technical failure

6. Important technical failures :
Structural cracking :
foundational cracks, wall cracks, floor or slab cracks.
I f crack width is between mm , the degree of damage is considered as “severe”.

7. Improper design mix:
Structure unable to attain designed compressive strength.
Water –cement ratio must be within acceptable limits
Grade of concrete should be chosen in such a way that it should bear the designed load.

8. Remedies to prevent structural failures :
Design of structure should satisfy
Stability
Strength
Serviceability
Deflection of beam or frame should be thoroughly checked for safe design.
Corroded reinforcement expands and cracks concrete cover. To avoid this proper cover and water quality should be maintained.

9. Case study -1 : TACOMA BRIDGE COLLAPSE
Failure occurred in 1940 due to lack of resistance torsionalforces.
Principal causes:
Excessive flexibility
Drag and lift forces created solid plate girder and deck acted like an aerofoil
Wind load forces were not taken into account during designing
Resonance

11. Case study – KOLKATA FLYOVER COLLAPSE
Rcc deck over plate girder collapse of 100m section .
Lack of quality check
Inconsistency in construction material
Faulty approval of design
Delay in construction.

12. Safety in design aspect. Should be clear with properties of concrete.
CONCLUSION :
Upon observing a lot of failures in and around us, we being future building professionals we should never compromise on
Safety in design aspect.
Should be clear with properties of concrete.
Fundamentals of engineering should be applied on all design aspects.
Overlooking the design of even minute parts should be avoided.