Progressive collapse occurs when a local failure triggers a chain reaction, ultimately leading to the collapse of an entire structure. It is often associated with a disproportionately large collapse relative to its initial cause. The primary causes are typically linked to human errors, such as poor design, failure to account for the structure’s ability to redistribute forces and activate resistance mechanisms, and unforeseen events or extreme loads, including sabotage, terrorism, or material degradation.

Methods to enhance collapse resistance typically involve three lines of defense, with increasing structural robustness being the most fundamental. This can be achieved by providing alternative load paths, incorporating redundancy, and ensuring well-designed connections.

Over 3 hours this webinar will cover:

1. Fundamentals
Terminology and definitions
Collapse case studies
Common causes of failure for timber structures
Overview of code requirements

2. Strategies and Design Principles
Exposure, vulnerability, and robustness
Direct and indirect approaches to improve collapse resistance
Alternative load paths vs. key elements
Wood vs. steel and concrete
The crucial role of connections

3. Numerical Analysis and Current Research
Alternative load path analysis
Finite element analyses of collapse behaviour
Experimental investigations of collapse mechanisms
Explosions and shock loads