Structural failures
Contents |
[edit] De la Concorde overpass
On 30th September 2006, the central ‘drop-in’ span of the De la Concorde highway over-bridge in Laval, Canada, suddenly collapsed onto the road below causing 5 fatalities and 6 injuries. This shocked both the general public and the professional communities. A Commission of Inquiry was quickly established and reported in October 2007.
For more information, see De la Concorde overpass collapse.
[edit] Elliot Lake Mall Inquiry
In June 2012, part of the roof of a 32-year-old mall in Ontario, Canada collapsed killing two people and injuring nineteen.
For more information, see Elliot Lake Mall Inquiry.
[edit] FC Twente stadium roof collapse
In 2011, part of the stadium roof collapsed killing two people and injuring more than a dozen. The accident happened during building work at the ground of top Dutch football team FC Twente. The roof fell on top of a bank of seats behind one of the goals as a result of two girders having buckled.
For more information, see FC Twente stadium roof collapse.
[edit] Torre Windsor office building fire
During a refurbishment work a fire broke out on the 21st floor. The fire spread downwards to the 2nd floor, and upwards to the top of the building. It burnt for some 19 hours and engulfed the entire building. Although local progressive collapses occurred a total collapse was narrowly averted.
For more information, see Torre Windsor office building fire.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Concept structural design of buildings.
- Defects in construction.
- Design for deconstruction
- Disproportionate collapse.
- Elements of structure in buildings.
- Failure of cast iron beams.
- Failure of metals.
- Fitness for purpose.
- Forensic engineering in developing countries.
- Forensic investigations: can we trust them?
- Ronan Point.
- Rust.
- Shear strength.
- Structural engineer.
- Structure definition.
- Structures at the end of their design life.
- Surfside condo collapse: climate change demands adaptation in design and approach.
- The future infrastructure of Scotland.
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Guide to ISO 19650 for Architecture Firms (2026)
A user gives their low down.
A UK training and membership provider for mould remediation professionals.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
Independent NSI and BAFE study exploring how organisations are changing the way they buy fire safety services.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.