USP

UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC

SCHOOL OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, MATHEMATICS AND

PHYSICS

DISCIPLINE OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

CV323 DESIGN OF CONCRETE STRUCTURE

SEMESTER 2, 2023

ASSIGNMENT NO. 1

Name: ‘Inoke Fotu Liutolo

Student Id: s11176700

Due Date: September 18, 2023

Weight: 7.5%
QUESTION 2

PART A

The distribution of different soil types can vary significantly, even within relatively small geographic
areas. The geological characteristics of each location play a crucial role in shaping how an earthquake's
effects are felt as seismic waves propagate through the Earth's crust. The consequences of an
earthquake can vary based on the composition of the underlying sediment, particularly how soft or hard
it is. When seismic waves travel through the Earth, they move more swiftly through solid rock compared
to soft soil. When these waves transition from hard to soft terrain, they tend to increase in amplitude,
meaning they become larger. This increase in wave size leads to stronger ground shaking. In regions with
softer and thicker soils, earthquakes tend to shake more vigorously and amplify their waves to a greater
extent. Consequently, areas with soft ground often experience more significant building damage as a
result of earthquakes.

In summary, accounting for soil type is necessary because it directly affects how earthquake-induced
ground motion is transmitted to structures and influences the structural response. Failing to consider soil
conditions can lead to inadequate seismic design and potentially catastrophic consequences in
earthquake-prone regions. Therefore, engineers must carefully assess soil properties and follow
established guidelines to ensure the seismic resilience of buildings and infrastructure.
QUESTION 2

PART B

 Ronan Point Apartment Tower Collapse and its Effect on Building Codes
 The Ronan Point Apartment in London, England, in 1968 marked one of the early
instances of progressive collapse, sparking considerable attention within the
structural engineering community. A gas explosion on the 18th floor resulted in
the partial collapse of the building when an exterior cladding panel was
dislodged. The absence of proper connections between panels meant that the
loss of one panel triggered the collapse of nearly the entire corner of the
building.
 Upon investigation, the apartment tower's design and construction were found deeply flawed.
Existing building codes proved inadequate for tall precast concrete apartments. The Larsen-Nielson
system, intended for six-story buildings, was unsafely extended. The tower used friction-based
connections between precast panels, lacking alternative load paths in case of a partial collapse.
Investigators found poor workmanship at critical panel connections during the structure's
examination. As a result, many countries have updated building codes with "robustness" provisions,
influenced by the Ronan Point collapse.
 Remedial designs adopted in the aftermath of the Ronan Point disaster in 1968 refer to the specific
architectural and engineering changes and measures put in place to address the structural
vulnerabilities that led to the partial collapse of the Ronan Point apartment building in London.
These remedial designs aimed to improve the safety, stability, and resilience of buildings, particularly
high-rise structures, in order to prevent similar accidents in the future.
- Enhanced Building Codes and Standards: One of the primary responses to
the Ronan Point incident was the revision and strengthening of building
codes and standards. These updated codes incorporated new requirements
and guidelines to ensure that buildings could better withstand various forms
of accidental or extreme events, such as gas explosions or structural failures.
The significance of this was to set higher safety standards for construction
and design, reducing the risk of similar incidents.
- Public Awareness and Education: Public awareness campaigns and
educational initiatives have been instrumental in informing building owners,
designers, and construction professionals about the importance of adhering
to updated building codes and safety measures. The significance of this lies in
ensuring that safety measures are widely understood and followed.

 The inquiries revealed significant deficiencies in both the design and construction of the Ronan Point
apartment tower. The prevailing building codes fell short in guaranteeing the safety and soundness
of tall precast concrete apartment buildings. Specifically, the design lacked adequate consideration
for wind pressures, particularly as they related to the building's height.
 The collapse of the southeast corner of Ronan Point prompted revisions to building codes. These
updated codes now incorporate considerations for both progressive collapse and the impact of
forces resulting from internal explosions. Additionally, the codes mandate minimum levels of
ductility and redundancy in structural designs to enhance safety and resilience.

Bibliography
[1] N. D. Cynthia Pearson, "Ronan P Ronan Point Apar oint Apartment T tment Tower Collapse and its E
ower Collapse and its Effect on Building ect on Building," MSL academic , 5 May 2005. [Online].
Available: https://engagedscholarship.csuohio.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?
article=1021&context=encee_facpub. [Accessed 18 September 2023].