FORMWORK (SLIDE 11)

One of the findings in the collapse of the building was the formwork. The
construction procedures did not adhere to standards for the removal of
supporting forms, which was a contributing factor to the collapse. As you can see
in the picture, the premature removal of supporting forms from beneath newly
poured floors was a critical failure that led to the collapse. Several columns have
been identified for reference. This premature removal caused shear failure in the
23rd-floor slab, ultimately resulting in the progressive collapse of the building.

CONCRETE CRACKS (SLIDE 12)

Lastly, they found some concrete cracks in the building, specifically on the 24th
floor. Physical evidence examined by investigators revealed cracks in the
concrete, damaged reshores used in previous concrete pours, and observed slab
deflections on the 23rd and 24th floors, indicating structural weaknesses that
contributed to the collapse. These findings underscore the importance of adhering to
safety regulations, ensuring proper construction practices, and maintaining the
structural integrity of buildings to prevent similar tragic incidents in the future.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE (SLIDE 13 and 14)

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) dispatched an

inspection team to the scene as soon as possible to start looking into what
caused the collapse. OSHA also requested technical assistance from the National
Bureau of Standards (NBS) to determine the cause of the collapse and evaluate
regulatory compliance. The 22nd and 23rd floor slabs underwent a 3D finite element
analysis as part of a comprehensive structural examination carried out by NBS.

According to the NBS inquiry, one of the main causes of the shear failure of the
23rd floor slab, which eventually caused the building to collapse, was the early removal
of propping and formwork and low strength of concrete that caused the concrete failure.
OSHA was prompted to tighten enforcement of formwork and concrete strength
regulations across the country's construction sites. In the years that followed the
event, this aided in bringing about improvements in construction safety
regulations and oversight across the board.

That is why as mentioned earlier by princess, with the owners of Skyline Plaza
being found guilty and ordered to pay the families of the victims over $500,000 in
damages, the case also created precedents in the law. This emphasized the
repercussions for breaking safety regulations .

CONCLUSION (SLIDE 15)

The collapse of the Skyline Plaza complex in 1973 resulted from the premature
removal of formwork and shoring, leading to the failure of the 23rd-floor slab and the
progressive collapse of the entire building. Investigations revealed deficiencies in
concrete strength due to poor compaction, incorrect water-to-cement ratio, and
inadequate curing. This tragedy highlights the critical importance of adhering to
safety regulations, ensuring structural integrity, and implementing proper
construction practices. By prioritizing safety and quality control, future incidents
can be prevented, safeguarding lives in construction projects.

RECOMMENDATION (SLIDE 16)

As a professional civil engineer, it is recommended to adhere strictly to

construction safety regulations, including OSHA standards, to ensure the safety of
workers and the public and ASTM standards for construction material and testing.

Proper construction procedures should be implemented, ensuring adequate

support for newly poured concrete floors until they reach the required strength.

Concrete quality should be ensured through proper compaction, correct

water-to-cement ratio, and adequate curing.

Regular training and education on safety procedures and best practices should be
provided to construction personnel.

Cultivating a culture of safety and accountability among all stakeholders is crucial.

Engaging experienced and qualified professionals in the design, construction, and

supervision of projects is important.

Lastly, learning from past failures and continuously improving construction

practices can enhance safety and prevent future incidents.