Case Studies

Progressive Collapse of a Building

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The building had become derelict following a fire.  In the fire the roof had been mostly destroyed and there were various local areas of fire damage throughout the building.

A contractor was working on the building. The work included clearance of debris, removal of all lathe and plaster, removal of all doors and services, removal of all non-load bearing partitions, treatment of timbers and reinstatement of the roof.

However, during the execution of the work, the top floor of the building collapsed with little warning, triggering a progressive collapse of lower floors. Although all the contractor’s workmen safely evacuated the building before the collapse, another workman, employed by the Architect, sustained fatal injuries.

Cadogans was asked to provide an independent opinion on the cause of the collapse and the responsibilities of the architect and the contractor in respect of specifying supports and safe working practices. We also commented on the HSE findings.

The issues were considered and analysed and the opinion given that although, as per the contract documents, the Contractor was responsible for the design and specification of supports, according to CDM regulations, the Engineer should have carried out proper design and risk assessments and specified the extent and location of temporary supports. It was found unreasonable for the Contractor to be responsible for the Engineer’s work.

Engineering Discipline

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