Issues Related to the Design of Spatial Structures

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(9) Progressive Collapse

Progressive collapse occurs when local damage in a structure spreads and results in the failure of a large part or the entire structure. Since spatial structures are highly indeterminate, it may be assumed that they are not susceptible to progressive collapse. However, the failure of the roof of the Hartford Coliseum proved otherwise.

If the spatial structure members are optimally designed, i.e., the members are fully stressed when subjected to the most critical loading (this is generally not practical), the structure may not be susceptible to progressive collapse. This is due to the fact that any overload will result in the failure of several members at the same time and therefore a sudden failure of the structure i.e., no progressive collapse.

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