Structural collapses in the building industry worldwide have caused a significant number of deaths, therefore highlighting significant safety issues. Frequently, poor design, inadequate building standards, or insufficient maintenance cause these disastrous events.
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1. Sampoong Department Store, South Korea
Several support columns were removed from the building when it was being constructed, and the structure's previous function was converted from residential to department store. As a consequence of this, the roof developed extensive cracks whenever big air conditioning units were relocated. Since the owner was afraid of losing money, he refused to evacuate the building, and not long after that, the building fell, resulting in the deaths of fifty-two persons. It was ultimately determined that Lee Joon, the chairman of the construction company, was responsible for the criminal carelessness that led to his sentence of imprisonment.
2. Fidenae Amphitheatre, Italy
On the first day of the celebration, the stadium was packed to capacity as fans flocked to view gladiatorial battles. At least 20,000 people perished, and those caught alive in the rubble for several days following the wooden bleachers and entire stadium collapse.
3. South Fork Dam, USA
In Pennsylvania, the reservoir known as Lake Conemaugh was created by an earthwork dam located upstream from Johnstown. Following many days of intense precipitation, the dam broke during the summer of 1889, causing the Johnstown Flood, which was characterized by the passage of twenty million tons of water across the valley. Before the waves reached Johnstown and consumed it, they had already destroyed a number of villages and railroad bridges. There were 2,209 total deaths claimed by the flood; 777 of these were never located or identified.
4. Rana Plaza, Bangladesh
The stores located on the lower levels shuttered right away upon structural cracks in the building. Accordingly, diesel-powered generators atop the building turned on the following day during a power outage. The five garment manufacturers that were located on the upper floors allowed their employees to continue working. After that, the structure fell down. Family members and people who survived the collapse of the Rana Plaza wait outside the hospital after the building fell. Accordingly the incident shed awareness on the questionable practices that are prevalent in the fashion industry on a global scale.
5. World Trade Center, New York City
Flames erupted following the attack on the Twin Towers by hijacked commercial aircraft, causing the perimeter columns to buckle and the floors to fall, therefore bringing about the ultimate collapse of both towers. A memorial has been built at the site of the tower collapse as a new One World Trade Center is being developed.
The engineering firm WSP claims that the new One World Trade Center is built with a hybrid concrete-and- steel construction with a large, very strong concrete core. Additionally, the building features a designated stairway for first responders, which enables emergency responders to climb swiftly while others begin to leave.
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