University of Surrey researchers develop new building safety method

Engineers led by the University of Surrey have developed simplified equations to assess whether reinforced concrete floors can survive the sudden loss of a supporting column. The research, published in Structural Concrete, aims to prevent progressive collapse, a chain reaction where a local failure spreads throughout a structure.

The study focuses on flat concrete floors commonly used in parking garages, offices, and apartments. A primary risk identified is punching shear, where a column pierces through the concrete slab. When this occurs, the weight shifts to neighboring connections, potentially overloading them.

To validate the new method, researchers used data from the 2020 collapse of the Nueva Montaña car park in Santander, Spain. The new equations are designed to be more practical than previous complex models by accounting for the dynamic response of a floor to sudden loading rather than gradual changes. The method is compatible with Eurocode 2, the European standard for concrete design, and helps engineers determine the reinforcement needed to mitigate these risks.