Forensics of a Partially Collapsed Timber Roof

摘要

The roofing of an office building partially collapsed after being in use for almost twelve years. Thernauthor was appointed as an independent structural expert to investigate the damage event, byrnapproval of all involved parties, i.e. owner, building insurer and roof constructor. The expert reportrnshould give answers to several questions related to forensic engineering, e.g. reasons for thernpartial failure of the roof elements; influence of the snow load present at the moment of partialrncollapse; faults or deficits in the structural concept, in element production or execution etc. Thernpaper reports on the course of events and actions, the structural and architectural conception ofrnthe roofing, its structural behavior, determination of updated failure loads, associated structuralrnsafety assessment and degrees of compliance. The paper gives no conclusion on legal or insurancernissues.