The American Concrete Institute (who publishes the Building Code for
Reinforced Concrete) usually publishes extensive articles after major
earthquakes.  The Code has been revised extensively in the past ten years in
response to various types of failures.

-----Original Message-----
From: David west [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Thursday, August 26, 1999 4:33 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: failed building materials


>>> Ken Follett <[log in to unmask]> 27/08/99 2:35:15 >>>
"I get the impression cascading concrete slabs have
a heavy impact on the loo.

Interesting note that the news reports say that Turkey's architects are
blaming Turkey's contractors for shoddy construction. What about the
concrete suppliers?"

][<en

To be boring, I suspect the problem with cascading concrete would have more
to do with missing reinforcement, especially in columns and at junctions
between columns and slabs, as well as poor placement of the concrete.  Might
also be some problems with masonry infill being too rigid, and preventing
the flexibility which is apparently important in resisting seismic loads.

So don't hang the concrete suppliers just yet.

david