Seminar - Tim Wilkinson - The World Trade Center and 9/11: A Discussion on Some Engineering Design Issues

Thursday, August 8, 2002, 1.10 - 1.50 pm
Civil Engineering Lecture Room 3

Abstract

This paper discusses the collapse of the World Trade Center towers in New York, on September 11, 2001, may affect structural design philosophies. There is a brief description of the WTC structural system, followed by a short explanation of how the towers collapsed. Survivor accounts are given to consider how the impact and fire affected emergency egress from the structures. The conclusions from the initial report from the US Federal Emergency Management Authority (FEMA) are outlined. Some recent changes to structural design standards are considered. The paper concludes by briefly describing the redevelopment plans being considered by the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation.