Collapsed Structures Flashcards
Structural collapse can be caused by many different actions. What are the two main causes of structual collapse?
Natural & Human
List the main causes of Natural causes of collapse?
- Earthquake
- Hurricane
- Lightning
- Flooding
- Subsidence
List the main headings for Natural causes of collapse?
- Premises under renovation
- Accidental impact
- Arson
- Terrorist induced (aeroplane impact, vehicle impact. etc.)
- Accidental gas explosion
When considering structural damage, what are the two main classes which buildings may be divided into?
- Framed buildings
- Unframed buildings
How is the nature or type of collapse categorised?
- Internal
- External
- Total collapse
List the types of internal collapse?
- Pancake
- Lean to
- V -Collapse
- Tent Collapse
List the types of external collapse?
- 90o angle collapse
- Curtain fall collapse
- Inward / outward collapse
Why is the 9Oo angle collapse the most dangerous form of external collapse?
As the wall falls outwards for a distance at least equal to its height.
Why is the most severe form of structural failure Total Collapse?
As this is where all the floors have collapsed to the ground or basement level and all walls have collapsed onto the floors.
Local authorities have full powers to deal with structures which may become dangerous, whether due to fire or any other cause. Who are the authorities concerned in the Greater London area?
- The City Corporation
- The ‘inner’ London Borough Councils, acting through the Dangerous Structures Engineer
- The ‘outer’ London Borough Councils, acting through the Dangerous Structures Engineer
At rescues from collapsed structures how is the risk of injury to personnel heightened?
As a result of:
- Obstructed or restricted access
- Restricted vision e.g. smoke, dust
- Underfoot conditions
- Falling objects
- Overhanging hazards.
- Airborne particulate
- Oxygen deficient atmospheres
- Secondary collapse
- Weight and position of casualties
- Bulk and weight of debris
- Explosive/flammable atmospheres
- Poor lighting
- Biological hazards
- Exposed and damaged utilities, (gas, electricity and water)
- Asbestos
- Sharp and protruding objects
- Further acts of terrorism where this may have been the cause.
What are the 5 modules of USAR capability?
- Module 1 – Structural collapse
- Module 2 - Major transport
- Module 3 – Breaching and Breaking
- Module 4 – Multi purpose vehicle (MPV)
- Module 5 – Timber
What are the specialist skills and equipment available from USAR teams?
- Mapping and planning the incident, USAR have resources like GPS available to assist with this.
- Technical searches, this includes visual (cameras) seismic and audio.
- Breaching and breaking to explore voids.
- Shoring unsafe structures.
- Lifting and moving, specialist equipment for moving heavy loads/obstructions
How many recognised stages of USAR are there?
6
What does the ‘R’ in Stage 1 stand for in the pneumonic REPEAT?
Stage one: Reconnaissance and survey
