This convenient summary of case studies reviews the performance and failure of structural, foundation, and geoenvironmental civil engineering systems. Failures in embankments, dams, slopes, landfills, recycling facilities, bridges, and buildings are covered. For each study, an outline, a summary of the lessons learned, and a list of background references are provided. The ongoing study of the tower of Pisa, the lower San Fernando Dam, Love Canal, the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, the Cypress Viaduct, the Hartford Civic Center Coliseum, and the Hyatt Regency Hotel Pedestrian Walkways are among the case studies examined.

This report provides short descriptions of 50 real-world examples of performance failures designed specifically for classroom use.

Structural Failure, Edited by Tomasz Wierzbicki and Norman Jones The decline of our urban infrastructure is, perhaps more than ever, a cause of national concern. And this in-depth look describes the confluence of factors that make structural failure inevitable-as well as avoidable. The failure process is viewed as a three-tiered phenomenon: micro, or material, level failure; through-thickness failure; and global structural failure. Leading experts examine the interactive processes that underlie structural failure, covering such specifics as fracturing, fragmentation, tearing of thin metal sheets, impact loading, failure of brittle material, collapse of thin-walled structures, bending and denting failure, as well as a variety of additional loading conditions, both static and dynamic. Critical to safety-enhanced product development in mechanical design, aerospace structures, building structures, and product packaging, this important reference catalogs for design engineers the measures and means for predicting, resisting, and controlling structural failure.

Prepared by the Research Council on Performance of Structures of ASCE. This report contains guidelines for conducting an investigation into the causes of a structural failure or collapse.Ø Topics include: members of the investigative team and their responsibilities, recommended procedure for site visits, accumulation and recording of data, reporting procedures, and checklists of preparation and materials needed for each step. Common structural types are described, together with the most common causes of distress and failure for each material and construction method. Causes of failure are discussed according to type of project, type of structure, or type of material, connection or foundation.

Norbert Delatte presents the circumstances of important failures that have had far-reaching impacts on civil engineering practice, organized around topics in the engineering curriculum.

Handbook of Materials Failure Analysis: With Case Studies from the Construction Industry provides a thorough understanding of the reasons materials fail in certain situations, covering important scenarios including material defects, mechanical failure due to various causes, and improper material selection and/or corrosive environment. The book begins with a general overview of materials failure analysis and its importance, and then logically proceeds from a discussion of the failure analysis process, types of failure analysis, and specific tools and techniques, to chapters on analysis of materials failure from various causes. Failure can occur for several reasons, including: materials defects-related failure, materials design-related failure, or corrosion-related failures. The suitability of the materials to work in a definite environment is an important issue. The results of these failures can be catastrophic in the worst case scenarios, causing loss of life. This important reference covers the most common types of materials failure, and provides possible solutions. - Provides the most up-to-date and balanced coverage of failure analysis, combining foundational knowledge and current research on the latest developments and innovations in the field - Offers an ideal accompaniment for those interested in materials forensic investigation, failure of materials, static failure analysis, dynamic failure analysis, and fatigue life prediction - Presents compelling new case studies from key industries to demonstrate concepts and to assist users in avoiding costly errors that could result in catastrophic events

First published in 1968, Jacob Feld's Construction Failure has longbeen considered the classic text on the subject. Retaining all ofthe key components of Feld's comprehensive exploration of the rootcauses of failure, this Second Edition addresses a multitude ofimportant industry developments to bring this landmark work up todate for a new generation of engineers, architects, andstudents. In addition to detailed coverage of current design tools,techniques, materials, and construction methods, ConstructionFailure, Second Edition features an entire chapter on theburgeoning area of construction litigation, including a thoroughexamination of alternative dispute resolution techniques. Like theoriginal, this edition discusses technical and procedural failuresof many different types of structures, but is now supplemented withnew case studies to illustrate the dynamics of failure in actiontoday. Jacob Feld knew thirty years ago that in order to learn from ourmistakes, we must first acknowledge and understand them. With thisrevised volume, Kenneth Carper has ensured that Feld'snow-posthumous message will continue to be heard for years tocome. Jacob Feld's comprehensive work on failure analysis has now beenskillfully amended to address current design and constructiontools, materials, and practices. Building on the first edition'speerless examination of the causes and lessons of failure,Construction Failure, Second Edition provides you with expandedcoverage of: * Technical, procedural, structural, and nonstructural failures * Natural hazards, earthworks, soil and foundation problems, andmore * Reinforced, precast and prestressed concrete, steel, timber,masonry, and other materials * Responsibility and litigation concerns, dispute avoidance, andalternative dispute resolution techniques * Construction safety issues * Many different types of structures, including dams andbridges Construction Failure has as much to teach us today as it did thirtyyears ago. This revised volume is an essential resource for designengineers, architects, construction managers, lawyers, and studentsin all of these fields.