Analysis of repair works to remove the effects of structural failure after a gas explosion

Military University of Technology, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geodesy, Warsaw, Poland

^* Corresponding author: aleksandra.bak@wat.edu.pl

Abstract

The article presents the issues of repair works in a multi-family residential building, whose structural and non – structural elements have been damaged and destroyed by a gas explosion and the fire. Gas explosions in residential buildings constitute a small percentage of the total number of building disasters, however, due to the relatively large number of injured people, these incidents are very dangerous [1]. Moreover, the gas explosion often leads to significant material losses and fatalities. Proper assessment of the load-bearing structure after such incident requires an extensive knowledge of the behaviour of structures. The first authority, that issues a decision regarding further use is Construction Supervision Inspector. Until the demolition of the object is ordered, the next step is to provide expert report made by an authorized construction expert, whose aim is to assess the technical condition of the elements of the structure and to determine the scope of necessary repair works. Construction expert, who give such opinion during the assessment of objects immediately after such incident, often has limited access to structural elements, moreover these elements often are covered. Hence, the recommendations contained in these reports often do not include all of required construction works.