Investigative Studies of Ceiling Collapses

Abstract

This paper presents case studies of ceiling collapses and identifies causes of failures. These ceilings were designed to accommodate dead loads only. In most cases, these collapses were preceded by ceiling distress in the form of sagging or bowing out of the ceiling. Despite such warning no immediate preventive measures were provided, and hence, the distress progressed to become a collapse. This study reveals that in all cases poor workmanship experienced by the hanger connections enabled the failure while the load of workers on the ceiling triggered the collapse. These enabling events, which were common among several hangers, caused progressive ceiling failures.