Progressive Collapse: U.S. Office Building in Moscow

Abstract

AS part of a structural assessment of the new U.S. Embassy Office Building being constructed in Moscow, United Soviety Socialist Republic, the National Bureau of Standards determined the susceptibility of the building to progressive collapse, which might be triggered by a local failure of a primary load supporting structural member. The building is a precast concrete structure that uses a standardized Soviet building system. The paper discusses criteria for the progressive collapse analysis, mechanisms for alternative load paths, analysis techniques used, and recommended retrofit measures. Although the building system was not designed to provide continuity in structural connections, it is possible to protect the building against progressive collapse with relatively modest retrofit measures.