Publications and Research
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
12-5-2019
Abstract
When a building suffers collapse, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is tasked with conducting an investigation into the cause. Often OSHA will request technical assistance from the National Institute for Standards and Technology to assist in the forensic technical aspects determining a most probable cause. This forensic effort entails many actions. The Harbour Cay Condominium disaster occurred on March 28, 1981 in Cocoa Beach, Florida. It was a total collapse of a five story reinforced concrete structure during the last stage of roof construction, resulting in 11 deaths and 24 injuries. The investigation report revealed structural design and construction errors which resulted in landmark legislation to reform the structural design and construction process. The investigator (John Airis) participated in the Harbour Cay rescue operations.
Comments
This poster was presented at the 31st Semi-Annual Honors and Undergraduate Research Scholars Poster Presentation at New York City College of Technology, Dec. 5, 2019. Mentor: Professor Vahid Rostami (Construction Management & Civil Engineering Technology).