Inappropriate design 35
a combination of several aspects led to this disaster, most likely including
inappropriate design, improper construction methods, and lack of control.
Figure 2.6 shows a detailed picture of the foundation of the apartment
building, including part of the foundation piles. According to Gregory
(2009), part of the explanation for the collapse is related to the design of the
foundation. He refers to the chairman of the Japan Structural Consultants,
who said that ‘judging from Japan’s standards, the posts of the building are
Figure 2.5 Tumbling collapse of apartment building in Shanghai, 2009 (Internet photo).
Figure 2.6 Detail of the foundation piles (Internet photo).
a combination of several aspects led to this disaster, most likely including
inappropriate design, improper construction methods, and lack of control.
Figure 2.6 shows a detailed picture of the foundation of the apartment
building, including part of the foundation piles. According to Gregory
(2009), part of the explanation for the collapse is related to the design of the
foundation. He refers to the chairman of the Japan Structural Consultants,
who said that ‘judging from Japan’s standards, the posts of the building are
Figure 2.5 Tumbling collapse of apartment building in Shanghai, 2009 (Internet photo).
Figure 2.6 Detail of the foundation piles (Internet photo).