Document Type
Article
Publication Date
11-2000
Publication Title
Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Abstract
The collapse of the L'Ambiance Plaza building, under construction in Bridgeport, Conn., in 1987, killed 28 construction workers. A number of concurrent investigations were undertaken to attempt to determine the cause. At least six separate theories were developed. However, a prompt legal settlement kept these investigations from being completed. This paper reviews the collapse and discusses the competing theories. The failure focused controversy on the safety of the lift-slab construction method. Because there is a need in civil engineering education for case studies to illustrate ethical and professional issues as well as technical principles, this paper also addresses these aspects. Ways for civil engineering educators to use this case study to address these issues also are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Martin, R., and Delatte, N. (2000). "Another Look at the L'Ambiance Plaza Collapse." J.Perform.Constr.Facil., 14(4), 160-165.
DOI
10.1061/(ASCE)0887-3828(2000)14:4(160)
Version
Postprint
Publisher's Statement
© ASCE
Volume
14
Issue
4
Comments
This research was supported by the National Science Foundation, Washington, D.C., as part of the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates Site in Structural Engineering under grant EEC-9820484.