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The Structural Engineer, Volume 67, Issue 21, 1989
The bulk of defects occur in the weathershield, and therefore the cladding, of buildings. Unless such cladding was also loadbearing, it has not traditionally been the responsibility of the engineer. In this age of specialisation, architects are less likely to be structurally qualified to deal with the secondary stresses which inevitably arise in the weathershield. Furthermore, the pattern of construction has changed, so that more engineering input is necessary.
From the point of view of structural safety, the principal hazard for cladding in its many forms and various materials is that it can and sometimes has fallen off buildings. The extent of the risk depends on the number of people below at any time and also on the characteristics of the cladding itself. Fortunately, the incidence of death or serious injury from this cause has been small to date, but whenever failures do occur and public safety is threatened, there is serious recrimination against those involved in design, construction or maintenance.
Over the last 2 years, I have read with interest several ‘viewpoint’ articles on this subject from respected engineers. I want to generally recap on what was said, basically agree with it, and thereafter suggest some rather radical ideas on how we, as an Institution, should proceed. P.L. Ross