Structural robustness and disproportionate collapse in buildings (Second edition)

Author: Ruth Haynes et al.

Date published

10 November 2023

Price
Standard: £79.95
Member: £51.95
Student Member: £39.95
Back to Previous

Structural robustness and disproportionate collapse in buildings (Second edition)

Guidance

Author

Ruth Haynes et al.

Date published

10 November 2023

Author

Ruth Haynes et al.

Price

Standard: £79.95
Member: £51.95
Student Member: £39.95

Updated IStructE guidance on designing for structural robustness and preventing disproportionate collapse using risk‑based principles.

Structural robustness remains fundamental to public safety and confidence in the built environment. In the context of modern procurement, new construction methods and heightened regulatory scrutiny, designers need clear, practical guidance grounded in current codes and risk thinking. 

This second edition of Structural robustness and disproportionate collapse in buildings provides a comprehensive update aligned with the Eurocodes, with particular emphasis on BS EN 1991‑1‑7 and the Building Safety Act. It builds on the widely used first edition, expanding the discussion to reflect contemporary construction practice, altered buildings and evolving risk expectations. 

The guidance supports engineers in making proportionate, defensible decisions that balance robustness, practicality and economy — without reducing complex safety issues to box‑ticking exercises. 

Key features 

  • Fully aligned with the Eurocodes, including BS EN 1991‑1‑7 

  • Clear explanation of robustness and disproportionate collapse principles 

  • Explicit integration of risk‑based design thinking 

  • New guidance on existing buildings and structural alterations 

  • Consideration of fire‑related disproportionate collapse risk 

  • Expanded coverage of modern methods of construction (MMC), including light steel frame 

Who this book is for: 

  • Practising structural engineers designing buildings of all scales 

  • Engineers working under the Building Safety Act regime 

  • Those reviewing or altering existing structures 

  • Engineers involved in peer review and regulatory discussion 

  • Practitioners seeking clarity on robustness requirements 

What you will learn: 

  • How robustness requirements are expressed in current standards and legislation 

  • How to classify buildings and assess disproportionate collapse risk 

  • How to apply horizontal tying, key elements and alternative load paths 

  • How risk considerations influence robustness decisions 

  • How to address robustness when altering existing structures 

  • How fire scenarios affect disproportionate collapse assessment 

Additional information

Format:
Book (Print or PDF)
ISBN:
978-1-906335-67-0
Pages:
200
Publisher:
IStructE Ltd

Tags

Timber Guidance Masonry Metal - steel Composite Robustness Resilience Fire Codes & Standards Risk Stability Shear & Torsion Stress Strain Structural Behaviour Guides

Related Resources & Events

Regional
Rain-covered umbrellas in the foreground with a red telephone booth and blurred street scene in the background.

Extreme weather - guided walk led by Lester Hillman

Extreme weather - guided walk led by Lester Hillman

A guided walk of London's greatest ever downpour.
Date – 17 October 2026
Location – Golders Hill Park North End Way London NW3 7HE
Price – Free
Course
A construction site revealing a concrete structure and scaffolding against bright sun is shown.

Eurocode 2: design of concrete structures - November 2026

Eurocode 2: design of concrete structures - November 2026

This course covers the design of common structural elements to Eurocode 2. Participants will be introduced to concrete material properties and learn about designing for durability and fire.
Date – 17 November 2026
Location – Online
Price – £315 - £465 + VAT
Course
Architectural blueprints with drafting tools including a compass, pencils, ruler, and rolled plans.

Advanced conceptual design for design team leaders

Advanced conceptual design for design team leaders

Through a series of interactive sessions this course helps experienced practitioners take their conceptual design skills to the next level.
Date – 1 October 2026
Location – Online
Price – £565 - £835 + VAT