1. Finite Element Analysis on Structure in Hyatt Collapse
Meng Lu1, Jiaying Gao1
Department of Mechanical Engineering
* Values are arbitrary and only intend to cause beam failure
so maximum loading of each design can be verified
Background
• In July 1981, two suspended walkways at the
Kansas City Hyatt Regency hotel collapsed
• During investigation of National Bureau of
Standards, the key connection on the
supporting beam of the walk way is changed,
shown in Fig. 1 below
• Inner rod on modified beam carries weight
from second floor
Finite Element Model
• Geometries of the 3D beam model for both
designs shown in Fig. 2
• Only rod-beam connection simulation to
observe damage on beam due to loading
• Loading condition based on actual beam
usage
• Maximum force causing damage will be used
to evaluate effect of new design in terms of
load carrying capacity
• Precise beam deformation are simulated and
will be used to compared with physical
evidence
Goal of the Project
• Through Finite Element Method, applying
loading on both designs to cause failure.
• Investigate both designs’ loading carrying
capacity and determine whether the modified
design is as safe as original one (which was
validated by designer)
Modified Original
Fig. 1 Modified and Original Design of Connection
Fig. 2 Modified (a) and original (b) beam models
(a)
(b)
Fixed
130 kN 130 kN
140 kN
FEA Results:
Applying
Load
Applying
Displacement
• By applying load, accurate contact between rod
and beam simulated
• Better loading history of outside rod shown below
Modified Design
Original Design
Fig. 3 Deformed Beams: Modified (Upper) and Original (Lower)
*Welded region marked in red
Fig. 4 Side view of two design before and after deformation
Accurate force compared
to NBS test result
Conclusion
1. Modified beam can only stand 21 kips, around 3.5
kips less then original design
2. The modified beam is carrying weight from current
floor and 2nd floor. Thus the welded region is more
likely to fail.
3. In original design, beam only carries weight from
current level, thus less stress on the welded region
Beam has
two sides
welded
together Results Discussion:
8” 4”