Failure of building Rana Plaza - Case study Failure due to overloading, poor soil stability, illegal construction, poor quality materials, design errors and inadequate design approach

1. RANA PLAZA BUILDING
COLLAPSE – CASE STUDY
Presented by
Ashlin T V

2. INTRODUCTION
♦ Rana Plaza collapse was a structural failure that occurred on 24
April 2013 in Savar of Dhaka District, Bangladesh
♦ Also known as Savar building collapse
♦ Deadliest garment-factory accident in history
♦ The building contained clothing factories, a bank, apartments,
and several shops
♦ Owned by Sohel Rana
♦ 78% of country’s total export
♦ More than 4000 people working inside the building
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3. BUILDING DESCRIPTION
♦ Opened in August 2009
♦ Eight-story building with ninth story under construction
♦ Rectangular in shape with glass façade entrance
♦ Two stair towers near the rear side
♦ 1st and 2nd floors rented by offices, shops and banks
♦ 3rd to 8th floor were rented by garment manufacturers
♦ Diesel generators were located at top floors
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4. BUILDING DESCRIPTION [Cont.]
♦ Built on filled-up pond – weak foundation
♦ Cast-in-place concrete and steel reinforcement
♦ Simple design with flat slab supported by typical beams and
columns
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5. Fig.1 Rana Plaza
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6. Fig.2 Rana Plaza Before Collapse
Fig.3 Rana Plaza After Collapse
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8. CAUSES OF FAILURE
♦ Unsuitable land for multi-story construction.
♦ Use of poor quality construction materials.
♦ Loads placed on the building that were not within design
criteria.
♦ Poor regulation and enforcement of building codes.
♦ High demand within the garment market
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9. CONCLUSIONS
♦ Building had structural integrity issues due to
→ Weak soil foundation beneath
→ Use of poor quality materials during construction
→ Increased loads due to additional floors
→ Change in occupancy type from the design
→ Roof top generators
→ Improper inspection and regulation of building system
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10. SOLUTION
Strict inspection
Giving examplary punishment
Ensuring safety sectors in all aspect
Availing code of practice
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