Page 173 - Forensic Structural Engineering Handbook

FIGURE 5.2 Collapse of this suspended cement plaster ceiling in a rail station during
rush hour resulted in two deaths and many injuries to commuters. This PATH station in
Jersey City, NJ was closed for nearly two weeks to allow for the inspection of all ceil-
ings, the installation of protective scaffolding in areas of similar construction, and to
allow engineers to conduct field investigations.

FIGURE 5.3 Portions of this brick facade rained down on the
sidewalk and adjacent buildings, forcing officials to immediately
close Madison Avenue. A temporary bridge was erected across
Madison Avenue to shield the public before it could be reopened
to traffic. In this photograph, additional unstable areas of brick
have been removed and other stabilization has been added.

5.6