Page 179 - Forensic Structural Engineering Handbook

5.12 ENGINEERING RESPONSE TO FAILURES

FIGURE 5.9 Application of protective coatings to steel fracture surfaces helps preserve deli-
cate telltale features.
Curing Concrete Test Cylinders

If the structure is under construction, curing of the concrete test cylinders may be on-site.
Some concrete cylinders may have already been transported to the testing laboratory. (See
Fig. 5.10.) A concerted effort should be made to locate all curing concrete cylinders imme-
diately. These cylinders can provide invaluable information, especially for cases where pre-
mature formwork removal may be an issue. If there is any possibility that the cylinders may
be damaged or otherwise compromised at their found location, they should be carefully

FIGURE 5.10 These curing concrete cylinders were found at the L’Ambiance Plaza site and
were instrumental in ruling out substandard concrete strength as a possible cause of the collapse.