Concrete collapse

[Guest alsfirefighter]

i was saddened to read the death of our brothers in switzerland due to a concrete ceiling collapse in a parking garage. I just wanted to add that it is vey important to remember that masonry can collapse, often without any warning just as quickly and often more catastrophically then other building materials. While concrete can conduct heat farily well, it is important to remember that because of the water that is used in its making and the moisture content that remains throughout its life, it is this water that can create spalling and even more catastrophic collapses not just of concrete ceilings but also of floors that can rupture violently upward when heated from below.

Also remember when dealing with parking garages, some have constant slope throughout even in parking areas, remember to advance your line from the uphill side to protect in the event of a fuel tank rupture, and identify additional egress routes or safe areas in the event things go south.

Further info on concrete and collapse can be found in "Collapse of Burning Buildings" by Vincent Dunn. This book shoudl be required reading for all fire officers and a great training info tool for firefighters.

[Guest alsfirefighter]

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[x635 4,066]

Quite a tragedy in Switzerland...thanks for the valuable info you provided..Doe WCFTC offer a class in this????

[Guest alsfirefighter]

Building construction is a unit in Firefighter I

Building collapse is a unit in Firefighter II but not as in depth.

I know there a few ideas of putting together some courses to deal with specific type things such as this. Of course it does come down to time for many of us, and right now spitting out Firefighter I's is a top priority as well as some other core areas that are needed.