Terrorism - Why do Buildings Collapse?
By Christopher Elliott
1 Dec 2002
Buildings are a favoured target for terrorist attack. They are static, valued and vulnerable. Damage to them delivers the effect the terrorist seeks, whether it be economic loss, telegenic images to exert pressure, or death and injury. That damage is most likely to be caused by an explosion inside or close by the building, although they can also be damaged by the momentum transferred when a large object, a lorry or aeroplane, hits them, which is described as 'kinetic energy attack'. Christopher Elliot describes the means of attack and the character of different types of explosions and then outlines the strengths and vulnerabilities of different types of construction.
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1 Dec 2002
Buildings are a favoured target for terrorist attack. They are static, valued and vulnerable. Damage to them delivers the effect the terrorist seeks, whether it be economic loss, telegenic images to exert pressure, or death and injury. That damage is most likely to be caused by an explosion inside or close by the building, although they can also be damaged by the momentum transferred when a large object, a lorry or aeroplane, hits them, which is described as 'kinetic energy attack'. Christopher Elliot describes the means of attack and the character of different types of explosions and then outlines the strengths and vulnerabilities of different types of construction.
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