Partial Collapse of John Purdue Block, a Historic Brick Masonry Structure
Publication: Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 30, Issue 1
Abstract
This paper discusses the partial collapse of John Purdue Block, a historic masonry structure in Lafayette, Indiana. The collapse occurred while the structure was being renovated and modified to prepare it for a new occupancy and usage. Prior to the start of the project, masonry strengths were not assessed or even estimated, and the primary structural elements were not analyzed for the proposed changes in loading and geometry. Relatively modest loads on the masonry walls and columns, coupled with a long-term performance without distress, may have provided a false sense of confidence that the structure could safely withstand comparatively minor changes in geometry and loading. Subsequent testing and analysis revealed the cause of the failure to be localized compressive stresses that exceeded the ultimate capacity of the brick masonry.
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Acknowledgments
We also wish to acknowledge and express our appreciation for being given permission from the Lafayette Journal & Courier to reference articles written in the aftermath of the collapse and to reprint certain photographs published by the newspaper.
References
American National Standards Institute (ANSI). (1970). “American standard building code requirements for masonry.”, New York.
ASTM. (1981). “Standard test methods for sampling and testing brick and structural clay tile.”, West Conshohocken, PA.
McCorkel, F. (1981). “Various newspaper articles and photographs published from August 8 through 21, 1981 in the Lafayette Journal & Courier, Lafayette, Indiana.”.
Monk, C. B., Jr. (1967). “A historical survey and analysis of the compressive strength of brick masonry.”, Structural Clay Products Research Foundation, Geneva, IL.
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© 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Apr 28, 2014
Accepted: Oct 3, 2014
Published online: Nov 10, 2014
Discussion open until: Apr 10, 2015
Published in print: Feb 1, 2016
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