The assessment of the structure of Novi Sad Open University damaged in a fire

Abstract

The fire which spread over the top six floors of the 54 m tall building of the Open University in Novi Sad, caused severe damage to the load-bearing reinforced (RC) concrete structure and the steel facade structure. This paper presents the recorded data on the damage and the assessment of the structure after the fire. All the damage is described and the most characteristic ones are illustrated with photographs. The damages caused by the fire have been classified according to the criteria of the manner and degree to which they are manifested. The authors separate and describe the defects, which occurred as a result of errors made during the construction of the building. The results of the subsequent testing of the quality of the built-in materials are also presented in the paper. It has been concluded that the damage of the elements of the load-bearing RC structure from the 8th to the 12th floor has been so severe that the stability and bearing capacity of this part of the structure has been jeopardized, but with appropriate repair measures it can be restored to its previous condition. © 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.