Analysis of Roissy Airport Terminal 2E collapse using deterministic and reliability assessments

Few months after its inauguration in June 2003, a part of the Roissy Airport Terminal 2E in France collapsed in May 2004. The accident was caused by the failure and the drop of the horizontal beam out of its supports and the punching of the concrete vault by the stays used to support it. We study, in this paper, this problem from the available data in order to examine the real reasons of the incident and to see if it was possible to predict the structure failure from the beginning. Our approach is mainly based on comparing the expected results by the design office to the observed values. A deterministic analysis and a mechanical reliability assessment are performed. We show the importance of reliability assessment and long term strains of materials, especially for public constructions where the human and economic repercussions are heavy to bear.

► We study the collapse of Roissy Airport Terminal 2E. ► We perform calculations taking into consideration the long term effects of materials. ► A reliability study has shown that the structure presented an unacceptable high probability of failure. ► A sensitivity analysis is performed for some potentially relevant parameters. ► We conclude by a number of recommendations.