Pancake collapse of a tall building. In the section of a tall building shown in Figure (a), the infrastructure of any given floor K must support the weight W of all higher floors. Normally the infrastructure is constructed with a safety factor s so that it can withstand an even greater downward force of sW. If, however, the support columns between K and L suddenly collapse and allow the higher floors to free- fall together onto floor K (Figure (b)), the force in the collision can exceed sW and, after a brief pause, cause K to collapse onto floor J, which collapses on floor I, and so on until the ground is reached. Assume that the floors are separated by d = 4.0 m and have the same mass. Also assume that when the floors above K free-fall onto K, the collision lasts 2.0 ms. Under these simplified conditions, what value must the safety factor s exceed to prevent pancake collapse of the building?
Pancake collapse of a tall building. In the section of a tall building shown in Figure (a), the infrastructure of any given floor K must support the weight W of all higher floors. Normally the infrastructure is constructed with a safety factor s so that it can withstand an even greater downward force of sW. If, however, the support columns between K and L suddenly collapse and allow the higher floors to free- fall together onto floor K (Figure (b)), the force in the collision can exceed sW and, after a brief pause, cause K to collapse onto floor J, which collapses on floor I, and so on until the ground is reached. Assume that the floors are separated by d = 4.0 m and have the same mass. Also assume that when the floors above K free-fall onto K, the collision lasts 2.0 ms. Under these simplified conditions, what value must the safety factor s exceed to prevent pancake collapse of the building?
University Physics Volume 1
18th Edition
ISBN:9781938168277
Author:William Moebs, Samuel J. Ling, Jeff Sanny
Publisher:William Moebs, Samuel J. Ling, Jeff Sanny
Chapter9: Linear Momentum And Collisions
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 103AP: Three skydivers are plummeting earthward. They are initially holding onto each other, but then push...
Related questions
Topic Video
Question
Expert Solution
This question has been solved!
Explore an expertly crafted, step-by-step solution for a thorough understanding of key concepts.
Step by step
Solved in 3 steps with 2 images
Knowledge Booster
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, physics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.Recommended textbooks for you
University Physics Volume 1
Physics
ISBN:
9781938168277
Author:
William Moebs, Samuel J. Ling, Jeff Sanny
Publisher:
OpenStax - Rice University
Physics for Scientists and Engineers: Foundations…
Physics
ISBN:
9781133939146
Author:
Katz, Debora M.
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
University Physics Volume 1
Physics
ISBN:
9781938168277
Author:
William Moebs, Samuel J. Ling, Jeff Sanny
Publisher:
OpenStax - Rice University
Physics for Scientists and Engineers: Foundations…
Physics
ISBN:
9781133939146
Author:
Katz, Debora M.
Publisher:
Cengage Learning