This event is in collaboration with ICE.
Disproportionate collapse is a catastrophic failure mechanism where local damage leads to a chain reaction of structural failures, potentially resulting in the complete collapse of a building or infrastructure. Preventing such failures is critical, especially for essential and high-risk structures. Enhancing the robustness of structural systems—by improving their ability to resist disproportionate collapse even after localised damage—is key to effective prevention and mitigation.
This presentation provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of disproportionate collapse, highlighting recent research developments, practical design strategies, and international guidelines. It also explores emerging directions in materials, analytical methods, and design philosophies aimed at improving structural resilience against unforeseen events such as explosions, impacts, or natural disasters.
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About the Speaker: Dr Levingshan Augusthus Nelson
Dr. Levi Augusthus Nelson is a Chartered Civil and Structural Engineer and a Lecturer in Civil Engineering at the University of Salford. He teaches structural design and surveying. His research interests include progressive collapse and the retrofitting of structures, with a strong focus on translating research into practical, real-world applications.
