Stability of landmark residential tower

Stock photo

United Kingdom

A 20‑storey reinforced‑concrete landmark residential tower in England suffered extensive damage to polystyrene cladding panels during high winds. A subsequent Category 3 check raised wider non-cladding concerns, related to overall structural stability and the design and detailing of reinforced‑concrete walls and columns.

For the purposes of this matter, I was asked to independently evaluate these findings and the proportionality of proposed remedial works. This work included preparing finite-element (FEA) models of the structure to analyse global buckling, second-order (P-Delta) effects, lateral stability and drift, and wind-induced accelerations.

The findings of this investigation were provided to the solicitors acting for the building owners to guide the remediation strategy and navigate through the dispute.