MNSEA Monthly Meeting: US&R Building Collapse Incidents - The Risk of Secondary Collapse (2/11/2025)

Description

Presentation
US&R Building Collapse Incidents - The Risk of Secondary Collapse

 
Description: Presentation provides a high level overview of how First Responders and Structures Specialists identify, monitor, and communicate apparent Structural Risks for Situational Awareness during Urban Search & Rescue (US&R) Building Collapse Incidents. While a collapse site may differ from a project site, the concepts explored within this presentation can relate to initial and ongoing efforts by Structural Engineers to assess and communicate if building conditions meet the IEBC definitions of Dangerous or Substantial Structural Damage. The presentation will showcase relevant Collapse and Partial Collapse photographs, videos, and Case Studies from Demolition Consultation and recent US&R Collapse Incidents. US&R Structures Specialists face unique deployment challenges, as their functional purpose is to minimize risk to Task Force Personnel during their Search & Rescue Operations, with limited time, access, and resources. Following the Presentation, the attendee will better understand how complex site conditions can be quickly assessed with limited resources, in order to identify, communicate, and propose mitigation for apparent Structural Risks.
 


BIO: Heather Anesta, PE, SE, MS, StS2 is a South Florida Native with structural experience in New Design, Repair, Renovation, Condition Assessment, and Failure Analysis for Single-Family Homes, Residential & Commercial Buildings, and Essential Facilities. She also serves as a Subject Matter Expert and Consultant in Demolition Consultation, Damage Assessments, and Disaster Response, Mitigation, and Preparation. She works with FEMA/DHS US&R as an Advanced Structures Specialist for FL-TF1 and the FEMA Incident Support Team. She serves as Chair on the ASCE 11 Standard for Structural Condition Assessment of Existing Buildings, a Voting Member of the ASCE 7-28 Wind-load Subcommittee, Chair of the ASCE 7-28 Chapter 30, an Associate Member of the ASCE 7-28 Main Committee, and a Voting Member of the Florida Building Commission Existing Building Inspection Working Group.