The decision of the experts in the case of the building in Rahova: the controlled demolition of the floors, from 5 to 8
The State Construction Inspectorate (ISC) and a team of technical experts assessed the condition of the building affected by the explosion in Rahova. The two teams' conclusions raise questions about the building's future. While the independent technical experts point out that the affected building risks a progressive collapse and recommend the complete demolition of staircase 2, the State Construction Inspectorate proposes a limited intervention on the upper floors.
The block affected by the explosion PHOTO: Andrei Nistor/FB
ISC variant: controlled demolition of the affected floors
The State Construction Inspectorate (ISC) sent a report after the explosion in Rahova, in which it recommends prohibiting access to the building, as well as the delimitation of a 30-meter safety zone around it. The inspectors propose the controlled demolition of floors 5-8, directly affected by the explosion, and the installation of safety poppets to strengthen the structure.
According to the ISC report, “action will be taken in such a way as to remove the damaged structural elements without causing the collapse of large components”.
The inspectorate points out that, considering the degree of damage to the resistance structure on the 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th floors, there is a high risk that dislocated structural elements will cause extensive collapses.
In these conditions, it is recommended to: prohibit access to the building, establish a safety zone of 30 meters and controlled demolition of the upper floors with the help of a long-arm excavator equipped with hydraulic shears.
To prevent possible collapse of the lower floors during demolition, ISC recommends installing safety poppets from the foundation to below the floor of the 4th floor.
“The installation of these pops will be carried out by specialized people for interventions in areas with a high risk of collapse”, specifies the institution.
Independent experts: “The building can no longer be saved”
According to the technical report drawn up at the request of the ISC by a team of independent structural experts, the affected building presents partial collapse, serious damage to structural and non-structural components, dangerous dislocations, floor collapses and a high risk of progressive collapse.
“Continued use of the building is not possible. The building no longer meets the fundamental requirement of safety and stability. It is recommended to decommission and completely demolish staircase 2 of block 32,” the report said.
Experts warn that the consolidation work would be extremely risky, time-consuming and expensive, with the potential to even exceed the reconstruction value of the building.
Authorities continue to monitor the area and ensure additional measures for the safety of nearby residents.
Following the devastating explosion on Friday morning, October 17, in a block of flats in the Rahova neighborhood of the Capital, three women died and 15 other people were injured. Of these, 7 were discharged, and one man was transferred to a hospital in Austria.
