Please tell me ASCE Collaborators, "How can any steel structure collapse symmetrically from a non-symmetrical heat-field that would cause a random temperature variation throughout the hot spot zone thereby asymmetrically varying the strength (Young's Modulus) of all heat affected steel components accordingly?" Obviously, only the technique of controlled demolition developed/perfected during our generation could accomplish such a building failure. Furthermore, never in the history of fire damaged steel buildings has such a symmetrical collapse occurred---and this would be three firsts. A poll of ASCE collaborators on this question [an issue about which, I think, the official ASCE organizational leaders have decided otherwise] would indeed be interesting and worthwhile. Thanking you in advance for your response.
Regards from a concerned Life Member,
C. Warren Stelly
Lafayette, LA 70503
P.S. Videos of the 40-story building's collapse show that it fell very close to the classic free-fall speed.
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C Stelly P.E., F.ASCE
Sr Struct Engr
Lafayette LA
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