Pittsburgh Section

Pittsburgh Section

 View Only

Request for Expert Input: Building 7 Model Resembling Reality

  • 1.  Request for Expert Input: Building 7 Model Resembling Reality

    Posted 06-28-2023 12:08 PM
    Edited by Eugene Laratonda 06-28-2023 01:47 PM

    Dear esteemed members,


    I am reaching out to you as a group of knowledgeable professionals in the field of structural engineering to seek your valuable insights and expertise regarding the modeling of Building 7's collapse on 9/11.


    Recently, the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) conducted a comprehensive four-year computer modeling study on the collapse of World Trade Center Building 7. The final report, released on March 25, 2020, challenges the conclusions presented by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) regarding the cause of the collapse.


    While NIST attributed the collapse to normal office fires, the UAF research team found that the failure of every column in the building, occurring near-simultaneously, was the primary cause. This divergent conclusion raises questions about the accuracy of the models used and their resemblance to the observed reality of the building's collapse.


    To facilitate a robust discussion and gather expert opinions, I would like to draw your attention to three videos that highlight certain aspects of the building's behavior during its collapse:

    1. NIST Model Video (Distortion in Facade):
      This video, generated by NIST, shows a distortion in the façade of Building 7 during collapse that does not align with the observed footage of the building's collapse.
    2. Building 7 Collapse Video: 
      This video captures the actual collapse of Building 7 on 9/11 and serves as a reference for comparing the behavior depicted in the NIST model.
    3. UAF Team Model Video (Matching Behavior):
      The UAF research team developed a model that aims to match the observed behavior of Building 7 during its collapse, as shown in the video.


    Given your expertise in structural engineering, I am genuinely interested in hearing your professional opinion on which model, if any, more closely resembles the reality of Building 7's collapse. Your insights and observations will contribute to a broader understanding of this significant event.


    I encourage you to review the videos and share your thoughts, concerns, or any pertinent information that you believe would shed light on this matter. Your expertise is invaluable, and your input will greatly contribute to the ongoing discourse surrounding the collapse of Building 7.


    For further reference, the full report from the UAF research team can be accessed at http://ine.uaf.edu/wtc7.


    Thank you in advance for your time, expertise, and contribution to this important discussion. I look forward to hearing from you and engaging in an insightful exchange of ideas.


    Sincerely,

    Gene Laratonda






    ------------------------------
    Gene Laratonda
    Site Manager
    Leechburg PA
    ------------------------------