This case involves damage incurred to a pipe supporting systems at a large indoor recreational center in the United Arab Emirates. It was observed that the water system pipelines had been detached from their supporter and collapsed, causing damage to over five facilities. The recreational center had to temporarily shut down to repair the facilities, clear away any debris, fix the water system pipelines and receive safety approval. Based on a subsequent inspection, it appeared that the collapse of the pipelines was due to a separation of the horizontal channel from joint bolts on the concrete ceiling.
Question(s) For Expert Witness
1. Please briefly describe your experience with horizontal channels.
2. Are you able to identify the defects related to engineering calculation and design of horizontal channels?
3. Have you ever reviewed a similar case? If so, please explain.
Expert Witness Response E-013836
This case very closely matches my experience. There are many reasons for the possible failure and there are necessary codes which should also govern. There is also a remote chance that additional but necessary system components that may not have been included in the installation are contributing causes of the failure.
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