This Digest provides an overview of the advice given in BRE Report 511 entitled 'Handbook for the structural assessment of large panel system (LPS) dwelling blocks for accidental loading'. It gives guidance to professional engineers and owners on the structural assessment of an existing LPS dwelling block for accidental loads. It explains the fundamental aspects of undertaking such a structural assessment, describing the technical requirements, the objectives, and the sequence of technical activities involved.

Contents

Introduction

Background to the requirements for undertaking a structural assessment

Overview of the LPS dwelling block research programme

Background to the form of construction of LPS dwelling blocks

Historical perspective on the structural assessment of LPS dwelling blocks and their vulnerability to progressive vertical collapse

Accidental actions and loads: overview of the hazards and risks

Acceptability of the risks associated with accidental loads in LPS blocks

Full-scale structural load tests on three existing LPS dwelling blocks

The requirements for structural assessment of LPS dwelling blocks for accidental loads

Recommended structural assessment procedure for existing LPS dwelling blocks for accidental loads

Methodology for through-life management of LPS dwelling blocks

Proposed assessment and inspection regimes, including suggested timescales for visual inspections, sampling of selected components, and full structural assessments.

Finally: a note on the risk of progressive collapse

Acknowledgements

References

6 line drawings, 4 photos

A4 16pp