Overcooked Precast — Collapse Investigation and Repairs


On August 9, 2019, Tyson Foods' Holcomb, Kansas beef plant experienced the first large fire in the meat processing industry in nearly 20 years. The long-burning fire precipitated the collapse of a portion of the high roof over the mechanical mezzanine, which housed equipment for numerous critical plant processes. This took portions of the plant, the second largest in the United States, out of operation for months. The pressures of substantial business interruption costs, as well as the market consequences for cattle feeders from the Southern Plains region, necessitated a rapid response. This presentation highlights the investigation into the extent of damage to precast members, including visual inspection, nondestructive and laboratory evaluations, testing, simulation, and analyses. Based on this investigation, members were identified for repair or removal and replacement. Consulting and construction observations related to the safe removal of collapse debris and repair procedures will also be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Understand basic concepts related to the material effects to concrete and steel wire exposed to high heat during a fire.
  2. Understand the structural implications of precast members exposed to high heat for an extended period of time.
  3. Learn laboratory testing and simulation methods that can be used to evaluate the extent of heat effect.
  4. Understand demolition and constructability challenges encountered.