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Federal experts indicated that faults in the pool deck were likely the starting point of the collapse of the Champlain Towers South condominium, which resulted in 98 fatalities in 2021 and is still under investigation.
“Our recent work indicates that the failure is more likely to have started in the pool deck rather than in the tower,” explained Glenn Bell, associate researcher at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), to the media Local 10 News.
According to Bell, the design of the pool deck did not meet the strength requirements set forth in the building codes and, furthermore, the reinforcement steel was not installed according to the plans.
"In some places, the design provided less than half of the required resistance," he detailed.
The researchers confirmed to the mentioned outlet that the two flaws —an inadequate design and improperly placed slab reinforcement— had been present since the completion of the construction over 40 years ago and were crucial in the partial collapse of the building that morning of June 24, 2021.
Bell specified that in addition to the starting point, the official investigation also focuses on how the progressive collapse occurred that allowed the failure in the pool to extend to the tower.
"If that progression had not taken place, the disaster would not have been as extensive as we witnessed," he emphasized.
The NIST team acknowledged that the research has been complex due to the widespread design and construction issues detected in both the pool slab and the tower. “There are many lessons to be learned,” Bell added.
Although the pool appears to be the source of the collapse, experts continue to analyze structural defects in the tower.
The detailed federal report on the case is scheduled for spring 2026.
Frequently asked questions about the Surfside building collapse in Florida
What was the main cause of the collapse of the Champlain Towers South building in Surfside?
The collapse of the Champlain Towers South building likely started at the pool slab, as explained by Glenn Bell from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The slab did not meet strength requirements, and the rebar was improperly placed, issues that had been present since the completion of the work over 40 years ago.
What changes have been made to condominium laws in Florida following the collapse in Surfside?
In response to the collapse in Surfside, Florida enacted new legislation that modifies safety and funding regulations for condominiums. The law includes changes to structural inspections and provides more financial flexibility to condominium associations, allowing temporary pauses in the obligation to fund reserve accounts following a structural inspection.
How does the new Florida condominium law affect building security?
The new condominium law in Florida aims to balance structural safety with financial relief for homeowners. Deadlines for completing structural integrity studies have been adjusted and financial mechanisms have been made more flexible, which should allow condominium associations to prioritize immediate repairs and ensure the safety of the buildings.
What other structural failures are being investigated in the Surfside building following the collapse?
In addition to the pool deck, experts continue to investigate structural defects in the building's tower. The NIST investigation focuses on the progressive collapse that allowed the initial failure to spread to the tower, escalating the magnitude of the disaster.
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