The structure collapse where each floor collapses on top of each other is called what?

The structure collapse where each floor collapses on top of each other is called what?

• A. Pancake collapse
• B. Lean-to collapse
• C. A-frame collapse
• D. V-shaped collapse

Answer: (A)

When each floor fails and drops straight down onto the one below, creating a nearly vertical stack of debris, that pattern is called a pancake collapse. It happens as the vertical load path fails floor by floor, allowing successive levels to pile up directly on top of each other with little outward spread. This contrasts with other collapse shapes: a lean-to collapse leans to one side, an A-frame collapse forms a triangular, roof-like shape, and a V-shaped collapse sees two sides give way inward to make a V profile. The pancake pattern clearly describes the straight-down stacking of floors.

When each floor fails and drops straight down onto the one below, creating a nearly vertical stack of debris, that pattern is called a pancake collapse. It happens as the vertical load path fails floor by floor, allowing successive levels to pile up directly on top of each other with little outward spread. This contrasts with other collapse shapes: a lean-to collapse leans to one side, an A-frame collapse forms a triangular, roof-like shape, and a V-shaped collapse sees two sides give way inward to make a V profile. The pancake pattern clearly describes the straight-down stacking of floors.