New Kerala : Cambridge engineer challenges 9/11 demolition theory

Cambridge engineer challenges 9/11 demolition theory

September 11, 2007

London, Sept.11 : A Cambridge University engineer has challenged the conspiracy theory surrounding the 9/11 attacks in the United States.

According to Dr Keith Seffen, once the collapse of the twin towers began, it was destined to be rapid and total.

Previous studies have tended to focus on the initial stages of collapse, showing that there was an initial, localised failure around the aircraft impact zones, and that this probably led to the progressive collapse of both structures.

One of many conspiracy theories suggests that the buildings came down in a manner consistent with a "controlled demolition".

Dr. Seffen's data says this is not needed to explain the way the towers fell and claimed the lives of over 2,800 people in New York.

Dr. Seffen says he was able to calculate the "residual capacity" of the undamaged building: that is, simply speaking, the ability of the undamaged structure to resist or comply with collapse.

His calculations suggest the residual capacity of the north and south towers was limited, and that once the collapse was set in motion, it would take only nine seconds for the building to go down.

Dr Seffen's research could help inform future building design. His findings are published in the Journal of Engineering Mechanics.

--- ANI