Which type of collapse floor pattern occurs when both sides of the floor or ceiling collapse around a load-bearing wall?

Which type of collapse floor pattern occurs when both sides of the floor or ceiling collapse around a load-bearing wall?

• A. Frame
• B. Lean-To Collapse
• C. V-Shape
• D. Cantilever Collapse

Answer: (A)

Frame collapse happens when a load-bearing wall stays standing while the floor or ceiling on both sides collapses. The wall acts as the central vertical element, so you end up with a frame-like appearance around that wall. This matches the scenario where debris falls away on both sides of the wall, rather than sinking on just one side or failing in a single direction. Lean-to collapse would involve only one side falling, cantilever collapse involves the floor giving way away from the wall in one direction, and a V-shape pattern forms a V with debris from two sides moving toward the center rather than creating a framed opening around the wall. Understanding this helps you anticipate voids and plan safe entry and stabilization around the intact load-bearing element.

Frame collapse happens when a load-bearing wall stays standing while the floor or ceiling on both sides collapses. The wall acts as the central vertical element, so you end up with a frame-like appearance around that wall. This matches the scenario where debris falls away on both sides of the wall, rather than sinking on just one side or failing in a single direction. Lean-to collapse would involve only one side falling, cantilever collapse involves the floor giving way away from the wall in one direction, and a V-shape pattern forms a V with debris from two sides moving toward the center rather than creating a framed opening around the wall. Understanding this helps you anticipate voids and plan safe entry and stabilization around the intact load-bearing element.