Construction/Structural Failure

Critical Infrastructure failure is defined as the failure in one or more of the physical structures, facilities, networks and other assets which provide services that are essential to the social and economic functioning of a community or society (UNGA, 2016).

Nuclear plant failure occurs when the accidental melting of the core of a nuclear reactor results in a complete or partial core collapse (adapted from USNRC, 1975). 

In the electric power domain, especially in power transmission and distribution, a power outage usually refers to a partial or total loss of power supply to some end user (e.g., population, enterprises, critical systems). Triggering factors may include accidents, equipment breakdowns, failure of control mechanisms, targeted attacks (physical or cyber), organisational errors, and natural hazards (adapted from Pescaroli et al., 2017; UK Cabinet Office, 2017; EIS Council, 2019; FEMA, 2018). 

Emergency telecommunications failure is an umbrella term for telecommunications of an ‘extraordinary nature’ under abnormal and potentially adverse network conditions (ITU, 2007). 

Water supply failure is the physical shortage or scarcity in access of water supply due to the failure of institutions to ensure a regular supply or due to a lack of adequate infrastructure (adapted from UN-Water, no date).

Building collapse is the failure of load-bearing structural elements, causing a building to fall or fail catastrophically / catastrophic failure (adapted from US Department of Labor, no date). 

Radio and other telecommunication failures occur when there is an internal or external interruption of communications by either party that results in difficulty transporting a message as it was intended (adapted from Dainty et al., 2007).

A building high-rise cladding fire hazard occurs when combustible materials such as cladding on a high-rise building greatly increases risk in the event of a fire and can have a catastrophic outcome (adapted from Rockpanel, no date) 

Drain and sewer flooding is said to occur when sewage or foul water leaks from the sewerage system (through pipes, drains or manholes) or floods up through toilets, sinks or showers inside a building (Priestly, 2016). 

Structural failure corresponds to the exceedance of ultimate limit state in many of the load-carrying elements, which compromise the structural stability of the building (Rossetto, 2013).