A two-story residential structure collapses due to an engineering error. This is categorized as which type of collapse?

In the case of a two-story residential structure collapsing due to an engineering error, this scenario typically falls under the classification of "Progressive Collapse." This type of collapse occurs when a failure in one component leads to the failure of other components, resulting in a chain reaction that causes a significant portion of the structure to fail.

In residential buildings, progressive collapses can happen because of various design or construction issues, including inadequate load distribution or failure to meet building codes. When a structural failure originates from an engineering flaw, it can lead to critical elements of the building losing integrity, causing it to collapse progressively rather than all at once.

Understanding the differences in collapse types is crucial for safety officers, as it impacts the approach taken during rescue operations, the assessment of the structural integrity of remaining elements, and the implementation of safety measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.