High-Rise Condominium Collapse

Abstract

On the morning of June 24, 2021, around 1:22 a.m., the Champlain Tower South in Surfside, Florida partially collapsed killing 98 people. This building was 12 stories high with 136 condo units located oceanfront. There are multiple theories as to why a part of the building collapsed and resulted in one of the deadliest construction failures in modern history. The original construction of the building was determined to have design flaws and inadequate structural support. The building experienced environmental damage, and repairs were delayed. It was contended by the plaintiffs that the pile driving for the neighboring building construction of Eighty-Seven Park caused ground vibrations during excavation that affected the structural condition of Champlain Towers South. A class action lawsuit was filed, representing the residents, victims’ families, and condo owners, and had nine defendants, which included developers, consultants, insurance agencies, geotechnical engineers, and other engineers. This lawsuit was expected to go to trial in March 2023. The major culpability issues revolved around destabilized foundations and consequent damage. The study examined news articles that reported after investigating the catastrophe. Among the end results, all parties to the dispute thought it prudent to settle in multiple settlement deals for a total value of over $1 billion.