Failure cases of high chimneys: A review

• Published in: Engineering failure analysis 2019-11, Vol.105, p.1107-1117
• Main Authors: Wang, Lei, Fan, Xing-yan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chimney; Earthquake action; Failure case; Temperature stress; Wind load
• ISSN: 1350-6307; 1873-1961
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engfailanal.2019.07.032

Chimneys – typically recognized as high and flexible structures – are subject to a large number of failure cases. The failure cases of 739 chimneys were statistically summarized in this paper, and a few statistical laws of chimney failure under many causes such as earthquake action, wind load and temperature stress were analyzed. The results indicate that the failure of steel chimneys were mainly triggered by wind load, the damage to reinforced concrete chimneys were mainly caused by temperature stress and construction defect, while 90% of the failure cases of masonry chimneys are put down to earthquakes. Most failures are the consequences of earthquakes, followed by temperature stress. Moreover, were masonry chimney to be excluded, temperature stress becomes responsible for the most damage – accounting for about 50% and earthquakes; construction and wind load inclusive, account for nearly the same proportion. The severity of these causes are arranged in a descending order – wind, earthquakes, temperature and construction. In addition, the heights of damaged chimneys are similarly arranged in a descending order: wind, construction, temperature and earthquake. As the chimney height increases, the damage grows. The conclusion of this paper could enhance people's macroscopic understanding of chimney failure and serve as a reference for designers and researchers. •The failure cases of 739 chimneys were statistically summarized.•Comparison study of failure cases induced by different factors was carried.•Some statistical conclusions were proposed.