building failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "building failure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where a construction project or structure does not meet safety standards or collapses. Example: "The recent earthquake highlighted the risks of building failure in older structures that were not designed to withstand such forces."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"Some stabilization efforts, as simple as they may appear, might actually prompt building failure," Maj.

The New York Times

Building failure into a system to prove it is strong isn't the way forward.

The Guardian

The agency's main task would be to establish the likely technical cause of a building failure and then to recommend specific changes to building codes and standards.

The New York Times

The collapse of the Alfred P. Murrah Building, for instance, revealed that failure of load-bearing members could lead to extensive building failure.

Engineering Structures

It all goes to show what investigators are up against in the most complex analysis of a building failure ever carried out, said Dr. Sunder, the leader of the investigation.

The New York Times - Science

Officials warned there was a risk of a potential "catastrophic building failure" if the repairs were not carried out, but backbench Labour and Scottish National party politicians questioned why the monarch was getting so much more money at a time of austerity.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Building failures are also frequently attributed to a shortage of suitable and locally available materials.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Building failures during earthquakes often are due to poor construction methods or inadequate materials.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Assessment of building failures in recent earthquakes shows that shear walls are mandatory to make a structure earthquake resistant.

Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Computation Proceedings of the International Conference on Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Computation 2–4 April 2001, Cape Town, South Africa

He added that intensive studies of building failures in disasters like the Northridge earthquake near Los Angeles in 1994 had led to important structural advances.

The New York Times

The agency would have to establish the likely technical cause of building failures, evaluate procedures used for evacuation and emergency response and recommend specific changes to building codes and standards.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "building failure", be specific about the type of failure (e.g., structural, material, design) to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid attributing "building failure" to a single cause without thorough investigation; multiple factors often contribute to such incidents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "building failure" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It commonly identifies a situation or event where a building's structural integrity is compromised. Ludwig examples support the phrase's use in both general and technical contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "building failure" is a noun phrase referring to instances where a building's structure or function is compromised. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts. While synonyms like "structural collapse" or "construction defect" exist, "building failure" serves as a broad term applicable across various situations. When using this term, be specific about the type of failure and avoid overgeneralizing the causes. The phrase's neutral register allows for its use in both technical reports and general news articles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

structural collapse

Focuses on the event of a building collapsing.

building collapse

Similar to structural collapse but with more general word choice.

structural malfunction

Emphasizes the improper functioning of a building's structure.

construction defect

Highlights flaws in the building's construction process.

structural compromise

Indicates that the building's structural integrity has been weakened.

faulty construction

Similar to construction defect, focusing on the error in construction.

structural instability

Highlights the unstable condition of the building structure.

architectural flaw

Focuses on a design defect that leads to failure.

infrastructure breakdown

Broader term encompassing failure in various types of infrastructure, including buildings.

integrity breach

Emphasizes the loss of the building's sound condition.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "building failure"?

Alternatives for "building failure" include "structural collapse", "construction defect", or "structural malfunction" depending on the specific context.

How does "building failure" differ from "structural failure"?

"Building failure" is a more general term encompassing any kind of failure related to a building, while "structural failure" specifically refers to the failure of the load-bearing components of a building.

What are common causes of "building failure"?

Common causes include design flaws, inadequate materials, poor construction practices, environmental factors like earthquakes or floods, and lack of maintenance.

In what contexts is the term "building failure" typically used?

The term "building failure" is used in contexts such as engineering, construction, insurance, and legal discussions related to building collapses, structural damages, or safety concerns.