TRANSCONA GRAIN ELEVATOR COLLAPSE
DOCUMENTATION & BORINGS
BEARING CAPACITY & TERZAGHI TRANSCONA GRAIN ELEVATOR
WHAT WENT WRONG?
*No deep geotechnical investigation, lower clay layer overlooked
*Plate load test limited in depth and scale!
*Assumed soil was homogeneous based on surface conditions
*Foundation load penetrated beyond sti clay into weaker soil
*Load exceeded true bearing capacity of lower clay stratum
*Rigidity of the double slab foundation transferred stresses deeper, resulting in catastrophic geologic hear failure
RECOMMENDATIONS - MORE INVESTIGATION BETTER
Always conduct deep geotechnical investigations, not just shallow tests
Avoid assuming soil homogeneity — test at critical depths
Choose foundation type appropriate to soil pro le (piles, caissons)
Require interdisciplinary coordination between geotechnical and structural engineers
Follow ethical standards prioritizing safety over assumptions
THE PROBLEMS IDENTIFIED
*Inadequate soil exploration no boreholes or lab testing
*Misinterpretation of in-situ testing and overreliance on assumptions
*Ignored potential for heterogeneity in clay behavior
*Design team did not integrate geotechnical expertise
*Ethical lapse: proceeding without proper subsurface knowledge
ETHICAL CONCERNS
Violated principles of reasonable care and due diligence
Demonstrated failure to protect public welfare and property
Assumed rather than veri ed soil behavior overcon dence in precedent
Modern Code of Ethics (AIA Rule 3.102, 2.105) stresses:
*Only work within areas of expertise
Refuse unsafe decisions and report concerns
THE FAILURE DESCRIBED
*Elevator lled to 87.5%
*Settlement observed within 1 hour: 300 mm tilt westward
*Within 24 hours, structure rotated 27° due to foundation soil failure
*No fatalities, but total structural and operational loss
*Triggered post-failure investigations and deeper soil sampling
RIGHTING THE SHIP & SOLUTIONS
Foundation Company Limited implemented repairs:
*Excavated under slabs
*Installed supporting piles
*Restored verticality and stability
In 1970, sold to Parrish & Heimbecker, still in operation today
Collapse became a landmark case in foundation design education
SUMMARY
*A classic case of foundation failure due to insu cient soil knowledge
*Reinforced importance of geotechnical diligence in all major structures
*Led to long-term changes in soil testing standards and structural risk management
*A reminder that engineering decisions must be both technically and ethically sound