Harbor Cay Condominium collapse


The Harbor Cay Condominium was a five-story flat plate residential development project in Cocoa Beach that collapsed during construction on March 27, 1981. Eleven workers were killed and 27 injured.
The building, being constructed by the Univel Corporation of Cocoa Beach, collapsed as workers were completing its framework by pouring concrete for the roof.
The accident led to more rigorous enforcement of engineering and construction codes in Florida and elsewhere.

Cause

The collapse was due to numerous errors in design and construction. The concrete slabs were only thick and should have been thick to satisfy the American Concrete Institute's Building Code minimum. The plastic chair spacers used to support the slab steel were high, which coupled with the thin slabs led to a very small effective depth.

Charges

Two engineers, an architect and two contractors were charged with negligence, misconduct and failing to conform to state and local building laws. At least one of the engineers surrendered his license, paid a fine, and said he would never practice again.