The news outlet Aktualne.cz has highlighted the potential risks associated with prefabricated prestressed trusses that were once widely used in the construction of industrial halls.
The issue with this now-outdated type of prefab structure lies in the need for precise assembly. Failure to adequately insulate the joints between truss sections can lead to leakage, resulting in corrosion and, ultimately, structural collapse.
What makes this situation even more concerning is that there are no warning signs. As Špalek, who now chairs the CKAIT, points out, ‘For this type of structure, there are no signals. If it corrodes in this manner, it simply collapses.’
Diagnosing the problem is challenging because the load-bearing structure cannot be tampered with. When a potentially risky truss type is identified within a structure, Špalek advises immediate preventive action, as the risk of failure is high.