Ronan Point was a wake-up call. CIRIA C577 is the answer. Whether you’re designing a car park, a hospital, or a mixed-use tower, this guide gives you the practical steps to prevent the unthinkable.
❌ “My software does all this automatically.” ✅ No software can interpret tie forces and notional removal logic—engineering judgement is required. ciria c577
If you design buildings, manage risk, or construct multi-storey structures, understanding CIRIA C577 isn’t optional—it’s critical. Ronan Point was a wake-up call
In 1968, the partial collapse of Ronan Point tower block in London changed structural engineering forever. A minor gas explosion led to a disproportionate collapse—a small failure triggered a chain reaction far larger than its original cause. ❌ “My software does all this automatically
From this tragedy came modern robustness requirements. And in the UK, one document stands above the rest for practical guidance: .
With the rise of BIM and parametric design, CIRIA’s methodology is increasingly being automated. Some engineering firms now script notional removal checks into their analysis software. However, the —why a building is robust—still comes from the principles in C577.
❌ “Only high-rise buildings need robustness checks.” ✅ Buildings as low as 4 storeys in consequence class CC2a still require robust detailing.