We are delighted to share that a new technical report on the "Guidance on the Design for Structural Robustness" has been published by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission. This important publication addresses the crucial need for robust structural design and highlights strategies for minimising the risk of disproportionate failures in buildings and infrastructure. Notably, Professor Alan O'Connor, Chairholder and Professor of Structural Engineering and Head of the School of Engineering at Trinity College Dublin, is one of the leading authors contributing to this comprehensive report.

The JRC report comes at a time when the importance of structural safety is paramount, given past tragedies like the Ronan Point disaster, which underscored the devastating consequences of structural failures. The report outlines the principles and methodologies essential for ensuring robustness in both new and existing structures. It also provides a critical evaluation of existing European and international design standards, offering insights into their strengths and areas for improvement.

Professor O'Connor, a renowned expert in the field of structural engineering, played a key role in shaping the report’s recommendations, drawing from his extensive research and experience. His involvement reflects Trinity College Dublin’s commitment to advancing global knowledge in engineering, particularly in the domain of safety-critical infrastructure.

"This report is a significant step toward harmonising European design standards and promoting best practices in the construction and maintenance of resilient structures,"

said Professor O'Connor.

"It is an honour to contribute to such an important body of work, which I hope will stimulate further debate and development in the field of structural robustness."

The report presents a wide range of topics, including key concepts related to robustness, potential hazards, and strategies for mitigating the impact of structural failures. It also emphasises the importance of considering long-term factors such as material ageing, deterioration, and multi-hazard design. A significant portion of the document is devoted to novel approaches in structural analysis, providing cutting-edge techniques and proposals for improving robustness.

The publication also includes state-of-the-art research on design strategies like the tying force and alternative load path approaches, which aim to enhance a building’s ability to withstand extreme events, such as seismic activity, fire, and explosions. These innovative proposals are intended to inspire further exploration and refinement within the engineering community.

Trinity College Dublin, through the involvement of Professor O'Connor, continues to demonstrate leadership in engineering research, contributing to safer, more resilient structures across Europe and beyond. The "Guidance on the Design for Structural Robustness" serves as a cornerstone for future research and policy development, providing a foundation for unified standards that can reduce risks and protect both lives and infrastructure.

The full report is available for public access via the European Commission’s website at this link.