Quote:
Originally Posted by merlin8r
In fact I think you will find the construction of the WTC was quite unique, in that the load bearing structure was around the outside. Would a plane smashing through that have some effect on its structural integrity?
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The WTC was the first major implementation of this type of design - the "central structure" was not central - the geodetic steel skeleton formed the outer walls of the building - and this is where the strength came from. In order to provide SOME floor space to tennants below the 6oth floor (otherwise nearly engulfed by centralised support structures and lift wells to address the height of the building) the design was extremely clever in this regard. This why they also collapsed vertically - i.e. the buildings fell "into" themselves - the floor below containing the floor above. The exoskeleton kept it all together. It really isn't that hard to understand.