The Collapse of the Charles De Gaulle Airport Terminal [CASE STUDY]
The collapse of the Charles De Gaulle Airport terminal, specifically the Terminal 2E, on May 23, 2004, stands as a significant event in the history of aviation and civil engineering. The incident raised critical concerns about structural integrity, safety regulations, and the need for rigorous testing and inspection protocols in airport design and construction. This case study explores the background of the terminal, the circumstances surrounding its collapse, the immediate aftermath, the investigation findings, and the lessons learned from this tragic event. Background 1. Charles De Gaulle Airport Charles De Gaulle Airport (CDG), located in Roissy-en-France, near Paris, is one of the largest and busiest airports in Europe. Opened in 1974, the airport was named after Charles de Gaulle, the leader of the French Resistance during World War II and the first President of the Fifth Republic of France. The airport serves as a major international gateway to France, handling millions of passen...