The collapse of a parking garage in lower Manhattan has thrown a spotlight on the structural integrity of older reinforced concrete buildings and bridges in the U.S.. The site is left with unstable partial walls and multiple damaged vehicles which represent an environmental hazard due to fuel, lubricants and coolants. Although the collapse occurred with little warning, a forensic engineering study should reveal the the cause in due time. But the building had been cited for cracks in concrete by municipal authorities a decade ago.

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