What is a key indicator of a weak storey?

A key indicator of a weak storey is when its total strength is significantly lower than that of the storey above. Specifically, if the total strength of a storey is less than 80% of the strength of the storey above, this discrepancy indicates that the storey is likely to fail under stress or load. This is particularly critical in multi-storey buildings where load distribution is essential for structural integrity.

In essence, a weak storey can lead to structural failure during dynamic events like earthquakes, as the load-bearing capacity is insufficient to support the storey and its contents above, resulting in a potential cascading failure. Therefore, monitoring strength comparisons between storeys is vital for ensuring building safety and resilience.