Design Failure Lessons

Hyatt Regency Hotel catwalk collapse

• Disaster Description
• Problems with design and usage contributed to accident
• Description of the walkways
• Rhythmic dancing on catwalk could cause collapse as seen in bridges
• While Hyatt restricts access, theories form over source of failure
• Failure Inc. is called in to investigate
• Investigation complicated by rescue effort
• Before seeing sight, investigators could discount vibration due to dancing as cause of accident
• Source of failure pinpointed - walkway built different than designed

1. Stevens, William K., "Before Hotel Disaster, Walkway Swayed to the Rhythm of Dancers," The New York Times, SECTION: Section A; Page 1, Column 1; National Desk, July 20, 1981
   
   
2. McGrath, Peter, Foote, Donna, "What Happened at the Hyatt?" Newsweek, Section: National Affairs, Pg 26, August 3, 1981
   
   
3. Weston, Rusty, "Failure Inc.; Disaster Is a Certainty, and One Little Company Thrives on It," Los Angeles Times, SECTION: Magazine; Page 28; Magazine Desk, October 20, 1991