Towers caused by fire

2001/09/13 Elhuyar Zientzia

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The Twin Towers at the World Trade Center in New York kept the plane crashes, but could not withstand the fire it caused.

The structure of the towers consisted of steel beams, some in the center and others on the outside of the building. The interior beams supported lifts and stairs. In addition, the wiring that connected interior and exterior to reinforce the structure was incorporated.

Most of the steel columns were put in cement to protect themselves from fires and ensure working time to firefighters.

However, according to experts, aircraft fuel significantly increased the temperature of the fire. This way the melting point was exceeded (approx. 800ºC) of this type of steel and softened the beams. When the burden of the upper floors could not be borne, the buildings fell.