Structural expert praises buildings for exceeding shock impact specifications, saving lives

Dr Keith Seffen, a senior lecturer in structures at Cambridge University, has applauded the designers of the World Trade Center for creating a building that lasted longer than expected after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

In a new report, Dr Seffen has revealed that the Twin Towers were never designed to withstand such impacts. He said: 鈥淚t is widely acknowledged that the impacts of September 11 were extraordinary, which led to consequences well in excess of the design capacity for the buildings.鈥�

"The original design of both towers must be praised for standing as long as they did, saving more lives than might have been expected.鈥�

The Towers were designed with the potential for a plane crash in mind, but not a deliberate one with as much speed and fuel as was the case on 9/11.

He also commented on the collapse sequence, which has been surrounded by conspiracy theories. He said: 鈥淚n all senses, the collapse sequence was quite ordinary and natural."

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