Thank you all for watching and waiting as we moved, designed our new home, and fought Covid-19. We apologize for the audio volume. When it got processed by KZfaq, they lowered the volume and there isn't anything we can do about it now. We think we know how to circumvent this in the future.

As the son of a structural engineer and now a retired architectural draftsman, your videos and analysis of this man made disaster should be required reading for those of us involved in the design and construction of buildings. My dad would have been proud of you.

I live on the West Coast in a 145 unit condo building a few blocks from the ocean. Some time ago, the board showed us numerous reports showing many of the same problems Champlain Towers had. After many shouting matches and a lot of anger and confusion, we all ended up with a $120,000 special assessment. Many of us had to refinance or take out loans to pay the assessment and it was a hard time at our building. The more I watch your videos, the more grateful I am that our board had the balls to push through the assessment that so many residents opposed. Thank you for all of the insight.

My father was a PE, a contractor and in semi-retirement a building inspector for a small rural township in PA. On one occasion he discovered an emergency exit incorrectly designed even though the plans he was reviewing had already been approved at the state level, and refused to let the project proceed until the plans had been corrected and re-approved---notwithstanding all kinds of pressure. "Hell of a building inspector you have in that podunk town" was the essence of the informal comments on the re-approval. My point being that at any point someone with the right combination of knowledge, integrity and authority could have spoked this wheel, but no one was like that there.

Here’s an architect who has appreciated your continually fair and precise analysis, never wavering in your ability to admit when your knowledge of the facts has been lacking. Thank you for putting this series together, taking time from your vacation, and calling us all to a higher standard as we work to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Thank you, sir!

"The spirit of the 70s and 80 can be summed up by…" I really expected the next word to he "cocaine"

Please tackle Millenium Tower in San Francisco==the one that is tilting & sinking. I would love that.

Oh, I can't wait. There's plenty of channels breaking down what happened to the Champlain Towers, but BUILDING INTEGRITY are the one group that I rely on for accurate data and actual causation of the collapsed condos. So happy to hear the notification bell for BUILDING INTEGRITY.

Spent 20 years in construction, "Can't see it from my house," or "Looks good from my house" were very common phrases. There was never enough time to do it right but always time to go back and "fix" it. Another common phrase was, "It'll last longer than I will and they can't prosecute a corpse." I should probably add that I did commercial/industrial foundation work, or concrete work for those unfamiliar with construction terms.

I've watched many "engineering" videos on KZfaq concerning surfside condos collapse. Yours are the best and it's not even close.

Wow, I live and practice in an ex-USSR country and everything that you have talked about is exactly how things happen in our building industry here. Looks like greed knows no borders :)

As a building official, I cannot tell you how much these videos have been helpful in shaping my career and approach to things. One of the critical things I have learned this year is that engineers make mistakes. I recall distinctly poring over a minor detail for about two hours trying to figure out what section of the Code the engineer was using that I wasn't aware of or interpreting correctly, only to finally come to the conclusion that buddy had just made a goof, and that I - despite not being an engineer - had simply discovered the error as I am paid to do.

I knew that Josh would not disappoint. I didn't realize how great of a storyteller he could be. This was just totally fascinating. Thank you Josh and BUILDING INTEGRITY for another great video. I didn't realize how ethics could come into question but it makes total sense. What a great history lesson of Surfside and what was going on at the time because of Cuba and Cuban refugees. This was just great. Thank you again Josh.

You tread carefully Josh since you are talking through the wisdom that only hindsight can bring. You have done a thorough and cohesive job of stitching this all together from the structural design aspects to the motivation and integrity of the people behind the construction. I know it took a great deal of time and effort to compile this and nobody appreciates this more than myself. Well done. Thanks!

Of all the KZfaq video's on the tower collapse, of which I've viewed many, yours are, without a doubt, the most knowledgeable, intelligent, comprehensive, and easy to understand. I retired in 2015 in the Philadelphia area with a background in Architectural Engineering and almost 43 years as a construction inspector in the private sector. After viewing this video, it seems this scenario was the perfect storm, with a culmination of all of the corruption, incompetence, and greed on the part of the developer, contractor, engineers, and city inspectors coming together to actuate the collapse. For once, it seems in this case, everyone deserves to be sued !!

Another salient contribution. I'm a builder and architect and spent ten years teaching architecture students in Australia, until recently. This information is the stuff i used to direct students to watch, concurrent to their studies. Great work. The parallels with design and construction in Australia are sadly, significant.

The other motivation for the building official saying the building was in very fine condition was to maintain the real estate tax income of the town of Surfside. If the value of the property drops, the RE tax assessment drops and the real estate tax income for the town is reduced. That could be a significant blow to a small town.

You have built a memorial based on truth and integrity for those who died in this tragedy.

The world (including KZfaq) needs a lot more Josh Porter-s in every profession and walk of life.

I am so impressed with how well Josh can tell a complicated story in simple language. Thank you, Josh, for all of the effort you have put into telling the sad story of the condo collapse.

Having followed the entire series, this chapter puts everything in perspective. Just like in any "accident", there was a chain of events. In aerospace it is referred to as the "lineup of the holes in Swiss cheese slices". In this case there were more holes than cheese. With a major common link, I wonder how much time the other buildings have left and whether anything is being done about it.

I was glad to see the N Y Times consulted you.

Incredible! Not only have you walked us through the physical discovery from the building both past and present but you have also composed a historical review and psychological assessment of the developer and development of the building. Well done Josh, well done!

As an engineer born in 1960, thanks for your research into the history and context of the process of building this structure. Too often we judge people to the "standards" of today. When the engineers, contractors and inspectors disregard or circumvent the standards of their time, they should be harshly judged.

Great video!. I'll point out that a few years after the condo board meeting, after the condo board raised the money, the head of the building department won't take or return Moribito's calls to set up meeting to discuss the permits needed to do the repairs, delaying things for a month or two. Then the building department delayed and delayed on issuing permits. When the building collapsed the condo board still didn't have all the permits needed to start the concrete repairs, despite trying to begin repairs for many months.

A very logical-well thought out presentation. One doesn’t have to be an architect or engineer to understand what really happened to cause this horrific collapse.Thank you for shining a light!

You really did a lot of research into this and your efforts are much appreciated. I know from my over 20 years as a certified special inspector, contractors will not necessarily build per the structural engineers approved plans and, building inspectors do not have the time or qualifications to be counted on to accurately report the process of construction and to certify the structure at completion. Here is the Seattle area, a special inspector must observe and report on construction as the construction proceeds. A letter of compliance must be issued by the special inspector company before the city can authorize the building to be occupied. One of the benefits of living in an earthquake prone zone but this process needs to be universal. Nice report. Thank You.

This is event going to be an engineering case study taught to all engineering students. And all political science students.

The most informative, detailed assessment regarding this disaster. As a former condo owner & board member, I agree having a “Building Inspector” attend a board & make and state “the building is in “great shape”, contradicting a professional engineers report is insane. Why would a public official do this? What would they gain? You gue$$ed it . PS-I found you on KZfaq, during the first few days after this disaster. You were on vacation yet you took the time to share your knowledge & opinions to try and find out what caused this tragedy. I will never look at these buildings again in the same way. 💔Praying for justice for the lost souls, their families & the surviving residents. 🙏🏼

It's so unfortunate that such a tragedy occurred, but I've been so appreciative of these videos for their outstanding content and non-sensationalized delivery.

Wow. Just wow. Incredible research and reporting. You deserve a Pulitzer for this.

You did a great job of "following the money," to quote someone from quite another scandal. Greed is a destructive force.

Thank you SO much for being the adult in the room. I'm very grateful for your logic, wisdom, and insight.

Building Integrity and Information. Josh always explains the context-educates us about the concepts-before he describes part of the collapse. That gives these opinions a lot of credibility. Once again, Josh explained concepts and context while he talked about what probably happened. Grade: A+

Very interesting, none of this surprises me. I worked as a plumber in Dade County & Monroe County in the late 70's and well into the 80's. Working housing projects, schools and 5 & 7 story buildings in Key Large & Key West. I saw first hand how inspectors of all trades did their work. I also went back right after hurricane Andrew and was not at all surprised to see the destruction. It was not surprising to see an inspector never enter a house or leave the ground on a multi story building.

Around the mid-70's, we saw a shift in societal mindset. From that time to the present day, explains why a large part of society is saturated in narcissism and disregard.

Mr. Porter, I want thank you for your insightful video. As a retired former inspector and consultant for the State of Florida and a health and safety compliance Inspector for OSHA thank you for uncovering all the nefarious dealings of the developer and engineer. In addition one of the victims was well known by me (Linda March). The hurt goes even further in that she rented the illegally built penthouse. I remember after hurricane Andrew in 1992 one of the head attorneys (Ron Zep) for the Miami Dade Building department came to our emergency office in south Dade saying that there was a good chance that the State of Florida would take over and preempt all local building departments. The only thing that occurred was we got a state building code enforced by the locals. Mr. Porter, I hope Governor Ron DeSantis and our state legislature watch your video and come to the conclusion as I have to preempt all local building departments and the State of Florida take over this duty. Furthermore I hope that any individuals or entities that were criminal or negligent be held accountable.

Your last video was such a detailed reporting that any layperson could understand, especially those of us who watched all your previous videos, that I can’t wait to see what you’ve come up with now! Thanks for all the effort put in and I hope you and the family got moved and recovered ok. 😊

Loving this whole series. It strikes a personal chord each time. My father owner a unit in an Ormond by the Sea condo. I remember walking around the foundation as a kid in the late sixties while my friend's dad did some last minute rebar work, so much rebar. Years later my dad bought a unit in the building. Endless stories of assessments, bickering on the board, spend money don’t spend money. Do we really need this work done? Weakness reported on the upper parking deck by the pool need repair. Balcony rebar rusting, hammer out the concrete coat rebar in all balconies and add a cathodic protection system. Dad was a retired engineer and president of the condo board, I’ve listened to so many of the stories. We no longer own the condo, but man does this bring back memories. So many people involved in keeping building safe on the salty coasts. So many people with other motives. So many lives lost. Your information is so important. Thank you!

The way that you look at this failure across many dimensions adds context that informs the conversation about how such tragic collapses might be prevented. I appreciate that you start with the physics and engineering and then include understanding social and government context and motivations. The importance of competent and ethical building officials is seldom understood by the public: you provide a clear example.

as an architect who loves history, it made me so happy that you connected it to the events of the time. The amount of research you put into this did not go unnoticed!!!

In the construction industry, we refer to it as "value engineering", but structural integrity or shoddy materials should never be in that category!

I’ve been anxiously waiting for your next video, Josh. You certainly didn’t disappoint with this one! We are lucky to have someone like you digging into the sordid details of what really happened back when CTS was built. Your channel name says it all… “Building Integrity”! The 70s and 80s in FL were an unbelievably corrupt era. The condo buildings in FL were almost literally THROWN up in an era of MASSIVE greed! It’s amazing to me that we haven’t had other collapses before now - because a lot of these buildings were literally built as cheaply as possible, to enable the condo units to be sold for the maximum profit, as quickly as possible. And safety be DAMNED! RIP to the many unfortunate people whose lives were STOLEN from them in this tragic, and in my opinion downright criminal, collapse. The concept of condo HOAs, which are all-too-often populated by people who are entirely ignorant of building standards, has resulted in massive neglect of anything remotely resembling proper and appropriate maintenance of these shoddily-constructed beach-front buildings. The condo associations are much more concerned with the pretty marble walls in the lobby than they are about properly maintaining the building so it doesn’t FALL DOWN. It’s ridiculous and pathetic. You couldn’t sell me a beachfront condo in FL for a DOLLAR! THANK YOU for your continuing efforts to get to the bottom of the CTS tragedy, Josh!

You’d make a great teacher Josh. Your videos are always clear, engaging, and easy to understand - but also informative.

My parents worked in architecture and engineering, and I worked for a pioneer in concrete building techniques before he passed away and I wish more people who work in the development world watched your videos. I also live in an HOA and I wish my board and neighbors would watch your videos too, they're very accessible, informative, and I think we all can learn from this series in particular.

Another excellent video, Josh. I'm a retired mechanical engineering and don't know a lot about construction technology, but you are a great teacher.

That's quite a thumbnail. I'll be waiting and watching when the time rolls around. Best wishes, Josh and colleagues.

Towards the end of my engineering bachelor's program we got hit with a little assignment not highly regarded by students but highly acclaimed by my excellent teacher from Egypt Prof Ibrahim . Ethics in engineering, probably the most important portion of the entire curriculum yet it was allowed only a single assignment. It should have been an entire course, maybe these kinds of things would be less common if people could be awarded for the what ifs they identify instead of only the has beens

One of the most important parts of engineering and building is being able to take feedback and admit mistakes, otherwise it is very possible to be lead down a path paved with arrogance and assumptions that the professionals cannot make mistakes. We are all human, and should assume that we will make mistakes in order to allow for and mitigate them. If we can do that, then we will learn and grow as professionals and people. The "Murphy's Law", "Anything that can go wrong, will" was meant as a quality control tool to counter the hubris of designers and engineers in order to help them look for failure points. This project is a very real example of the failures Murphy's law was talking about, along with every other engineering and design failure in history.

Apologies for not saying earlier how much I appreciate your fantastic series that looks at the information and provides context, not drama. Well done, and with a lot of "integrity".

Excellent consideration of the wider context to what was involved in the building collapse. Sure-footed, fine-grain reasoning and communication.

I have found all your videos on this collapse so informative and interesting. You have great skill in explaining things that laypeople can understand. Given these findings I would not be happy living in the other sister tower. But as a result of this those condos are probably barely saleable. What a terrible situation to find yourself in. Thank you.

Well done, Josh. You are doing a great job distilling complex engineering and legal/ethical issues to a layman's format. But here is the question: How many other buildings in Surf Side that were built in that era by these characters or others of their ilk that are disasters waiting to happen? Chances are that Champlain South is not the only one with issues lurking either above the surface (visible) or below the surface (invisible). That's a cause for great concern.

Thank you for continuing the deep dive on this tragedy. So many others would have walked away as 'trending news' changed. Thanks for sticking with it.

After watching all of your previous videos concerning this tragedy, I really believe that you ideas on what transpired are right on. I have really enjoyed your input and applaud you efforts. I am a retired construction contractor and building inspector.

I went to an engineering high school some time ago. The one thing we did learn right of the start was, everything you build add 100% in strength for safety.

+1 on all of the wonderful comments viewers are making Josh. You’re an inspiration to so many, especially me. Heartfelt gratitude for all you do!

nowadays developers don't "cut corners", instead they "value engineer" the project

Thank you for mentioning the penthouse. No one seems to want to include that in part of a possible load problem. This Building seemed to be built with no room for additional loads etc, yet a whole penthouse was added after against the city bylaws….As well as lot of other issues. The corruption as you are talking about here is absolutely the big issue. Thank you for your research on this!

That was your best video yet. Loved the story telling style used to unravel the mystery behind how something like this could have happened.

As an architect, I am very interested in this video. I’m sure it be at least as good as your past videos covering the Champlain Towers.

Saw it in my feed but realized it's not out yet! Guh! Waiting is the hardest part. 🤣 Love the title btw.

Thank you for the info. I'm an insurance underwriter (who actually underwrites these condo buildings), and your videos are professionally helpful for me. If you can recommend any public record databases or other information sources that are searchable (or if there is a particular way you google things to gather information). Seriously, as someone on the front lines of taking care of these buildings, I'd love to help stop a disaster before it starts. On to your discussion of water damage now because holy crap yes it is a problem. Condos need to keep better records of their building updates. I'd suggest roof maintenance, shore-line exposures (please stop building pools with extensive underground piping right next to the freaking water), and the importance of knowing a building (water shut off points/sprinkler systems/stand-pipes/other small bits) as a topic for discussion

Those of us in the contracting profession have a lot of hoops to jump through in building a safe structure. Good engineering benefits all. Thank you for portraying and presenting your analysis of concerns that should have been addressed. Life is precious and fragile thanks for your insight!

16:40 the start of a description is why I wouldn't buy a tower apartment . Lack of maintenance by investors . Everyone should hear that portion of your talk before going up the lift !

I can't wait to see this video, I have been Jonesing for more from you Josh. Btw, I realize how busy you are, I really appreciate your hard work and time you have devoted to this project. Your channel is by far the most definitive one out there. I say that as a fellow engineer, interdisciplinary in my case, Mechanical and Electrical from Purdue. I have constructed several steel framed builidngs in my career, the largest by height was 4 story, 96' tall purpose built rubber mixing plant in Auburn, IN for Cooper Tire. That build sat on 96' cast in place piles. The largest H beam columns were on the order of 20x20 250#. They supported the mixer mezzanine and the upper floors. I can't recall the dead and live loads on the mezzanine floor, but the mixer was driven through a large gear box and a 3.000 HP DC motor, so the loads were huge. Again, thanks for your time, hard work, forensic expertise, and outstanding insight into concrete structures. I and I believe many others enjoy your work.

Thank you for your research and honesty.

Yet another high quality cataloging & explanation of relevant facts, all tied together by insightful analysis, and presented in a very clear and methodical manner. Josh, if you are not already an instructor in the industry, you have missed one of your callings. Fascinating & superb job, thanks so much for your efforts.

I was so happy to see a new video from you! Very well done video.

I hope the other buildings they developed aren't in the same predicament. I hope and pray someone will start checking thoroughly and sharing this info with the tenants who live in them.

Josh, thank you for this excellent series. In the event that you create a video that touches on collapse sequence, here are the seven salient witness observations prior to the building collapse at 1:22 AM: 1. ~3-4 AM in 1211, heard unusual, loud cracking sounds 2. At 11 PM in 111, heard ongoing banging sounds that increased in intensity over time 3. 1:10 AM in the lobby and in 111, heard something fall 4.

These videos are a real public service. Thank you for helping viewers understand not only the technical details of the flawed design and construction of the buildings but the political and organizational failures that allowed these things to happen.

Really looking forward to this. Thank you Josh & team at Building Integrity! (Such a great name for your channel BTW.)

The game over the past 25 years is to hire a Construction Manager with a GMP guaranteed maximum price. Constant "value engineering" results. Excellent videos.

Excellent overview. Who knows where the fallout from this disaster will end. I was born & raised in Miami - lived thru the 70s, 80s, 90s. Construction trade unions were under pressure and builders were hiring off the streets. Corruption was rampant in every sector, including development/construction. Look up Miami River Cops. I personally know of a huge South Miami project whose developer gave a sweetheart deal to the mayor’s wife. Hurricane Andrew exposed the shoddiness of newer construction. Most apparent in subdivisions like Country Walk, but that’s only because wood fails before concrete does. My Mom’s house in Pinecrest, built in the 60s, came thru with just some broken windows. Scary to think of all the high rises built from the late 70s to present that may be compromised in some way. Important to remember the invaluable role that local newspapers like the Miami Herald play - both in the present and for the history books. We need them.

Can't wait! Found your previous videos fascinating

Great job on this one. You really did a lot of work on this and it shows.

The fact that you're like "I don't know why they didn't evacuate the building when the report came in" really says things. Bad things

Josh, Thank you for your comprehensive analysis of the Champlain Towers South collapse. I am a older Civil Engineer, being a PE since 1984. I have viewed most of your videos regarding that collapse and I think you are right on. You are a rare breed, a highly qualified structural engineer and also someone with the verbal skills and drive to pass along your knowledge and analysis to the general public. In my opinion, this communication is something that is severely lacking in our society. How do we get your message to a wider audience. Maybe PBS could take you on as “This Old Bridge” or “This Old Condo”. I would love to see that. Thank you again.

Absolutely brilliant video. You make an excellent case review here, with well researched factual information and informed professional analysis that continues to make your channel high quality, educational, and engaging. Thank you so much for all the time and work you are putting into this; It is very much appreciated, and you are doing a genuine public service.

Great job on this.... Your entire video series on this should really be required viewing, with testing on the important concepts, in every Engineering School in the country.... This video, and the last video, really pose a lot of very interesting questions.... Being generally very cynical, I am not sure we will ever get the answers.... but in a perfect world, the questions you are posing, really really do need to be answered, at least for guidance, on future projects, so that we can all say okay, this is what happened, and this is how we make sure that it NEVER happens again.... Hypothetically, in a pretend hypothetical world, a little bird flew up to my truck window at a red light, and told me that a couple of the insurance companies involved, have already notified plaintiffs attorneys that they will be paying in full, within policy limits, blah blah blah, and to not bother suing them, because they will pay, and they will not be contesting the claim...... So undoubtedly it will be a few years before everything comes out... Before we get a look at ALL the pictures that the Morabito investigators & inspectors took... Before we see all the notes from the pre-bid meetings for the work that was scheduled to be done.... BUT, the lines are clearly being drawn, as we speak... Hypothetically of course.... SO glad I am not holding a huge note on a unit in Champlain Towers North right now.... omg....

Ive been waiting and hoping you would do another video, Josh! You've done an amazing job in keeping the public" in the know" with all of this information! Thank you for all of your hard work!

I know what I'll be doing in 3 hrs! These videos are so informative. The explanations and examples help those of us in other disciplines understand the forces at play.

I love all your videos!! I can’t wait for this. Thank you for doing them, you’ve acquired quite a following and it’s very clear why!!!

Thanks! I’ve been waiting for someone to do a deep dive on the news articles and such from when this was built. Very good job!

Ivan Boesky's statement about greed fits pretty well the profile of a sociopath.

You've obviously put a lot of work into this video. I personally appreciate your time on this. I've worked in a lot of high rises in my career, and I can reflect on your assessments of poor construction in your videos many times. Thanks again. Well done.

This latest video was well worth the wait. Illuminating, as always. Thank you.

I don't want to suggest you're being naive - Perhaps optimistic is the best word for it - but developers run roughshod over pretty much every city or county council they deal with. We've had nothing but developer-dominated messes in all of Northern Virginia for my entire lifetime, and it shows: Homes are crammed closer together (fire hazards), each decade brings shoddier construction, and since nobody ever plans on staying in this area long term, nobody cares. The same jokers get elected, the same developers keep lining their pockets. Love your videos, by the way, please keep up the great work!

Thank you so much for all the effort you have put into this series. Fascinating retrospect view of the 70s and 80s and how it influenced developers

What a great string of videos on this issue. I have learned so much watching them. I really appreciate you taking the time to share your knowledge on civil engineering for the rest of us to better understand this situation.

Your clarity on this matter is most appreciated. The whole thing stunk of corruption when the building fell without warning. Buildings just don’t do that. Your report here exposes that level of corruption.

I've been eagerly awaiting your next upload! Excited for 6pm!

Your the only one I will listen to regarding this disaster

Well-done as always, Josh. Thanks for the time and effort you put into these - it's truly appreciated by those of us following the story.

I would just like to say a huge thank you for all of your informative videos. You have made these issues easy for the lay person to see and learn about buildings. I have really enjoyed your videos and appreciate your time to help us understand how something like this terrible event might have happened! By the way...I don't feel that you have "thrown" anyone under the bus....always gonna be someone.....GREAT JOB!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for the deep dive into the history, beyond just the the technicals, which makes for a cautionary tale.

Thanks! An excellent video covering some of the unexplained background of the building and what probably led to its collapse.

I have tremendously enjoyed watching your videos on this subject over the last several months. You have educated me. This video basically crystallizes the underlying suspicions I'd had all along while watching you develop your hypothesis of the building's demise, regarding the owners/investors, but who knew it would go back to the developer/contractor and council people?...smh. And I hope they locate that bldg manager. Answers are needed. I would be sick to my stomach if I had a loved one who perished there.

The best video I have seen on this disaster to date. Really gets into the heart of how development happens in many places. I am not an engineer but used to work for a large engineering firm that specialised in materials testing and geotechnical. Your videos on the concrete aging process were excellent.