Walton, Christopher Jon

Contributing factors

• inadequate embedment depth of expansion anchors into concrete cantilever beams
• use of expansion anchors unsuitable for corrosive coastal environment
• corrosion of fascia beam end plates and packing plates due to coastal salts and atmospheric pollutants
• water ingress from roof leakage into structural connections
• lack of appropriate maintenance to structural components
• poor bonding between blockwork and core of cantilever support beams
• design lacking secondary support mechanisms or alternative load paths
• design preventing inspection of critical connections
• inadequate specifications in original design documentation for bolted connections

Coroner's recommendations

1. All local authorities or their suitably qualified and authorised nominee, at the direction of and with the assistance of the Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning, conduct an immediate inspection of all awnings over public footpaths in Queensland
2. Where necessary, appropriate orders be made to rectify any awnings presenting a danger of collapse, and that appropriate legislation be put in place to enforce such orders
3. An ongoing awning inspection program should be introduced in Queensland for structures over public land, to be administered by Local Authorities. The Minister for the Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning should consider the establishment of a Departmental Taskforce to develop a suitable program, which can effectively reduce the risk posed to the community by aged awnings
4. A review of Australian Building Standards be undertaken in relation to awnings generally and cantilevered awnings particularly, to ensure that issues such as minimum required design life prior to major maintenance, corrosion protection, facilitation of the inspection of primary support fixings, the specification of minimum mechanical anchor embedment and structural soundness are adequately addressed

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