We obtained video footage showing the heating plant chimney falling to the ground. We also obtained an expert assessment which states that the chimney was in good technical condition. The technical assessment also says that the additional loads associated with the antennas installed on the chimney were taken into account. Below, we present an excerpt from the assessment:
Based on the measurements of the chimney shell thickness, static and strength calculations, and an inspection of the existing structure, the condition of the chimney was deemed good, i.e. ensuring further safe operation.
The calculations assumed a structural model in the form of a cantilever anchored in the foundation. Fatigue stresses were determined for the chimney's operating period of 9 years, with a further expected service life of 8 years. When determining the wind load, the additional loads from the installed antennas and the increased surface area in the turbulizer section were taken into account.
The Heating Energy Company assures that supplies of heat and hot water will not be interrupted. ZEC employees will soon determine whether the remaining 10-metre stub with its base can be used and a chimney added to it, or whether an entirely new structure will have to be built.
Damaged Play network antennas
Among other equipment, antennas and a transmitter belonging to the Play mobile network were mounted on the chimney. “We lost one transmitter, but this affects the operation of several others in the area. We are doing everything we can to restore the situation to normal. I do not want to give any deadlines, but the most difficult task will be making up for the loss of the transmitter on the chimney,” Marcin Gruszka, Play's press spokesperson, told the Istotne.pl website. In case of problems with Play coverage, the company recommends that users use roaming. “There is national roaming, and customers can switch to one of three networks (Plus, Orange or T-Mobile — editor's note). Everything works flawlessly there,” the spokesperson assures us.
(information: ii)