You do realize that it is a mathematical model. They have to be able to actually SOLVE the equation they set up in order to have a conclusion. The equations they derived and then solved are already complex enough that there's a chance that there is no analytical solution (you do understand what I'm saying, right?).
The simplified the problem. The amount of crush up of the upper block at the beginning of the collapse is small, thus it is mathematically expedient to neglect it. They didn't do it to pull the wool over anyones eyes. Do you get why it is important to make mathematical models simple?
Yes I totally understand. Thanks for addressing this.
But if one is solving an equation for an event that didn't even happen, what is the use in that?
And, is the crush up really that small?
How many floors would you estimate?
I think it is fair to say that more than 5 were crushed up before crush down.
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