definition
strict definition
damaged by unknown cause
Major structural, functional, or cosmetic damage occurs to a structure, and its cause has not been determined.
A structure is damaged by unknown cause(s) when major structural, usage-impairing, or cosmetic damage occurs, and the cause(s) is/are not yet determined.
The damage can impair use, affect structural parts, or be primarily cosmetic, provided it is major. The event describes an observed loss whose cause remains unresolved.
When an explosion is established but its origin is unknown, damaged by explosion identifies the known mechanism. This definition applies where the cause of the damage itself has not been determined.
Related definitions
-
damaged by aircraft
A collision with an airplane, helicopter, or other aircraft damages a structure partly or completely. -
damaged by another structure
Impacting material or construction errors from a nearby structure damages a structure partly or completely. -
damaged by avalanche
An accumulated mass of snow, ice, or sludge falls or slides onto a structure and causes notable destruction. -
damaged by bombing
An explosive device damages all or part of a structure outside the owner's deliberate program of demolition. -
damaged by construction errors
Mistakes or inadequacies in a structure's own construction damage it partly or completely. -
damaged by earthquake
Natural earthquake vibrations or ground movements damage or destroy a built object or any of its components. -
damaged by explosion
An explosion of accidental or unknown causes damages a structure partly or completely. -
damaged by falling tree
An impact from a falling tree or branches damages a structure partly or completely. -
damaged by fire
Fire or smoke in a structure or its vicinity degrades, damages, or destroys any of the structure's components. -
damaged by flooding
An inundation with water or other liquid damages a structure partly or completely. -
damaged by hailstorm
Impacts from ice particles falling from clouds damage a structure enough to cause measurable financial loss. -
damaged by hurricane
A tropical storm, including a hurricane, typhoon, or cyclone, damages a structure through wind, rain, or resulting mold. -
damaged by landslide
Impacts from sliding or falling earth or rocks damage a structure partly or completely. -
damaged by lightning
A lightning bolt or natural electric charge damages a structure partly or completely. -
damaged by sandstorm
Windblown sand scratches or impairs a structure or its operational parts enough to cause measurable financial loss. -
damaged by snow overload
The weight of accumulated snow on a structure's roof or sides causes partial or total collapse. -
damaged by soil movements
Shifting or settling ground under a structure damages it partly or completely. -
damaged by theft
Theft of valuable elements damages or destroys a structure, or diminishes its value. -
damaged by tornado
A tornado damages or destroys all or part of a structure through its winds or material carried by those winds. -
damaged by vandalism
Malicious destruction or defacement, excluding bombing or arson, causes property damage that decreases a structure's value. -
damaged by vehicle
A collision with a boat, road vehicle, or train damages a structure partly or completely. -
damaged by volcanic eruption
A natural volcanic event damages or destroys a structure through lava, ash, hot water, or other volcanic effects. -
damaged by wind
Wind gusts, microbursts, or storms other than hurricanes and tornadoes cause damage to a structure. -
tower crane collapses
A tower crane used in construction or renovation loses structural integrity and largely falls or hangs from the structure.