A violent explosion rocked the University's Highway Research Council Building Sunday afternoon, causing a wall to crumble and possible structural damage.
As of yesterday, the cause of the explosion remained unclear.
The Edgemont Road building, although property of the University, is leased to the Virginia Department of Transportation and lies just off Alderman Road.
The department was conducting research on the effects of time and weathering on the concrete, said Ralph Allen, director of the Department of Environmental Health and Safety.
The room where the explosion took place was heated to approximately 100 degrees Fahrenheit, officials said.
"It appears to be an accidental explosion, but the investigation is still going on," said University Police Capt. Michael Coleman.
Coleman said there was no evidence of a break-in.
There were no gas lines leading into the room, nor were there hazardous materials present.
Traces of hydrocarbons were found, a "volatile organic material," Allen said, but the origin of these chemicals is not known.
The explosion occurred shortly after 4:00 p.m. Sunday and did not produce a fire.
It blasted through a cinder-block interior wall, forcing the wall to spill over into the adjacent hall.
Light fixtures and glass in the building also were damaged.
The explosion triggered motion sensors, causing police to respond to a possible intruder.
When the police saw the explosion, they informed the University Fire Department.
"We would like to know what transpired so it doesn't happen again," Allen said. However, "it is clear that it happened in that room [and] under specific circumstances."
Allen reiterated that there is no reason to believe this type of incident will occur elsewhere on Grounds.
As the investigation continues, the state police and arson investigators will take samples from the scene to determine the cause of the accident.
The estimated cost of repair is $250,000.
It is not yet resolved who will pay for the damages.
"If the occupants are responsible, they will have to pay for damages," Allen said.
Both the Transportation Research Council and the Department of Transportation could not be reached for comment.
Access to the damaged section of the building was prohibited yesterday, but employees in other sections of the building were able to return to work.
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