Contemplating a Controversy- Prompt 7

By: Nash Roberts

      "Galloping Gertie" or the Tacoma Narrows Bridge Mark 1 collapsed November 7, 1940 due to structural and design flaws. As one can imagine the collapse of this superstructure stirred up a lot of controversy at the time. This controversy ended up sparking more advancement in the world of civil engineering.
      After completion of the bridge on July 1, 1940 it became immediately clear that the suspension bridge was not structurally sound and was closed soon following its grand opening. This caused mass protests lead by people who wanted a working bridge that their tax dollars paid for. The next bridge that crossed the straight was completed almost exactly ten years later and is still in use today. However for the decade after its collapse Galloping Gertie was examined by structural and civil engineers alike. It was found that the tresses between the two pillars were too weak to handle the high speed winds across the Tacoma Straights, this cause the to wave or "Gallop" in the wind. Needless to say when the next bridge was built it did not have the same issues.
      The 1950 Tacoma Narrows Bridge is still in use today thanks to the mistakes that were found in the first attempt. If there is one thing that I have learned in my engineering class this semester it is that one must test their product on all facets to ensure its durability and functionality. Sometimes the final product cannot be accurately tested like in the case of a superstructure, this is why measurements are made and calculated countless times to make sure the structure can stand the test of time. One thing the engineers building the 1940 Tacoma Narrows Bridge did not accurately account for was wind and the rigidity of the road deck but like all good engineers, they used their mistake as a chance to lean and improve which I believe can be applied to everyday life.

Citations

• "Tacoma Narrows Bridge." Tacoma Narrows Bridge: "Galloping Gertie" Collapses November 7, 1940. Washington State Department of Transportation, n.d. Web. 17 Apr. 2017.