W1D Tacoma Narrows Bridge - Essay Example

Tacoma Narrows Bridge al Affiliation Tacoma Narrows Bridge From a review of the video (Tacoma Narrows Bridge Collapse "Gallopin Gertie", 2006), as well as the articles and internet sources (American Association of Physics Teachers, 2000; Washington State Department of Transportation, 2005), the Tacoma Narrows Bridge’s failure was noted to have been caused by “torsional flutter” (Washington State Department of Transportation: Why Did Galloping Gertie Collapse?, 2005, par. 3). In one’s personal opinion, the project failed due to lack of previous information on aerodynamic forces that need to be effectively incorporated in engineering designs, especially for suspension bridges.

As emphasized, if a different kind of design was used, specifically that of “Clark Eldridges original design for the 1940 Tacoma Narrows Bridge” (Washington State Department of Transportation: What if…?, 2005, par. 2), the bridge was perceived to have been able to stand the natural forces and wind speeds that it encountered. The fact was corroborated as a comprehensive evaluation of the cause of the failure finally attested that “aerodynamic forces never have been taken into consideration in the design of any bridge.

Heretofore bridges have been designed to withstand static stresses only” (American Association of Physics Teachers, 2000, p. 14). Thus, the project’s failure was identified to have been sourced in the planning and design stage where information was noted to be crucial and paramount prior to implementation of the structural phase.ReferencesTacoma Narrows Bridge Collapse "Gallopin Gertie". (2006, December 9). Retrieved February 24, 2015, from YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-zczJXSxnwAmerican Association of Physics Teachers. (2000). Twin Views of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge Collapse.

Retrieved February 24, 2015, from aapt.org: http://www.aapt.org/Store/upload/tacoma_narrows2.pdfWashington State Department of Transportation. (2005). Lessons From the Failure of a Great Machine. Retrieved February 24, 2015, from wsdot.wa.gov: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/TNBhistory/Machine/machine3.htm