Tacoma Narrows Bridge
The University of Manchester
Omar Al-Mosa (ID:7650116)
Table of Contents
Title Page…………………………………………………………..…1
Table of Contents………………………………………………..……2
Abstract…………………………………………………..….........….3
Abstract…………………………………………………………..…...4
Introduction…………………………………………………………...4
Part 1: Background…………………………………………………...4-1
Attempt to control the vibration ……………………….......…...…....5
Failure…………………………………………………...................…5
Causes of failure……………………………………………….………6
Replacement bridge…………………………………….........……….10
Conclusions…………………………………………………………...10
References...........................................................................................11
Abstract (143 words)
The Tacoma Narrows bridge was a one of a kind bridge at its time. Starting from its size and ending with the structure of the bridge, It was considered to be an outstanding bridge at that time. It looked perfect and flawless as it started swaying in windy conditions and still manage to stay standing. The bridge’s failure was in 1940 when a strong wind storm caused the bridge to vibrate in an unbalanced manner and collapse. Who is to blame for this tragedy? The Engineers? The public Work’s
Association? They both share the blame for it. The designing faults are from the
Engineers and a part of the blame falls on the Public Work’s Association because of their poor financing. Nevertheless, the failure of this bridge served as a valuable lesson, one that will be considered every time a bridge is constructed.
Introduction (410 words) :
We live in a world which is advancing exponentially. The advances and discoveries that have been made in the past decade are more than the ones made in the 20th century. The advances in technology that have been made in the last century are something to be proud of of course. However, they definitely did not come without failure in the past. Bridges are an example of how far we’ve come along in
Omar Al-Mosa (ID:7650116)
Table of Contents
Title Page…………………………………………………………..…1
Table of Contents………………………………………………..……2
Abstract…………………………………………………..….........….3
Abstract…………………………………………………………..…...4
Introduction…………………………………………………………...4
Part 1: Background…………………………………………………...4-1
Attempt to control the vibration ……………………….......…...…....5
Failure…………………………………………………...................…5
Causes of failure……………………………………………….………6
Replacement bridge…………………………………….........……….10
Conclusions…………………………………………………………...10
References...........................................................................................11
Abstract (143 words)
The Tacoma Narrows bridge was a one of a kind bridge at its time. Starting from its size and ending with the structure of the bridge, It was considered to be an outstanding bridge at that time. It looked perfect and flawless as it started swaying in windy conditions and still manage to stay standing. The bridge’s failure was in 1940 when a strong wind storm caused the bridge to vibrate in an unbalanced manner and collapse. Who is to blame for this tragedy? The Engineers? The public Work’s
Association? They both share the blame for it. The designing faults are from the
Engineers and a part of the blame falls on the Public Work’s Association because of their poor financing. Nevertheless, the failure of this bridge served as a valuable lesson, one that will be considered every time a bridge is constructed.
Introduction (410 words) :
We live in a world which is advancing exponentially. The advances and discoveries that have been made in the past decade are more than the ones made in the 20th century. The advances in technology that have been made in the last century are something to be proud of of course. However, they definitely did not come without failure in the past. Bridges are an example of how far we’ve come along in
References: * http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tacoma_Narrows_Bridge_(1940) [accessed 15 November] * http://www.vibrationdata.com/Resources/ [accessed 15 November] * http://www.vibrationdata.com/Tacoma.htm [accessed 15 November] * http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/tnbhistory/people/eyewitness.htm [accessed 15 November] * Jones, D. R. Engineering Materials 3: Materials Failure Analysis. New York: Pergaman P, 1993. * Richard Scott, In the wake of Tacoma: suspension bridges and the quest for aerodynamic stability. ASCE Publications, 2001.