Tacoma Narrows Bridge- “Galloping Gertie”TAYLOR LESZCZYNSKI PM3225VICKI WELTON JANUARY 12, 2015 JEREMY HEINZ

Introduction

History

You'll find the "Tacoma Narrows" in western Washington State in the Pacific Northwest.

It's located some 8 miles west of downtown Tacoma. Construction Started September 1938. The bridge was idea since 1889. November 7, 1940; was the fateful day of the collapse.  The replacement bridge was opened October 14, 1950.

Original Project p.1

The bridge was designed by Leon Moisseiff. concerted efforts began in the mid-1920s, with a Northern Pacific

Railway proposal for a trestle The third-longest suspension bridges in the world in terms of main span

length, behind the Golden Gate Bridge and George Washington Bridge Tolls were charged on the bridge for the entire four-month service life of

the original span.

Original Project p.2

The first Tacoma Narrows Bridge opened to traffic on July 1, 1940. There was noticeable issues with the bridge right away. It received its nickname "Galloping Gertie"

because of the vertical movement of the deck observed by construction workers during windy conditions.

The original bridge was only operational for 4 months.

Errors

During construction- the walls were made of solid steel causing no wind flow or “the bounce” control

Proposed Solutions

Added Cables to steady “the bounce.” It was a temporary fix

Added Hydraulics buffers 4 buffers were added to act as shock absorbers No effects were given

The Disaster

The bridge collapsed November 7, 1940, at 11:00 AM (Pacific time) Due to a result of aeroelastic flutter caused by a 42 mph (68 km/h)

wind. No Human was injured Only death was a cocker spaniel.

The Carnage

Original cost of the bridge $ 7 million

Bridge was completely totaled. Damages Cost/ Rebuild $15 million

Only reusable parts were the piers Bridge Insured for $5.2 million (80% of full value)

The Replacement

Sturdy Gertie Opened: October 14, 1950 (westbound),

July 15, 2007 (eastbound) Is a twin suspended bridge Nicknamed the Westbound and Eastbound Tolls were charged on the bridge for the first 15 years…

To help pay for: bridge's construction bonds Interest fees

Over 40 years later, tolls were reinstated as part of the financing of the twin span, and are presently collected only from vehicles traveling eastbound.

Conclusion

The science of Bridge Aerodynamics was born after the Tacoma Narrow’s bridge collapsed.

This large tragedy was a big wake up call to safety measures. The Replacement bridge has now stood for 55 years this October with its

new expansion holding steady for 8 years come July. Eastbound only: Now 2015 1940

$5.50 (cash/credit price) .75$ 1way 1.25$ roundtrip$4.25 (transponder price)$6.25 (pay by mail)

A derailed successful project, with a 2.0 edition.

Reference

https://www.youtube.com/v/XggxeuFDaDU http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/TNBhistory/ http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/TNBhistory/Connections/connections3.htm