Among the important constructions of Antiquity are attributed bridges laid across rivers. This is a unique design that allows you to cross rivers, gorges and other natural obstacles. The construction of bridges in ancient times marked the opening of the wheel. The construction of these facilities contributed to the strengthening of economic relations and the mobility of the army. At the moment, there are many bridges in the world that amaze with their length and magnificence. Unfortunately, any design sooner or later becomes worthless, including bridges.
Why do bridges collapse?
The destroyed bridge is a serious incident that can lead to deaths, a complete stop of movement across the river and great financial difficulties. There are many reasons for the failure of the structure, and all of them are of a different nature, however, all cases can be divided into three groups:
- Due to natural disasters, such as earthquakes, landslides, floods and others. This group comprises about 60% of all accidents.
- Due to improper erection of structures, defects, errors that were committed during the construction of bridges. This also includes erroneous or inaccurate design. Such incidents account for about 30% of the total.
- The remaining 10% of the destruction cases occurred due to improper operation of the bridge structure.
Of course, there is a separate rating for the types of bridges. For example, the percentage of accidents and the factors that caused them are very different among metal, reinforced concrete and wooden structures.
Hinze Ribeiro Bridge
One of the terrible tragedies occurred in Portugal in 2001. Due to the corrosion of the reinforcement of the main beams, the bridge collapsed along with the cars that were driving along it at that moment. The tragedy claimed the lives of about 60 people. Those who walked along the sidewalk, fell into the river along which transport ships. This tragedy forced the authorities to check most of the bridges in Portugal for the integrity of the iron elements of the structure. In addition, the families of the dead and injured were promised to pay compensation for the loss.
Minneapolis Bridge
The tragedy occurred in 2007 in Minneapolis. The bridge collapsed into the water after 10 years of operation. About 70 people were injured, some of them died in the hospital. Those who fell into the water, rescuers pulled. The photo of the destroyed bridge clearly shows that the middle of the structure did not collapse, and an operation to save people was underway. The reason for the destruction of the bridge has not yet been established, but experts are sure that it lies in the construction of the structure in violation of the rules and technologies. The loss of the bridge marked a large financial loss. The village, which he connected with the city, was cut off from the other shore.
Bridge in san francisco
One of the most terrible and serious incidents in the city for the entire period of its existence. In 1989, there was a nine-magnitude earthquake that disabled many structures and claimed hundreds of American lives. The bunk bridge connecting Auckland and San Francisco also collapsed. The design was erected in 1935 in two months, the norms and standards were almost not respected, but the designers took into account the possible load on the bridge. Insurance companies were unable to pay compensation to the victims and relatives of the victims.
