Publications [#268188] of Henry Petroski

Papers Published

1. Petroski, H, Tacoma narrows bridges, American Scientist, vol. 97 no. 2 (March, 2009), pp. 103-107, Sigma Xi, ISSN 0003-0996 [doi]
   (last updated on 2023/06/01)

   Abstract:
   Tacoma Narrows Bridge was a pair of mile-long suspension bridges in the Washington state, the US that connects Tacoma and the Olympic Peninsula and was completed in 1940. The bridge had 2,800 foot main span, which made it the third longest span in the world after George Washington and Golden Gate bridges. The bridge was extremely flexible, but witnessed a dramatic structural collapse, caused by a 42 mile per hour wind, earning it the nickname Galloping Gertie. However, the Washington Transport Department has replaced the old bridge with the two-side-by-side suspension bridges that appear like twins and are stiff enough to stand undulate or twist in the wind and storms. The new bridge's equal-height towers are aligned besides each other, and are made of reinforced concrete, with two horizontal braces accommodating additional vehicle traffic lane with a wider deck.