1940s

Tacoma Narrows Bridges
Howard Clifford running off the Tacoma Narrows Bridge during collapse
Society: ASCEMain Category: CivilSub Category: BridgesEra: 1940sDateCreated: 1940sTacomaState: WACountry: USAWebsite: http://www.asce.org/project/tacoma-narrows-bridges(1)/Creator: Eldridge, Clark

Taken together, the 1940 and 1950 Tacoma Narrows bridges mark a significant turning point in the design of long-span suspension bridges. The original 1940 structure was designed with one of the shallowest and narrowest stiffening elements of any long-span suspension bridge yet built. The structure failed dramatically in a rather moderate 42 mph windstorm on 7 November 1940, only four months after opening for traffic.

Image Caption: Howard Clifford running off the Tacoma Narrows Bridge during collapse
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Innovations

Howard Clifford running off the Tacoma Narrows Bridge during collapse

Tacoma Narrows Bridges

Taken together, the 1940 and 1950 Tacoma Narrows bridges mark a significant turning point in the design of long-span suspension bridges. The original 1940 structure was designed with one of the shallowest and narrowest stiffening elements of any long-span suspension bridge yet built. The…

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