Design Failure Lessons

Tacoma Narrows Bridge

• Tacoma Bridge problems not new - just forgotten
• The Brooklyn Bridge overcame such obstacles, 57 yrs earlier
• Attempts to economize doomed the Tacoma Narrows Bridge
• Bridge design had to learn to incorporate upward wind thrust - not just horizontal
• Solutions to the wind problem
• The Golden Gate Bridge (built in 1937) is of similar design to the Tacoma Narrows Bridge
• The failure of theTacoma Narrows Bridge continues to make an impact on viewers
• Explanation of natural frequency and bridges

1. Wollard, Kathy, "When we get the Right Vibes," Newsday, Section: Health & Discovery; How Come? Doscoveries for Young People; Pg B26, August 2, 1994.
2. Riedman, Patricia A., "Wow, too much flutter," Advertising Age, Section: Upfront; Pg. 4, May, 1994.
3. Demoro, Harre W., "Gate Bridge to Be Tested For Carrying Light Rail Tracks," The San Francisco Chronicle, Section: News; A2, February 8, 1990
4. Birdsall, Blair, "The Brooklyn Bridge at 100; centennial of John Roebling's Brooklyn Bridge," Technology Review, SECTION: Vol. 86 ; Pg. 60, April, 1983
5. McGraw-Hill, Inc., "A bridge to remember," Engineering News-Record, Section: Editorials; Pg. 190, January 21, 1982