Construction began in September 1938. From the time the deck was built, it began to move vertically in windy conditions, so construction workers nicknamed the bridge “Galloping Gertie”. The motion continued after the bridge opened to the public, despite several damping measures. The bridge’s main span finally collapsed in 40-mile-per-hour (64 km/h) winds on the morning of November 7, 1940, as the deck oscillated in an alternating twisting motion that gradually increased in amplitude until the deck tore apart. The violent swaying and eventual collapse resulted in the death of a cocker spaniel named “Tubby”, as well as inflicting injuries on people fleeing the disintegrating bridge or attempting to rescue the stranded dog.
Gif converted by Satcom Guru.
Also called “The most expensive training film for civil engineers”.
I’m sure it really resonates with them though.
Jokes about it happens periodically. Its a sin to waste the opportunity
RIP Tubby
“My dog Tubby died.”
“Oh no! What happened?”
“A bridge collapsed.”
“How tubby was he?!”
I hate you, you made me laugh at poor Tubby’s death 😂
Construction began in September 1938
Destruction began in November 1940
the bridge collapsed because moderate winds produced aeroelastic flutter that was self-exciting and unbounded: for any constant sustained wind speed above about 35 mph (56 km/h), the amplitude of the (torsional) flutter oscillation would continuously increase, with a negative damping factor, i.e., a reinforcing effect, opposite to damping.[5] The collapse boosted research into bridge aerodynamics-aeroelastics, which has influenced the designs of all later long-span bridges.
The video showing people calmly walking away as the bridge is wobbling is fucking wild. Check 0:56.
I’m sure they were locals, and this was just another day. It had been swaying for months without any issue, why would today be any different?
What’s really wild is that, in 1940 when cameras were still limited, they happened to be filming - from multiple angles - at the exact moment it collapsed.
Also, the guy walking on it at 1:10. Wonder if it’s the same guy as in the gif?
I used to drive over the Tacoma bridge pretty often!
They learned from their mistakes.
After they didn’t listen to the guys who knew better and blew the state’s money anyway.
Nothing changes.
There’s now two and a toll.
Proof that it is, in fact, possible!
I think about that video every time I’m in traffic going over the bridge that replaced it. Not that I don’t have faith in modern engineering (not so much in the upkeep of infrastructure in this country) but still, can’t help but think about it as I feel it shake.
Fun fact about Washington (Puget sound) bridges, we have 4 of the 5 longest floating permanent bridges of which there are 20 in the world.
Floating bridges. especially the big one over Lake Washington, just don’t feel… super fucking safe. I get that they are, with constant maintenance. But seeing a wave generated by your car driving is not confidence inspiring.
How does tarmac not fracture under such conditions
Asphalt is, technically, a liquid.
Also glass, wax, and pitch.
These are generally referred to as “amorphous solids”.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tacoma_Narrows_Bridge_destruction.ogv
That’s the full video. It does eventually buckle. Killed a dog, and injured some people that tried to save the dog.
I’m genuinely amazed that a video of it falling exists, with old-timey written cinema screencaps no less!
Duh. It’s made from tar.
*thinks up clever cutting response*
YOU’RE made from tar!Ladies and gentlemen, we got 'em!
“Got 'em” is my favorite thing for some silly reason.
Yeah but what about the macaroni part?
The gooey cheese is what lets it stretch.
Bridge lasted for less than two years, great use of resources!
Someone found the next episode of “Well There’s Your Problem”.
Guy: “Naw, fuck that.”
Just needs tamping down.
