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Learning from failure: What are the most shocking structural failures in history?
Structural integrity is an important concept in engineering, which refers to the ability of a structure to withstand design loads (such as weight, force, etc.) without cracking or deforming. Studying past structural failures can help design safer structures to avoid similar tragedies in the future. Structural failure usually occurs when a material is stretched or compressed so much that it loses its load-bearing capacity. This article will review some of the most shocking structural failures in history and explore why they are so important.
Historical review
Mankind has had a need since ancient times to build structures that can withstand their own weight and other loads. From ancient houses to the fortifications of medieval castles, structural integrity has always been a key consideration for architects and craftsmen. Ancient architects often relied on experience and practice rather than mathematical formulas to ensure the safety of their buildings.
“Lessons from structural failures can help future building designs avoid repeating the same mistakes.”
Type of structural failure
Structural failure can be caused by a variety of reasons. The problems usually vary between different industries and types of structures, but most can be summarized into five major categories.
- Insufficient strength: If a structure or member is not strong enough to withstand the load, catastrophic failure may result.
- Fatigue or corrosion: Fatigue and corrosion can result when a structure's geometry, design, or material properties are unstable, gradually causing cracks to form.
- Manufacturing errors: including improper material selection, inappropriate size, or improper heat treatment, may lead to structural failure.
- Use of defective materials: Materials may no longer have the load-bearing capacity due to poor production quality or damage.
- Unforeseen problems: Such as natural disasters or improper use, may cause structural failure.
Notable structural failure events
Bridges and Buildings
Deqiao
Designed by Robert Stephenson, the bridge collapsed as a train passed by on May 24, 1847, killing five people. The incident prompted a formal investigation into the structural failure, which revealed fundamental flaws in the design, leading to subsequent design improvements.
The first tower bridge
On December 28, 1879, the collapse of the First Tower Bridge killed 75 people. In the event, the designers did not consider the impact of wind on the structure, which ultimately prompted the design of the iron bridge to shift to a steel structure.
Delta Bridge Collapse
The collapse of the original Delta Bridge in 1940, caused by the phenomenon of wind-induced resonance, became a classic example in bridge design, redefining how to consider the effects of wind on structures.
I-35W Bridge
On August 1, 2007, the collapse of the I-35W Mississippi River bridge killed 13 people and injured 145 others. An investigation revealed flaws in the bridge's design that had profound consequences for the safety of other similar bridges in the United States.
Savoy Building
On April 24, 2013, the Savar Tower, an eight-story commercial building in Bangladesh, collapsed, killing 1,134 people in one of the deadliest structural failures in modern history.
World Trade Center
During the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, two World Trade Center towers collapsed internally shortly after the attack. This incident triggered a re-evaluation of the blast resistance of buildings.
“The lessons from these structural failures have prompted the industry to seek more efficient design methods to ensure future safety.”
Conclusion
Incidents of structural failure remind us that attention to structural integrity is critical, both during the design process and during construction. Studying these failure cases can not only enhance future designs, but also arouse awareness about safety. The cases discussed in this article hold important lessons for the engineering community. How can we learn from these lessons in future construction to avoid making the same mistakes again?
