When did the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in Washington collapse?
November 7, 1940: Collapse of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge When the Tacoma Narrows Bridge over Puget Sound in the state of Washington famously collapsed on November 7, 1940, it was captured on film for posterity. The footage became the basis for a textbook example of resonance, which is a standard topic in high school physics.
What is the Tacoma Bridge?
The Tacoma Narrows Bridge is a pair of twin suspension bridges that span the Tacoma Narrows strait of Puget Sound in Pierce County, Washington. The bridges connect the city of Tacoma with the Kitsap Peninsula and carry State Route 16 (known as Primary State Highway 14 until 1964) over the strait.
How many cars does the Tacoma Narrows Bridge carry?
Engineers designed the current bridge to carry 60,000 cars a day. But, now it handles an average of over 90,000 vehicles daily. Here’s how the current Tacoma Narrows Bridge compares with other major suspension bridges in the United States.
Why was the Tacoma Narrows Bridge called the Galloping Gertie?
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.
What was the name of the bridge that collapsed in 1940?
November 7, 1940: Collapse of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. It prompted construction workers to dub the bridge “Galloping Gertie,” inspired by a popular saloon song. When the bridge opened on July 1, 1940, the public experienced the vibrations firsthand.
Construction workers gave the bridge the nickname “Galloping Gertie” as it began to have noticeable vertical oscillations in windy conditions. These episodes were first witnessed when the deck was built and the warning bells should have begun to ring.
What was the name of the cocker spaniel that died on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge?
Tubby, Coatsworth’s cocker spaniel, was the only fatality of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge disaster; he was lost along with Coatsworth’s car.