What are some examples of engineering failures?
Whenever the subject comes up in conversations among engineers, the following examples are likely to be mentioned prominently: Tacoma Narrows Bridge, Tacoma WA. Suspension bridge failed after resonating in torsion for some time under wind loading. Puget Sound inlet acted as a wind tunnel for load purposes. There is a spectacular film of this failure available — the film was taken as part of a monitoring effort by local authorities, who were not given enough time to gather all the data they wanted. No fatalities, except for one dog. Subsequent design includes an additional box beam, and even yet it “gallops,” hence the moniker “Galloping Gertie.” Hyatt Regency skywalk, Kansas City MO. Two-level catwalk failed under live load, causing fatalities. Original design called for nuts where they could not actually be installed: original (impossible) design had each nut only helping to support the weight of one floor; the rod passing through the upper floor also passed the load of the lower flo
