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Name: Code: 2681

Cruz, John Allyson A, , Dawang, Sir Jonnsen T. ,
Saint Louis University Milan, Paul Ranzis U.
School of Engineering and Architecture Schedule: 11:30 – 12:30 MWF
Civil Engineering Department 04/05/2024
Course and Year: BSCE 4 Date Due:
2nd Semester AY 2023 - 2024
Activity Title: Midterm Activity 2 Date Submitted: 04/05/2024

CE 4241 s4 bridge engineering

Midterm Activity 2
Answer the following questions based on your current understanding of bridge engineering.
You may encode your answers (use Formatted Paper)

1. What engineering flaws or oversights might have contributed to the collapse of Francis Scott Key Bridge in
Baltimore
-We have identified/observed certain engineering faults that have contributed to the collapse of the
Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baldimore, after viewing a variety of news reports and some footage from the
ship-related incident. The following are the observations:
 When it comes to maintaining the connection between the superstructure and the foundation,
poor maintenance may also be a factor. The bridge connects major cities, so it is used for the
transportation of goods and plays a significant role in the economy. Because of its age and
frequent use, stress and fatigue may have built up and contributed to the deterioration of the
bridge, which caused it to collapse instantly when the ship hit it.
 It's probable that the Francis Scott Key Bridge was not converted to comply with the changes
in bridge requirements and to support bigger weights because of its age and the changes in
bridge code provisions, given the impact loads from ships and moving loads increase.
 Given that the aforementioned bridge was built in 1977, it's likely that forces from ship
collisions were not taken into consideration, including forces from a contemporary 948-foot
ship.

2. What lessons can bridge engineers learn from this tragic event to prevent similar incidents in the future?
-The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore serves as an eye-opening reminder for
bridge engineers around the world to reconsider the structure's layout, maintenance practices, and inspection
protocols in order to avoid such accidents in the future. One important lesson is the significance of rigorous
and regular inspections. Engineers must emphasize extensive examinations of bridge infrastructure in order
to discover degradation or structural issues as soon as possible. This tragedy emphasizes the importance of
investing in improved inspection technology and methodologies to detect possible risks before they cause
catastrophic failures.
Furthermore, bridge engineers must prioritize proactive repairs and maintenance procedures in order
to handle any discovered faults quickly. Timely maintenance not only protects the structural integrity of
bridges, but also increases their longevity. Engineers can reduce the danger of unexpected structural
breakdowns and safeguard the safety of passengers by establishing preventative maintenance programs.
This occurrence highlights the importance of preventive maintenance in protecting bridge infrastructure from
unanticipated disasters.
In conclusion, the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge serves as an eerie example of bridge
engineers' vital responsibility to prioritize safety above all else. Engineers must be alert, proactive, and
dedicated to maintaining the highest levels of integrity and professionalism in their job. Bridge engineers may
reduce risks and maintain the lifespan and safety of bridge infrastructure for future generations by learning
from previous failures and instituting stringent inspection, maintenance, and design methods.

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