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Pm3110 Tacoma Bridge Case Study

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Submitted By katspicebbv
Words 363
Pages 2
Problems: * Great in Length * 1,000 Feet approaches * Each end had these approaches which in turn added to the already towering distance of the bridge * Very Narrow * Center Span 2,800 Feet * The center span was the most narrow bridge of it kind * Traffic Congestion * One lane traffic in each direction * Location * Narrowing Valley served as wind tunnel * Environmental Constraints Overlooked * Wind gust create wind tunnel effect * Key structural components * Open girders substituted for solid girders * Critical structural design factors * Staic vs. dynamic * Load +bulk & mass (wind effects) * Last Minute Decisions * Local engineer substituted key structural components

Solutions: * Shorten the approaches * Shortens the length of the bridge * Widen the center span * Creates more mass and bulk * Lessens the Narrow effect * Double or triple the traffic lanes in each direction * Allows traffic to flow more smoothly even if a vehicle is blocking a lane * Allows for future maintenance * Less down time for bridge traffic * Research team to survey the area for wind velocity * Velocity plays a huge role in determining a beneficial placement for the bridge * Possible better locations with less possible problems * Research team to predict highest possible wind velocity to determine mass needed to sustain * This prediction can allow for contingency planning * Determine what measures are needed to avoid possible damaging effects * Structural Design Factors hypothesized * Expert designs surveyed from three different structural designers * Collaboration from more than one structural designer may prevent key areas not overlooked and combined with environmental research * Decisions in change of project design to be discussed by project team and assessed properly * Last minute changes should be authorized after assessment on the possible effects

Once again we have important key factors that were overlooked at a whopping expense of 6.2 million dollars for a lifespan of four months generates a failure report. Project teams involved in this project could have been more thorough in risk assessment if any was done at all. Many of these failures could have been prevented through the project management knowledge areas. The ability to address problems as they arise and make intelligent decisions based on educated research throughout the course of the project will afford a more successful completion.

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