How does a whole bridge collapse?
This is just horrible.
It's possible that it's due to structure failure .. if one part crumbles .. the rest will follow .. just like a deck of cards
I’m a Chemical Engineer, not a Civil...so, take this for what it costs... I heard a report that parts of the bridge were under construction.... and someone mentioned feeling vibrations being generated by a jackhammer.
My first guess would be: Harmonic vibrations generated by the jackhammer... coupled with the old age of the bridge, and the heavy loading of a full stack of autos....
Just a guess.... but, I know harmonics can do very strange things on a bridge.
I don’t know. This is just devastating.
I just got a call from my mom. My nieces are in town visiting their dad, and they were on that bridge this afternoon.
I am just shocked. And relieved. And sad.