Large rivets blowing out under strain might well sound like a jackhammer.
Especially if they are failing sequentially, in a cascade (or "zipper") effect.
It was pointed out to me upthread.
As would the, um, jackhammer that at least one witness saw the repair crews using on the bridge immediately prior to the collapse.
Fox: 1 fatality, 6 critical, 22 non-threatening casualties. Most damage appears to be BFT. Fatality was a drowning.
There’s a difference between rivets and bolts...More than likely, this bridge is a bolted structure...
And yes, any tearing type stress, enough to cause structural failure those bolt failures would sound like a staccato of jackhammer like bangs...
I’m thinking this structural failure was brought about by the use (reduced traffic) of the bridge and the construction/repair being done at the same time...The vibrations, the shifting, swaying of the bridge over the month that this was going on could very well bring about a moment like this...
Just remember bridges are not rock solid structures, they flex and move fairly perceptably...
Even the smaller bridges (overpasses) in cities all around the country...Soil conditions, subsidence, useage...These factors play into the integrity of the structure...
It will be interesting to see what is found out about this...
But the loss of life, and rescue of those in need takes priority over anything at this time...
I just wish the lookie loos coming to the scene on the other bridge would have been turned around...
That scene is not a friggin zoo!