South Bridge Final Test
I am not expert in bridge building, but I just can't believe that it is normal.
After 4 years of bridge construction and just couple weeks before official opening Dienvidu Tilts (South Bridge) has passed the final loading test.
I am a little bit worried about those curves in bridge surface. After being watching many times Discovery Channel shows, I have never seen something like this.
Does anybody know, is it okay for bridge to cave in under weight of few full-loaded trucks?
See also tests of South Bridge aqueducts.
Now South Bridge is open!
Labels: bridges, buildings, cars, daugava, funny, projects, rivers
People Reaction (6)
I hope there will be no similar story as with Tahome Bridge
I am sure that will be alright.
I have to say, I've never seen anything like it either. Very unusual.
Bridges are designed to be very flexible so that they can withstand forces such as heavy loads and strong winds. The bowing you see in this image is normal under these circumstances. If bridges were rigid structures that did not bend and flex under a load, they would collapse under the most minor amount of stress.
I am guessing the guy who designed the bridge is not on it while this test is done. But airplane wings are made to deflect several feet and most bridges are pulled up in the center and are designed to sink down on being loaded. This seems a little much.
Today, October 25th, is my birthday -- I am 74 years old.
It is not unusual for a suspension bridge to flatten out under load.
The Golden Gate Bridge's 50th Anniversary in 1987, the bridge had so many people on it that the spans began to flatten out under the weight.
here is a photo.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/42614915@N00/90062550/