On Aug 2, 3:00 pm, Dave Smith > wrote:
> maxine in ri wrote:
> > > I think this event will reveal some fundamental flaws in their
> > > inspection regime. Whatever caused it, whether it's erosion
> > > of the pylons (known as scouring, it has caused collapses
> > > before. A major incident occurred in upstate NY) or deterioration
> > > of the structure itself, it should have been caught by their normal
> > > inspection regime.
>
> > > --
> > > Reg
>
> > There were no pylons. The bridge had a 450 foot unsupported span with
> > no suspension according to the report I heard.
>
> Of course is was supported, It has stood up since it opened in 1967. There
> was no suspension because it was not a suspension bridge. It was a steel
> arch Deck Truss bridge. Arches are supposed to be able to bear a lot of
> weight. Pylon may or may not be an accurate word to describe the concrete
> supports or pedestals, two on each side of the river, which support the
> ands of the arched metal structure.

I stand corrected. Further reports I've heard have said that that
bridge was
built before they added redundant support systems. I'm not an
engineer, so
go only with what I understand of what I heard.

The real "joy" I've heard is that RI has the highest percentage of
problem bridges
of any state in the country. What fun. NOT.

maxine in ri