Bay Bridge made to withstand major earthquake

[ZLoth]

From SF Gate:

Bay Bridge made to withstand major earthquake

When the new east span of the Bay Bridge opens, drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians will undoubtedly be taken with its gleaming white paint job, its rocket-like tower and its spider web of suspension cables, not to mention its sweeping views.

But as esthetically impressive as the $6.4 billion new span may be, its graceful looks overshadow its main mission: to not only remain standing after a devastating earthquake but to be able to carry emergency vehicles and supplies across the bay soon after the ground stops shaking.

Seismic engineers who designed the span used a variety of innovative techniques - some borrowed from offshore construction - to help make the bridge strong, yet flexible enough to withstand the greatest seismic forces imaginable.

FULL ARTICLE HERE

[andy3175]

Thank you for posting. I especially enjoyed the 30 or so pictures contained in the article's gallery.

Andy