Science Friday Engineering Lessons One Year After The Baltimore Bridge Collapse
Mar 31, 2025
Join Dr. Abi Aghayere, a civil engineering professor at Drexel University, and Dr. Thomas McKenney, an expert in maritime engineering from the University of Michigan, as they dissect the Baltimore bridge collapse. Discover the design flaws and electrical failures that led to the tragedy and learn why many bridges remain vulnerable. The discussion also emphasizes the need for collaboration between port authorities and ship operators to improve safety and adapt to the rising threat from larger container ships.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Baltimore Bridge Collapse
- The container ship Dali struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore on March 26, 2024, leading to its collapse.
- Six construction workers died in the incident, prompting investigations into the causes and potential preventative measures.
Dali's Electrical Issues
- The Dali's electrical breaker opened unexpectedly, causing blackouts and engine shutdown.
- The closed bus electrical setup, while efficient, may have hindered power restoration during the emergency.
Bridge's Vulnerability
- The Francis Scott Key Bridge was fracture critical, meaning a single tension member failure could cause collapse.
- Its piers were not designed to withstand a direct ship strike, contributing to the rapid collapse.