FL - Pedestrian bridge collapses at Florida International University, Miami, 2018

[CARIIS]

Intense video right after it happened

https://twitter.com/taionablunt?lang=en

It was def right after it happened -- and I noticed one gray like van pulling out of the traffic and heading on the other way street/

I thought ............my god you just saw a bridge ahead of you smush people and it appears you
are concerned about running late

then I thought ...........boy if being late to the office is the reason for your behavior you must have one hel# of a boss if bridges murdering people right in front of your own eyes are not a reason to be a dash late ............


jjeezzzzzzzzzzzz

what are we coming to ??

 

[Spellbound]

Bridge before and after, design and fall: https://youtu.be/Q2A1wS09p0k

[video=youtu;Q2A1wS09p0k]http://youtu.be/Q2A1wS09p0k[/video]

 

[enelram]

Go to comments for this article.
Richard Schneider gave some insight on the internal cables that run through the concrete in sleeves, so not visible.
Cables were probably being tightened by crane shown in pic.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/fallen-bridge-victims-found-officials-seek-answers-53787756

Here's an explanation of the 'invisible cables' used in this "Post-Tensioned System" of bridge support.
Cables are internally place in sleeve in concrete, round sockets at end of bridge deck for tightening during curing.
Cables will stretch slightly as concrete cures so cables can be tightened.
This is not a new technique of bridge support, been around since 1948, per article.

http://www.bbrnetwork.com/technologies/what-is-pt.html

 

[CARIIS]

I could not get it to work but looks like an interesting place

https://www.purposegames.com

like you can click around and see what stress points would be critical etc etc

Here's an explanation of the 'invisible cables' used in this "Post-Tensioned System" of bridge support.
Cables are internally place in sleeve in concrete, round sockets at end of bridge deck for tightening during curing.
Cables will stretch slightly as concrete cures so cables can be tightened.
This is not a new technique of bridge support, been around since 1948, per article.

http://www.bbrnetwork.com/technologies/what-is-pt.html

From your link

Benefits of post-tensioning

• Greater flexibility of design
• Faster construction program
• Lower construction material costs
• Reduced maintenance costs
• Potential for increased future loading
• Improved whole life costs & durability
• Reduced environmental impact

Please note: The above benefits only matter if your structure stays where it is supposed to

 

[gregjrichards]

Is there any update on how the young man who was trapped in the back of a vehicle with his loved ones being crushed at the front is doing? It was discussed here last night. I can't imagine witnessing that, my heart breaks for him and all the victims.

It's too early to discuss this but I hope and pray whatever solution is used to replace the bridge is safer than this one. I hope lessons are learned from this terrible tragedy and construction safety is vastly improved as a result. This cannot happen again.

 

[rsd1200]

Wondering if temperatures might have had something to do with it -- we have been swinging about 20 22 degrees over the past several weeks

you post was helpful thankyou!

Wonder how long it had been sitting on the side after being completed.

If we think about swinging around giant structures in six hours SURE sounds like more than ample opportunity for something to stress out right then - the more I think about it sounds like a totally flat out stupid idea

ok "roll her out and stick her up"

bridges are not designed to be moved

and attaching a 900 ton "anything" sure sounds like a rush item to me!

Shoot it can me more than 6 hours to do some deep cleaning!!!



Is this the one that collapsed? I dont see a grass medium on the one the fell?

From my understanding, this is the bridge, with the photo taken from the side that it goes over/near a water source.

 

[rsd1200]

This pic is a simulation. The part to the left of the center support is not done yet

Thanks, it's a very good simulation at that. I'd been looking for the center support. I'd never seen one that long, without some sort of support. Ran across this, from the opposite side.

 

[Isabelle]

Wondering how many structures around the nation these companies may have constructed?

 

[Jax49]

Is there any update on how the young man who was trapped in the back of a vehicle with his loved ones being crushed at the front is doing? It was discussed here last night. I can't imagine witnessing that, my heart breaks for him and all the victims.

It's too early to discuss this but I hope and pray whatever solution is used to replace the bridge is safer than this one. I hope lessons are learned from this terrible tragedy and construction safety is vastly improved as a result. This cannot happen again.

I'm not sure but I heard a longer interview with a witness and she said he "passed" while she was looking at him. It might have been a different young male but I think it was the one you're asking about.

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

Presser LIVE now. No longer Search and Rescue. Mission is now Recovery and Investigation.

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

Miami bridge collapse death toll rises; homicide detectives, FBI scour scene

MIAMI — Homicide detectives and the FBI are working alongside engineers at the scene of the Miami bridge collapse seeking clues about what went wrong, officials said early Friday.

At least six people were killed when the 950-ton pedestrian bridge near Florida International University's campus came down at around 1:30 p.m ET on Thursday.

Authorities worked through the night picking through the mess of concrete and debris, going slowly due to the fragility of the mangled structure and to preserve evidence relevant to the investigation...

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-new...l-rises-homicide-detectives-fbi-scour-n857231

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

Collapsed Florida walkway was built using new ‘accelerated’ bridge technology

The pedestrian walkway that collapsed Thursday in Miami, killing at least six people, was being built using a popular but relatively new bridge technology specifically designed to speed construction while maintaining safety.

It took only six hours on Saturday to install the 174-foot pedestrian walkway, part of the 320-foot-long FIU-Sweetwater University City Bridge project at Florida International University, which had been scheduled for completion early next year.

The project was to have included 9,900 feet of event space that didn't cross the roadway...

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-new...ing-new-accelerated-bridge-technology-n857166

 

[Elley Mae]

Companies behind Florida bridge collapse have history of fines, failures, lawsuits

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2018/03/1...pse-have-history-fines-failures-lawsuits.html

 

[Elley Mae]

MIAMI — An innovative pedestrian bridge being built at Florida International University had been put to a "stress test" and its cables were being tightened when it collapsed over traffic, killing six people and sending 10 to a hospital, authorities said.

http://www.bostonherald.com/news/na...e_stress_test_preceded_collapse_that_killed_6

 

[rsd1200]

FIU to develop technology to fix and build bridges—fast
10/01/2013 at 10:14 am

The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded FIU a $1.4 million grant to work on one of the nation’s leading challenges—deteriorating bridges.

The Accelerated Bridge Construction University Transportation Center (ABC-UTC) at FIU is the first federally-funded entity focused on developing technology and methods to improve and accelerate the construction of bridges.

Earlier this month, FIU won an $11.4 million TIGER grant from DOT to improve connectivity between the university’s west Miami-Dade campus, the neighboring city of Sweetwater and other parts of Greater Miami. The public-private UniversityCity project will include a pedestrian bridge over Southwest Eighth Street and a transportation hub at FIU.
Environmental Engineering and director of the ABC-UTC at FIU said that the center will focus on faster construction methods that are more cost-effective and result in more durable bridges, while minimizing the interruptions to traffic.

“Our objective is to make accelerated bridge construction the new way of building bridges. In order to do that we have to develop new technology, we have to transfer that technology to the profession, and we have to develop the workforce,” said Azizinamini, who is also the principal investigator on another multi-million dollar national project that resulted in the development of the first comprehensive document dedicated to enhance the service life of bridges titled Design Guide for Bridges For Service Life.

The word "accelerated", used in conjunction with building, any type of "structure", doesn't normally mix too well.

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[Betty P]

Companies behind Florida bridge collapse have history of fines, failures, lawsuits

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2018/03/1...pse-have-history-fines-failures-lawsuits.html

I don't understand how they were awarded the contract. This was built with funds from a very large federal grant. Normally there are higher standards for contractors under federal grants, especially for critical infrastructure projects. Have standards become that lax? Did someone use their influence to get approval for a contractor with a poor record for quality and safety?

Here's the link to MCM's donation history at Open Secrets:

https://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/toprecips.php?id=D000035746&type=&sort=&cycle=2016

In 2016, they gave about $130,000 to federal candidates campaigns. Of that total, $52,663.00 went to Marco Rubio. Others they've donated to are Ted Cruz, Carlos Curbelo, Mario Diaz-Balart, etc.

Here's a link with campaign donation totals according to the Congressional Committees on which recipients serve

https://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/congcmtes.php?id=D000035746&cycle=2016

 

[enelram]

I would like to know more details about the tightening of the cables that apparently was happening just prior to collapse. Was it an employee of the general contractor? Was the craned used owned by the GC?
Reports say engineering firm gave the go ahead for tightening.
My understanding is that the crane was assisting in heaving the bridge deck upward in order to release pressure
on cable, so it could be adjusted/tightened.
I wonder if the crane/operator did this too fast or too much?

I read a statement from the company that owned and operated the cranes and equipment that assisted in the bridge
setup on Sat. 3/10. Company spokesman was clear they were involved ONLY in setup on Sat. and then left the site.
That's why I'm wondering if the contractors involved here already know what happened. Do they already know it
was the crane operator of GC owned crane who was assisting in tightening cable, that is at fault here?
Would be a simple solution for all involved if they could pin this on a single, lowly crane operator and protect the GC
and design engineers here.
Like if crane operator over-stressed the rising bridge deck by moving it too fast or too much.

 

[enelram]

I don't understand how they were awarded the contract. This was built with funds from a very large federal grant. Normally there are higher standards for contractors under federal grants, especially for critical infrastructure projects. Have standards become that lax? Did someone use their influence to get approval for a contractor with a poor record for quality and safety?

Here's the link to MCM's donation history at Open Secrets:

https://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/toprecips.php?id=D000035746&type=&sort=&cycle=2016

In 2016, they gave about $130,000 to federal candidates campaigns. Of that total, $52,663.00 went to Marco Rubio. Others they've donated to are Ted Cruz, Carlos Curbelo, Mario Diaz-Balart, etc.

Here's a link with campaign donation totals according to the Congressional Committees on which recipients serve

https://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/congcmtes.php?id=D000035746&cycle=2016

OH, GREAT FIND, BettyP,
No wonder lil' Marco came zooming down to Miami from DC yesterday to get his face on TV.
MSM, a family LLC is made up of Cuban/Americans. Lil Marco is Cuban/American. Thick as thieves, maybe?

 

[Betty P]

Collapsed Florida walkway was built using new ‘accelerated’ bridge technology

The pedestrian walkway that collapsed Thursday in Miami, killing at least six people, was being built using a popular but relatively new bridge technology specifically designed to speed construction while maintaining safety.

It took only six hours on Saturday to install the 174-foot pedestrian walkway, part of the 320-foot-long FIU-Sweetwater University City Bridge project at Florida International University, which had been scheduled for completion early next year.

The project was to have included 9,900 feet of event space that didn't cross the roadway...

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-new...ing-new-accelerated-bridge-technology-n857166

I find this quote from the article confusing:

Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., who has taught politics classes at the university for several years, formally asked the U.S. Transportation Department to review the bridge's "design, construction, and ultimate failure."

"What safety standards are in place to ensure speed does not compromise safety in accelerated bridge construction?" he asked in a letter to Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao. "What materials, and from what sources, were used in bridge construction? What, if any, safety procedures were not followed in this instance?"

Why didn't Sen. Rubio and Rep. Diaz-Balart ask these questions when they were overseeing the federal grant application for this project? No doubt both were involved in helping secure the federal financing for this project. They had to have seen the plans, heard about the Accelerated Bridge Construction method that the uni and contractors were touting.

Why are they only now asking DOT what the safety standards are for this type of construction? Why didn't they run the proposal by DOT back then, before the plans were approved?

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

The word "accelerated", used in conjunction with building, any type of "structure", doesn't normally mix too well.

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It probably seems trite under these horrific circumstances, but haste makes waste.