The Great American Bridge Disaster

The Great American Bridge Disaster occurred on July 15, 1937, during the construction of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in Washington. The bridge, known as "Galloping Gertie" due to its excessive swaying, collapsed because of aeroelastic flutter—a phenomenon where wind causes oscillations that grow uncontrollably. Engineers did not anticipate how aerodynamic forces could destabilize the structure. The disaster highlighted the importance of considering wind effects in engineering design, leading to improved safety standards for future bridges. Thankfully, no fatalities resulted, but it remains a significant case study in engineering and aerodynamics.