Learning from Tragedy: Bridge Collapses in North America

The objective of this course is to examine significant bridge collapse case studies in the United States, each providing a different design aspect for professional engineers. Bridges are economic and cultural connectors that drive commerce to and from communities. When a community loses this connection, it can disrupt lives and economic viability.
Increased traffic loading from population growth and aging infrastructure have magnified safety concerns and shaken confidence in public transportation. Dangers from aging infrastructure, extreme weather events, and traffic accidents from increased traffic on and around bridges have led to many recent bridge collapses.
This course will provide valuable learnings from a closer examination of how engineers can influence change by not repeating the exact causes that have led to these collapses. These learnings will assist professional engineers in planning, designing, maintaining, and ensuring safety and security for future bridge projects.