Carolabrücke: Collapse Cause "Most Likely Stress Corrosion Cracking of the Tendons"
Experts Present Findings on the Carola Bridge Collapse
After more than a year of investigation, experts have concluded that stress corrosion cracking of the tendons was the most likely cause of the Carola Bridge collapse in Dresden, Germany, on August 24, 2022.
Stress Corrosion Cracking and Its Role in the Collapse
Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) is a type of failure that occurs in materials when they are subjected to both tensile stress and a corrosive environment. The combination of stress and corrosion can cause cracks to form and propagate, eventually leading to failure.
In the case of the Carola Bridge, the tendons were made of steel and were subjected to tensile stress from the weight of the bridge deck. The tendons were also exposed to a corrosive environment due to the presence of de-icing salts and other chemicals in the atmosphere. Over time, SCC may have caused cracks to form and propagate in the tendons, leading to the eventual collapse of the bridge.
Recommendations to Prevent Future Incidents
The experts who investigated the Carola Bridge collapse have made a number of recommendations to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. These recommendations include:
- Improving the quality control of materials used in bridge construction. - Using more corrosion-resistant materials in bridges. - Regularly inspecting bridges for signs of SCC. - Developing new methods for detecting and repairing SCC.Conclusion
The collapse of the Carola Bridge was a tragic event that claimed the lives of two people and injured several others. The investigation into the collapse has provided valuable insights into the causes of SCC and how to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. By implementing the recommendations of the experts, we can help to ensure that our bridges are safe for generations to come.
