Soldiers Cause Collapse of Broughton Bridge
April 12th, 1831
April 12th, 1831
How Long Ago?
193 years, 11 months, 2 days ago
Location
Manchester, England
Category
Accidents & Tragedies
Links & References
Tags
Soldiers Cause Collapse of Broughton Bridge
A group of soldiers marching across the Broughton Suspension Bridge in Manchester, England, caused the bridge to collapse due to the alignment of their steps and the structure's design. The event occurred while soldiers from the Manchester regiment were executing a drill. The bridge was known for its precarious architecture and had recently undergone repairs, but it could not withstand the synchronized weight and movement of the marching troops.
Broughton Suspension Bridge collapsed under troop weight
Resonance caused failure of the bridge structure
No fatalities, but many injuries among soldiers
Led to changes in bridge engineering standards
What Happened?
The Broughton Suspension Bridge, which spanned the River Irwell, was a significant feat of engineering in the early 19th century. Built to facilitate transportation, it linked Manchester to Broughton. On the fateful day, soldiers from the Manchester regiment were ordered to march across the bridge. Unfortunately, the construction of the bridge, designed to allow for pedestrian and light vehicle traffic, could not sustain the weight of a full battalion marching in unison. As the men synchronized their steps, a phenomenon known as resonance occurred, exacerbating the structural stresses on the bridge. A loud crack signaled the beginning of its failure, and soon after, the bridge collapsed, throwing soldiers and equipment into the river below. This disaster led to numerous injuries among the troops, although miraculous accounts report that there were no fatalities.
Why Does it Matter?
The collapse of the Broughton Suspension Bridge raised awareness about the importance of engineering safety standards, particularly in the design of bridges meant for heavier loads. This incident highlighted the critical need for civil engineering principles, including the understanding of resonance and how it affects the integrity of structures. It also contributed to the ongoing discussions regarding public safety in urban constructions, ultimately influencing future architectural guidelines.
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