Catastrophe to Triumph

"Just 129 days after it opened, the 1940 Tacoma Narrows Bridge plunged to a watery grave. Even before completion, the $6.4 million engineering marvel's undulations were apparent, earning it the nickname "Galloping Gertie." Still, many involved claimed to be utterly stunned by the failure." "In Catastrophe to Triumph, Richard Hobbs examines the reasons government agencies hired a New York firm to revise the original plans. He reveals who knew about the imminent danger, what was being done to evade disaster, and why it was too little, too late. He recounts the final hours and harrowing escapes, and explores the lawsuits, insurance scandal, formal investigation, and ruined careers that followed." "Yet ultimately, the story ends in triumph. Hobbs describes how the magnificent 1950 bridge rose on part of the original substructure, along with details about the 2007 span. He explains the design changes that ensure stability and the incredible maintenance these intricate machines require."--BOOK JACKET.