Baltimore Key Bridge #71 – “The bridge is fracture critical” – Original construction photos prove FSK bridge holds itself up by design, even with only one of the two main pillars – the complete collapse required multiple strike points

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Fracture Critical ??  Original construction photos prove FSK bridge holds itself up by design, even with only one of the two main pillars – the complete collapse required multiple strike points

“The bridge is fracture critical”

Word-salad.

Original construction photos prove the bridge holds itself up by design, on only one of its two main pillars.

Clearly not fracture critical
Clearly not fracture critical.  Tremendous overhangs are self-supporting.  The takedown included melting of girders by Directed Energy Weapons at several strategic points along the bridge span.
Clearly not fracture critical. Tremendous overhangs are self-supporting. The takedown included melting of girders by Directed Energy Weapons at several strategic points along the bridge span.

See also Part #28

See also Part #65

PDF – AISC American Institute Steel Construction 1978 Prize Bridges Awards

PDF – Francis Scott Key Bridge – Bridges and Tunnels

PDF – Francis Scott Key Bridge (Outer Harbor Crossing)

Just because someone says it doesn’t make it true.  Believe their words or your own eyes?

Realize NTSB follows orders, including orders to omit or distort.  Truth is not their master.

FSK Bridge collapsed due to DEW

The reason the bridge collapsed is because it was cut in several places with Directed Energy Weapons.  There is no escaping this. Anyone with eyes can see the orange-hot fiery outbursts in both versions of the original night time footage, both the main streamtimelive and the b-roll shot by toby trespassers.  Clearly, ‘the emperor has no bridge!’

DEW melted the steel support girders, causing the trusswork to collapse; apparently, much of the material went missing (dissolved or disintegrated by the beam weaponry, as seen before at WTC in NYC on 911).


“Fracture Critical” in Bridge Design

**Fracture critical** is a term used in bridge design and civil engineering to describe a component or a member of a structure whose failure would lead to the collapse of the entire structure or a significant part of it. In the context of bridges, a fracture-critical member (FCM) is a structural element whose failure would result in the collapse of the bridge or its significant portion. These members do not have sufficient redundancy, meaning that if one fails, there is no alternative load path to take over the stress.

Characteristics of Fracture-Critical Bridges

– **Lack of Redundancy:** Fracture-critical bridges lack redundant load paths. This means there are no additional supports that can take over if one component fails.
– **Inspection and Maintenance:** These bridges require rigorous inspection and maintenance schedules to ensure that the critical members remain intact and free from defects that could lead to catastrophic failure.
– **Design Considerations:** Engineers must carefully design and monitor fracture-critical bridges, taking into account the potential for stress concentrations, fatigue, and other factors that could contribute to failure.

History and Origin of the Term

The concept of fracture-critical members gained prominence in the 1960s and 1970s, particularly following several high-profile bridge failures. One notable incident was the collapse of the Silver Bridge over the Ohio River in 1967, which resulted in 46 deaths. The failure was attributed to a fracture-critical member, prompting a reevaluation of bridge design and inspection practices.

The term “fracture critical” was formalized during this period as engineers and researchers sought to address the vulnerabilities in bridge design. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and other organizations began incorporating the term into their guidelines and standards for bridge design and inspection.

Coining of the Term

While it is challenging to pinpoint the exact individual who coined the term “fracture critical,” it emerged from the collective efforts of the engineering community in response to the increasing awareness of structural vulnerabilities. The term evolved through studies, reports, and guidelines developed by various organizations, including AASHTO and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

Importance in Modern Bridge Engineering

Today, the concept of fracture-critical members remains crucial in bridge engineering. Modern design practices often aim to minimize the number of fracture-critical members by incorporating redundancy and alternative load paths. However, many existing bridges still have fracture-critical components, making their inspection and maintenance vital for public safety.

In summary, “fracture critical” refers to key structural components whose failure would lead to the collapse of a bridge, emphasizing the importance of rigorous design, inspection, and maintenance practices to ensure the integrity and safety of bridge structures.


Steel cracks and shatters when overstressed; it never bends smoothly to new form without heat

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Dqu5YtFiw4

1 thought on “Baltimore Key Bridge #71 – “The bridge is fracture critical” – Original construction photos prove FSK bridge holds itself up by design, even with only one of the two main pillars – the complete collapse required multiple strike points”

  1. This combination design that includes trusswork was not chosen for weakness or unknowns but instead for proven strength. Believe your own eyes.

    Reply

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