Quote:
Originally posted by Superman
. .. , in some cases have concluded that while they are successfully carrying traffic today, there is a legitimate danger that some of them could see fairly catastrophic failure in the event of an earthquake. . . .
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Yeah . . . and the SpaceNeedle may tip in the next earthquake too. Of course, the amount of tip may be only a fraction of a degree. Yet still, the SpaceNeedle might TIP in the next earthquake !!!
OMG quick, we need a study to figure out how to install outrigger braces on the SpaceNeedle . .. er . . oh wait . .. that's a privately owned structure.
So Supe, since you really don't want to read what Ive been saying about the politics here, let me ask you; What is the expected failure mode of the 520 bridge, should we get hit whith one of those 1000 year quakes?
Will it:
-Settle slightly in the mud, 1 degree out of spec.?
-jamb the opening span causing a violation of maritime right-of-way to very tall ships (that haven't been seen on the lake for years, btw) ?
hmmm, since it is made up of a bunch of floating sections, perhaps the 1000 year quake will break loose some sections, which will have to be barged back in place. (?)
You tell me Supe.
Maybe, if tax dollars aren't raised (for an unspecified replacement plan) the next earthquake will cause the bridge to EXPLODE, like StHelens, and cover the region with a layer of 520-bridge dust.