Viewpoint: The Baltimore bridge collapse: a vital lesson for structural engineers

This month we present key elements of a CROSS Safety Alert from December 2020 detailing the failures and lessons learned from the Florida bridge collapse in 2018.

IStructE believes that ongoing risk assessment of structures is critical. Investigators will review the pier design and changes to vessel impact protection devices to determine potential shortfalls in risk management. Bridge expert Ian Firth, independent consultant, IStructE’s past-President and a Fellow shared his views.

This month's letters include discussion over design checks and suitably experienced engineers as well as seismic design of masonry and more.