Bridge Construction Is on the Wrong Track
- Share via
* Freeway bridges can be constructed to survive quakes, and we can learn from the railroads how to construct them.
No railroad bridges were damaged in the Jan. 17 earthquake, and passenger trains and freight trains hauling tons and tons of freight crossed them without interruption. Some railroad bridges are more than 100 years old.
Railroad bridges are built with wood and some with steel. Some with both. These materials are somewhat flexible and after vibration they go back to their original position.
Reinforced concrete used for freeway bridges cracks and crumbles. Just notice all the cracks in concrete driveways and sidewalks.
If they were in a vertical position instead of lying on a surface, they would be down like freeway bridges.
JACK BRONSON
Woodland Hills
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
