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octuscle · 2 months

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Catalan internship

Michael was overjoyed. He would never have dreamed that he would be accepted as an intern at the renowned architecture firm in Barcelona. Normally, world-class offices only accepted seniors as interns. And Michael was a sophomore. And he barely spoke a word of Spanish. To be honest, he had lied a bit on his CV. But the internship didn't start for another three months. Until then, he would learn Spanish and learn so much that it wouldn't even be noticeable that he had only just started his studies.

When he was on the plane to Barcelona three months later, Michael didn't speak a word of Spanish and had gained a lot of experience in frat house parties over the past few weeks. The internship was going to be a debacle… And indeed, he didn't understand a word on his first day. And even if he had spoken the language, he would have had no idea what they wanted him to do. Michael cursed the decision to apply for this position. He was only happy when he was finally in the office. He googled "Spanish now". A list of language schools and language apps came up… Boring stuff… That didn't help him now either… And then, already on page 2, came "Become Spanish in just a few moments". Chronivac… Never heard of it… "In-app purchases possible." Never mind, Michael had his dad's credit card….

"Spanish architecture student in his final year". That was all the effort Michael put into his prompt. That was enough work for today. Michael spent the rest of the day looking for trendy bars for tonight.

Miguel wasn't overly punctual when he came into the office the next day. Why the hell didn't he understand anyone here? The language sounded like a gibberish of Spanish, French and a few more languages. Fortunately, everyone here actually understood Spanish. And for a reason Miguel couldn't quite explain to himself, Miguel spoke fluent English. This made it easier to flirt with the other interns from Germany, Poland and the USA. Unfortunately, Miguel quickly realized that everyone else here was far superior to him professionally. Despite his advanced studies, Miguel was a complete layman compared to his colleagues when it came to creativity, structural engineering and building technology.

"A young Spanish architect". And "Enter".

Miguel hated his small apartment in the suburb of Barcelona. He designed the most beautiful houses, the most spectacular skyscrapers. And he lived in this shoebox. Okay, to be fair, Miguel didn't actually design anything. Miguel drew staircases. Staircases for the most beautiful houses, the most spectacular skyscrapers. Buildings that someone else in the office had designed. One of the big bosses who were in the limelight, who were celebrated in the press. The stars of the Catalan architecture scene. Miguel could puke. In itself, he could have been satisfied. He wasn't earning too badly. He was a good-looking man. But he spent ten to twelve hours a day in the office. He had never seen one of his construction sites. He left his home at 06:00, he came home at 19:00 or not until 20:00. Sport? Going out? Meeting friends? He was already happy if he managed to finish a ready meal in the microwave. Didn't he have this app? He felt like he had last used it years ago. "One of the big boys in the office," he wrote. Tomorrow he wanted to be one of the bosses.

As a Spaniard, Miguel was used to having to earn respect. The cursed Catalans always thought they were better than everyone else. That was one of the reasons why Miguel almost lived in the gym. Sleep, gym, office, gym, sleep, gym… Getting his muscles to burn was more important to him than being successful here in the office. And with the muscles, success somehow came automatically. In meetings, he was always looked at when a question was open. Miguel knew that he wasn't actually the most talented architect in the office. But thanks to his impressive physique, he had managed to carve out a reasonably decent career. He earned good money, he had a summer house in Mallorca, he fucked the interns. And he was sometimes allowed to suck off one of the gods, the bosses of the office. No more. No less. His career had come to a natural end. He was just 42 years old. Damn it, it had to go on somehow. But as a Spaniard in Catalonia? Not a chance! He searched for this app… What was it called again? Chronivac. What should he enter as a prompt…? "My own master. And Catalan"

Miquel got up at 05:00 and immediately started lifting weights in his carpentry workshop. As a self-employed man, he didn't have a minute to lose. His apprentice and his two fellow carpenters arrived between 06:00 and 06:30. Most of his neighbors could set the clock so that the circular saw would start howling at 06:30. This did not necessarily make Miquel and his workshop popular. But his father and grandfather had already built cupboards and tables here for the neighborhood. The family had made a small fortune. And Miquel was a celebrity in his neighborhood. They called him "the Catalonian Arnold". And indeed, he was not much less imposing than his great role model. When customers came to his workshop, he always went out of his way to flex his muscles. Many of his customers attached great importance to him personally installing the furniture. And it was not uncommon for customers to have the air conditioning turned off. No matter. As a rule, he worked bare-chested whenever possible anyway.

Miquel was a good craftsman and not a bad self-promoter. But as a businessman, he was a failure. His accounts were constantly empty, the demands of social security and the tax authorities constantly hovered over him like a sword of Damocles. How he would love to simply chisel iron and work with wood. His two passions. In fact, he felt like an accountant. He wrote "Be free" in this strange app.

It had been a few years since Miquel had sold his workshop and the house in Barcelona. He had never been back since. But he had heard that Japanese-Chilean tapas were served where he had once assembled cabinets. Although he had received an indecent amount of money for the property by his own admission, he would be able to eat there for maybe a year and then he would be broke. But the last thing he dreamed of was eating Japanese-Chilean tapas in Barcelona.

He no longer worked for money in the village where he had bought an abandoned carpenter's workshop. He worked when he felt like it. Or when someone asked him to. Of course, after just a few hours, his muscular body made him a household name. But first and foremost, the few remaining inhabitants were happy that there was a carpenter in the village again. And what a carpenter. Good with the plane. And good with the tail. Miquel had nailed everything there was to nail in the village. His cock was in a jockstrap encrusted with cum and precum. He stank of sweat and musk. If it bothered anyone, Miquel would press their face into his armpit. Either he was rid of the annoying troublemaker afterwards. Or he had a new victim to fuck. Everything was actually perfect… But something was missing.

Miquel hadn't had a cell phone for years. Anyone who wanted to reach him could reach him. He wasn't a hermit. He had internet in the former sheepfold that he converted into his last home. His supposed last home. Who would know that?

He still remembered the moment when he switched off his last phone for the last time. He had used Chronivac for the last time shortly before that. "A contented man in his prime". Damn, that was him.

#male tf #muscle tf #reality change #chronivac #race change #age progression #ai image

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amazingarchitecturewebsite · 1 year

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Talos, AI generated house by GG-loop @gg_loop. Read more: Link in bio! GG-loop, the Amsterdam-and-Milan-based innovative architecture firm known for their use of cutting-edge technology, has just released their latest project: Talos, a stunning lakeside residence located in Lake Tahoe (US). Named after the mythical Greek automaton, Talos is a true feat of engineering and design. Using artificial intelligence technology, GG-loop has created a home that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding natural environment. From the outside, Talos looks like a modern, origami-inspired structure, with clean lines and a unique, folded form. But step inside, and you'll be amazed by the array of features and amenities this home has to offer… #ai #usa #midjourney #архитектура www.amazingarchitecture.com ✔ A collection of the best contemporary architecture to inspire you. #design #architecture #amazingarchitecture #architect #arquitectura #luxury #realestate #life #cute #architettura #interiordesign #photooftheday #love #travel #construction #furniture #instagood #fashion #beautiful #archilovers #home #house ‎#amazing #picoftheday #architecturephotography ‎#معماری (at Lake Tahoe) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnfHfSPucKo/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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terzaghitechnologies · 3 months

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Geo Structurals: Pioneers in Structural Engineering and Beyond

Introduction Welcome to Geo Structurals, a beacon of excellence in the structural engineering domain. Located in the heart of Cochin, India, we've grown since our inception in 1985 into a leading structural engineering consulting firm, renowned for our expertise and innovative solutions. Our journey from humble beginnings to structuring the largest Nippon Toyota showroom in Asia exemplifies our commitment to excellence. Who We Are: A Legacy of Engineering Brilliance Geo Structurals stands out as a premier structural engineering firm, deeply rooted in the ethos of professional integrity and innovative engineering. Our team, a collective of seasoned engineers, excels in various facets of structural engineering services, including the design of pre-stressed concrete, high-rise RCC structures, steel industrial structures, and more. Expanding Horizons in Structural Engineering Our expertise extends to using advanced structural analysis software and steel beam design for robust and efficient structures. We also specialize in concrete mix design and earthquake-resistant design to ensure safety and durability. Our building foundation design and road construction methods are at the forefront of modern engineering practices. Sustainable and Innovative Solutions At Geo Structurals, sustainable infrastructure development is a key focus. We are dedicated to designing water treatment plant facilities and implementing traffic engineering techniques that align with contemporary needs. Our approach to geotechnical engineering for construction underlines our commitment to innovative and environmentally friendly solutions. Collaboration with EDC Terzaghi Technologies and CECONS Our strength is amplified through our sister concerns, EDC Terzaghi Technologies and CECONS. These collaborations enhance our capabilities in offering comprehensive solutions across various engineering disciplines.

Career Opportunities and Education at Geo Structurals At Geo Structurals, we're not just leaders in structural engineering; we're also pioneers in nurturing the next generation of engineering talent. Recognizing the ever-evolving landscape of our industry, we offer a diverse range of career opportunities for enthusiastic professionals. Our team is a blend of experienced engineers and budding talent, working together with cutting-edge structural engineering software to shape the future of construction and design.In an exciting new development, Geo Structurals is proud to announce the upcoming launch of our virtual internship platform, specifically tailored for structural engineering enthusiasts. This innovative program is designed to provide a real-world learning experience, allowing interns to immerse themselves in practical engineering projects from the comfort of their own homes. The platform offers a unique opportunity for students and recent graduates to develop practical skills, engage in meaningful project work, and interact with seasoned professionals. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to educating and empowering emerging engineers, providing them with a solid foundation for a flourishing career in structural engineering Conclusion: Your Trusted Structural Engineering Consultant Geo Structurals stands as a pillar of excellence in the field of structural engineering. Whether you're seeking structural design consultants, structural analysis consultants, or comprehensive structural engineering solutions, we are your go-to experts. Partner with us and leverage our expertise to elevate your projects to new heights. Contact Us Ready to collaborate with leading structural engineering consultants? Contact Geo Structurals today and let’s build the future together!

#civilengineering #engineering #construction #civil #architecture #civilengineer #engineer #building #civilconstruction #civilengineers #concrete #design #structuralengineering

#interiors #autos

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beautyproducts-posts · 4 months

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world biggest building Burj Khalifa history

The Burj Khalifa, standing tall in the heart of Dubai, is a marvel of modern engineering and architectural ingenuity. As the tallest building in the world, its awe-inspiring height and distinctive design have made it an iconic symbol of the city and a testament to human achievement.

Construction of the Burj Khalifa began in 2004 and was completed in 2010, taking approximately six years to finish. The ambitious project was led by the South Korean company Samsung C&T, with the renowned architect Adrian Smith from the American architectural firm of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill overseeing the design. The vision for the Burj Khalifa was to create a mixed-use structure that would not only serve as a residential space but also house offices, retail outlets, and a luxurious hotel.

One of the most remarkable features of the Burj Khalifa is its staggering height, reaching an impressive 828 meters (2,717 feet). To put this into perspective, the building stands more than twice as tall as the Empire State Building in New York City. The skyscraper boasts 163 floors, with the majority of them dedicated to residential units, while the lower levels accommodate commercial spaces, a hotel, and observation decks.

To support the immense height and counteract the forces of wind and seismic activity, the Burj Khalifa is reinforced with a combination of concrete and high-strength steel. The exterior of the building is clad in reflective glass, providing both aesthetic appeal and functionality. The Y-shaped structure not only adds a distinctive look to the building but also enhances its stability by reducing wind-induced vibrations.

The construction of the Burj Khalifa was a complex engineering feat that required innovative solutions. The foundation of the building, known as the "mat," is a massive reinforced concrete slab that spreads across an area of about 8,000 square meters. This foundation is essential for distributing the immense load of the building and preventing settling.

The tower's construction utilized advanced technologies, including a high-performance concrete mix and a jump-form system that allowed for the continuous pouring of concrete during the building process. The construction team faced numerous challenges, such as pumping concrete to record heights and dealing with the extreme temperatures of the desert environment.

The Burj Khalifa's observation decks, located on the 148th and 125th floors, offer breathtaking panoramic views of Dubai and beyond. The tower's spire, which crowns its pinnacle, is not only a structural element but also serves as a functional component, housing communication equipment and lighting elements that contribute to the building's stunning nighttime display.

Beyond its structural achievements, the Burj Khalifa is a symbol of Dubai's rapid urban development and economic growth. It has become a global landmark, attracting millions of visitors who marvel at its sheer height and elegant design. The tower's completion marked a significant milestone in the field of architecture and engineering, showcasing the capabilities of human innovation and determination on a grand scale. The Burj Khalifa continues to stand as a testament to what can be achieved when vision, technology, and skilled craftsmanship converge in the pursuit of architectural excellence.

#usa girls #marketing #poster #100 days of productivity #green eyes #beauty tips

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kaeyachi · 1 year

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What do you do in architecture?

oh! i can answer this one quickly before i go back to work! Thank you for the ask!!

Are you perhaps considering becoming an architect as well? Let me tell you first that Alhaitham's criticism of us doing so much work just to put a smile on our client's faces hurt so much because he was right (I was fuming with Kaveh at that moment lmao).

I'd honestly say that our job as architects, at the base of it, is to design structures or spaces that fit the user/s needs and/or wants.

Majority of us do a bidding phase where we offer designs to our clients for them to emotionally destroy us tell us the changes they want until we reach a final design.

Afterwards, that depends on the kind of Architecture firm you own or work at(some only do design and get paid for it. Others can continue towards the construction phase along with the help of people in the engineering field)

I personally work in a construction firm (the biggest in my country which i wished i were proud of, but I'm fairly sure the amount of stress and fatigue is never worth the prestige I get for working here lmao. Cant quit though *sobs*). We do basically everything from start to finish (and I work 6 days a week for 9 hours daily so tbh how am I still coping).

As for other kinds of architecture (if the usual job isnt your thing), some dabble into historical structures and study the history, how ancient to old structures were created, and ways to do proper reconstruction, restoration, or renovation (all 3 have different meanings to us) said old structures.

Another type are those that actually have focuses like acoustics or landscaping for example. They will only design specified places and get paid for the design of said spaces (these people are specifically hired for their expertise most of the time)

And there are others that absolutely loathe the usual jobs and end up becoming furniture designers (we studied this in passing where im from) or fashion designers (weve technically also studied this somewhat in passing?) and somehow, several peers of mine have become pastry chefs? (i guess there is technically some architecture involved in pastries...)

Honestly, there are multiple routes you could take once you get the undergraduate done... but that's a very lengthy discussion, and I think I've been typing for long enough? Even if I wanted to discuss every single one (they're very interesting to me), I don't think I should do it as an answer in tumblr hahaha (I might make one for my peers though hmm...)

IF YOU DO WANT TO GET INTO ARCHITECTURE DON'T LET MY RANTS STOP YOU FROM TRYING THOUGH. You won't know you like or hate it if you don't try...just expect sleepless nights to reach deadlines (the worst I've done is just a cute 52 hours lmao). I've definitely gotten an even worse experience thanks to my adhd :(

I want everyone to know that I will be a Kaveh haver someday. I will get my anxious architect character and no one can stop me.

If any of you want clarifications or more information, do not hesitate to ask! I'm still passionate about my field- it does feel very fulfilling- I just hate the place I work at lol.

#kaeyachi asks #thank you for asking!#was gonna tag architecture but then i remember inserting my genshin commentary here and they dont need me adding this post haha

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arapuroy23-blog · 5 months

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*Ladies& Gentlemen,Boys&Girls..........Listen!for serious matter,I would like to remind you,which is OFFICIALLY PROCLAIMED....in terms with GOOGLE LOCATION MAP(WORLD COMES INTO PLAY,esp UK&US) of my ARCHITECTURAL CONSULTANCY FIRM,ARCH DESIGNING STUDIO(IND),GSTIN#16AYSPR1667C1Z3,GIVING PRIORITY TO ONLY SAVE my ARCHITECTURAL PLANET ARCH DESIGNING STUDIO,in terms with GOOGLE LOCATION MAP,where it located since as earlier,at the PLOT-LAND OWNER,LT. AJIT RANJAN ROY.....if we people give importance& Priority to SAVE MY ARCHITECTURAL CONSULTANCY FIRM, ARCH DESIGNING STUDIO,my PARENTS WOULD BE HIGHLIGHTED,My owner #AJIT RANJAN ROY# comes into play,in terms with owner of the PLOT.....Things is like that I would to continue up my ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICE,along with its STRUCTURAL IMPACT,in each&every field......which I do earnestly request you to SAVE MY ARCHITECTURAL PLANET, ARCH DESIGNING STUDIO in GOOGLE LOCATION MAP,in respect with its PLOT&LAND OWNERSHIP.......for your kind attention is that I am the FOUNDER,CEO& ARCHITECT of my firm,with esp post created with my STRUCTURAL COUNTERPART,STRUCTURAL(CIVIL ENGINEER),Er NITAI DEB,from AGARTALA, TRIPURA STATE,IND&CAD COORDINATOR,Er(CIVIL), JAYANTA SHIV,from BISHALGARH, TRIPURA STATE,IND.....(THANK YOU)....%#@FOUNDER,CEO& ARCHITECT,on behalf of ARCH DESIGNING STUDIO,IND .....*

#@@@architecture...

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epaperbay · 2 years

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I-35 Bridge- Ethical Obligation

I-35 Bridge Ethical Case Study

Abstract

This case study is about a bridge in Minnesota that collapsed and resulted in the death of thirteen individuals and one hundred and forty-five more individuals were admitted to the hospital for injuries from the same incident. The incident took place on August 1st, 2007. The overcapacity due to the heavy traffic on the bridge during the time of collapse is considered the main cause of the collapse (NTSB). However, the investigators stated inattentive inspection and design error to be some of the other causes of the collapse. One of the gussets plates of the bridge had an uneven thickness which went unnoticed by officials during inspection; however, the accident could have been prevented if there had been more cooperation between the state of Minnesota and the engineering firm in coming up with a better design procedure and review which was noted by the investigation to be improper. The recommendation is that officials conduct a comprehensive inspection regularly, and the detected errors should be rectified by the officials immediately. The recommendation is referred to the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Adherence to comprehensive analysis and action to problems will help prevent similar future accidents. Moreover, this paper will detail means of preventing ethical failures related to decisions and emphasize the need to prioritize the wellbeing of citizens to the high maintenance cost to ensure at most safety in engineering structures. Therefore, improving the manual book and inspection course is important to maintain engineering structures.

Problem statement

The I-E35W Bridge collapsed under the pressure of heavy traffic in 2007, resulting in many injuries and deaths. Bridges are considered one of the best architectural accomplishments of the past century; bridges have become a fundamental part of society, especially when people are required to cross a place where it would be almost impossible without the bridge. Therefore, the collapse disaster of a bridge is a very critical issue for society. The collapse of the I-E35W was attributed to a lack of maintenance and structural deficiencies (NTSB). Despite the federal government marking the bridge as structurally deficient, the government still delayed its replacement until 2020. The ethical violation of bridge inspection can be attributed to the cause of the disaster.

Moreover, despite the risks of leaving the bridge operational, the bridge was not closed for public use due to underestimating the outcomes. Therefore the failures associated with this disaster should serve as a lesson to prevent future related disasters. Comprehensive inspection and correction of faults detected should always be adhered to to avoid such disasters.

Background

The I-35W Bridge, since its construction, has served as critical infrastructure for the people of Minneapolis. The bridge was developed as a link between Marcy-Holmes and the Downtown East neighborhoods of Minneapolis. The I-35 became one of the busiest bridges in Minnesota, with an average of over 140000 cars using the bridge daily (Bickal, Jim, and Sara). The bride accommodated the interstate highway 35W across the Mississippi River. According to witnesses and news stations, the bridge is reported to have collapsed during a rush hour in the evening, which resulted in 145 people being injured and 13 fatalities on August 1st, 2007 (Bickal, Jim and Sara). Moreover, the tragedy victims included car owners and construction workers who reportedly drowned; over 100 vehicles were also destroyed.

According to the investigation of The Federal Highway Administration, the Sverdrup & Parcel, an engineering construction company, constructed the I-35W Bridge in the early 1960s. The bridge construction under this case will be regarded in Division 1 of the Standard Specification for Highway Bridges (AASHO) (Holt& Hartman 05). After the completion of bridge construction in 1967, the firm was again taken by Jacob's Engineering Group in the ear 1999; the new management was then responsible for the inspection through the preparation of design documents and performing calculations for the bridge design. The main design for the bridge is a deck truss. This design adopts the truss located underneath the roadway to support the main infrastructure and the traffic. The I-35W Bridge had a center span that tied the two ends forming an expansion of up to 458 feet of steel arch. The little second foundation of the bridge was due to the river traffic below. To compensate for the little secondary foundation, the bridge was fortified with a continuous truss to equilibrate and balance the whole structure; this technique was applied due to its need for fewer parts. However, due to little redundancy, the bridge was categorized under the fracture critical bridge category; this implies that a failure of one part would incapacitate the whole structure (Wald). Despite the risks associated with the structure, it was still adopted due to its cheaper cost and lightweight. The NTSB attributed the cheaper cost of the bridge to incorporating only the necessary parts, which resulted in a cheap and efficient structure.

Engineering Failure

Investigations were performed after the incident to uncover and identify the cause of the tragic collapse. The lead investigators for the tragedy were the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and NTSB (Holt and Hartman 04). During the investigation, there was numerous hypothesis and speculations about the reason for the collapse. The investigators did a comprehensive review of the bridge since its construction in 1967. During the investigation, the investigation noted an unusual condition of the bridge due to MnDOT inspection. The bridge was recorded to function properly for seven years from 1983. However, at the start of the 1990s, the piece of architecture received a structurally deficient rating by MnDOT. The rating was contributed by bridge-bearing corrosion. The report from NTSB indicated a significant amount of corrosion and wearing down of the bridge, which increased the amount of the bridge collapsing by a significant margin.

Moreover, there was a prior inspection before the incident, which was carried out by URS Corporation- a contract-based construction, design, and engineering firm. The firm's duty was to document the design of the bridge; the form reported a compromised specification concerning the effectiveness of the bridge. Moreover, the firm recommended a number of retrofit projects for the bridge. However, most of the recommendations and judgments of the firm were declined. The engineer responsible for the bridge, Dorgan, argued that since the bearings of the bridge could not be replaced by engineers without incurring high costs as the whole bridge had to be elevated, and because the bearings were not reported to be sliding, therefore, he commented that the corrosion and URS corporation's report was a minor issue (Bickal, Jim and Sara).

Moreover, the cracks detected by MnDOT in 1997 were patched up by officials without appropriate maintenance and investigation (Kimball and Williamson). A department formed by the University of Michigan Civil Engineering was contracted to perform further investigations regarding the design and efficiency of the bridge. The investigations revealed the deck truss to have been overburdened. However, even after the investigation, engineers concluded that the government would not replace the bridge since the deck truss had no signs of cracking. Moreover, the FHWA did a review concerning the bridge in 2005. The review rated the bridge's structural stability as 50% effective. Despite a clear need for replacement noted by the state, the bridge was still considered operational, and officials took no action to close or warn against its use by the public (Bickal, Jim, and Sara).

Being among the state departments with jurisdictions to investigate and review the bridge's original design, the FHWA was able to perform an investigation that uncovered errors in the design of the gusset plate, specifically the U10 node. The investigation revealed that Sverdrup & Parcel and Associates failed to ensure correct quality control procedures and calculations of the gusset plate (NTSB). The investigation revealed that the U10 gusset plate's thickness was only a half-inch. Using other gusset plates for comparison, the report showed that other locations had a massive difference in thickness compared to the gusset plate. Moreover, there wasn't a credible reason for the thin gusset plate design, as the plate recommended thickness was not achieved in relation to the load it was supposed to carry (Holt and Hartman 08). The FHWA conducted more experiments; the tests involved measurement of efficiency design; the report noted that the design requirements for the U10 node were not required to support the bridge.

Moreover, a (D/C) capacity ratio was also the appropriate requirement for the U10 node. To the Federal Highway Administration, if the (D/C) ratio was found to be less than one, the design is termed conservative. However, if the same ratio was noted to be more than one, the design is considered liberal and would consequently need safety regulations. The investigation found the ratio of the U10 node to be more than one (Holt and Hartman 06). This revelation showed the fault in the calculations of the respective firm in measuring and calculating the correct load capacity. However, the NTSB report showed that inadequate design was just one of the causes that resulted in the bridge's collapse. Another factor noted as a result of the analysis was the poor state of the peak section of the structure. The NTSB reported that officials incorrectly assessed the bridge's weight. Being the duty of State Highway and Transportation, it failed to assess the bridge weight capacity accurately.

Moreover, the investigation noted a lack of gusset plate application in two instances- the National Highway Institute (a training course for bridge inspection) and the Reference Manual of the Bridge Inspector. It resulted in an incorrect assessment concerning capacity calculations of the bridge plates. Additionally, it failed to offer appropriate attention to distortions, including bowing the gusset plates during the bridge's inspections (NTSB). After reviewing the incident, both the FHWA and NTSB agreed that the main cause of the tragedy was a creaking gusset plate in the deck truss upper section. The gusset plates connected other trusses (Davey and Wald).

The collapse was attributed to the snapping of some of the plates held together with the gusset plate, which were overloaded by traffic and construction materials. Moreover, the collapse was also attributed to the bridge design's previous addition and renovation activities, which increased the weight of the bridge span (Wilber and Laris). The NTSB's report showed that the construction work on the bridge on the day of the catastrophe added dead weight to the bridge. Moreover, the bridge was filled with vehicles which were about 140000 passing over the bridge at the time of the incident. The heavy traffic and construction materials specifically located close to the south-side section at U10 nodes resulted in the snapping of the main gusset (NTSB, 2008).

Ethical Analysis

The best ethical framework that is applicable and able to analyze actions of MnDOT in relation to ethical lapse is Kantian ethics. This part will analyze how the Minnesota transport department is responsible for an ethical lapse through the analysis of the involved group's actions. The deontological framework focuses on the accepted moral actions based on certain defined moral rules ( Poel and Lamber). Immanuel Kant makes an argument in relation to deontology, insisting that the best framework is the categorical imperative that uses deontology principles. He further states that it is divided into two parts. The two parts are the reciprocity principle and the universality principle.

The universality principle focuses on the action which ought to evolve into a universal law based on a maxim; a maxim can be defined as a practical-based principle that dictates an action (Poel and Lamber). Applying this principle to this case study, it becomes evident that, being in charge of the structure, the MnDOT was unable to properly assess the structure's condition properly. The report conducted after the incident showed that they knew of the deck truss fatigue signs and cracks present in the bridge. Moreover, the report shows that despite knowing the condition of the bridge, they did not take any action to rectify the situation or warn the public. They assumed the problem. Based on this case, the maxim can be categorized as "Failing to follow small problems safety policy is acceptable." Based on this maxim, it is clear that it violates and contradicts the principle of universality.

Moreover, another violation of the categorical imperative by the MnDOT association is the reciprocity principle; this principle focuses on treating someone else in a moral and equal manner (Poel and Lamber). The reciprocity principle is of the argument that everyone should place it as their duty to respect the personal autonomy of other people by valuing everyone through the treatment of a person as an end instead of treating them as a means. Relating to this case, the MnDOT failed to provide further information to those who crossed the bridge. They purposefully engaged in acts of preventing the condition of the bridge from being known by the public. Consequently, they failed to provide a free option of choice to the bridge users on whether to use or not use the bridge. The reason for failing to provide knowledge of the bridge's condition to the public was to save on refinement costs. Based on the reciprocity principle, their actions are irresponsible and unethical because they risked the lives of many citizens.

Recommendation

Numerous means can be applied to prevent a similar incident to the one that happened to the I-35W Bridge. To assure maximum safety to other bridge structures, comprehensive inspections and immediate action to problems detected should always be performed. Moreover, personnel and officials in charge of such architectural structures as the I-35W Bridge should always ensure that they perform their duties diligently and critically analyze the conditions of the bridges they are in charge of to ensure that they can foresee disastrous situations. Therefore, they should make a critical and comprehensive analysis of the deck truss of their bridges. They should also not underestimate small problems such as loss of useless parts, a small crack, or even truss fatigue. Moreover, they should make it their moral duty to inform citizens of the bridge's condition. This is a reciprocity principle in relation to ethics.

In addition, the gusset plates of different bridges should be investigated to determine their efficiency as this was the main reason for the tragedy of the bridge, report revealed that overcapacity led to snapping of the plates. Moreover, the state should create a team to provide knowledge on inspector training and manual book. Creating such a program will help the inspectors remove any doubts and gain more knowledge on the observation of every element.

Conclusion

Numerous reports from news indicate that the bridge's collapse was among the most horrendous incidents in the United States due to the number of casualties and losses incurred as a result of the collapse. The accident resulted from assumptions and disregard for the standard maintenance procedures by the transportation officials and engineers. Furthermore, there was also a lack of enough training on the officials' manual book and course use. Regarding the problem, the officials and construction companies ought to be more responsible and cautious in adhering to ethical means of performing their tasks. Moreover, the officials should also be accorded proper education on manual book use and structural designs of bridges to ensure accurate assessments. Adhering to these guidelines will ensure that similar future tragedies are prevented.

References

Bickal, Jim, and Sara Porter. "Reporting, Memories From the I-35W Bridge Collapse." Minnesota Public Radio, 2017.

Davey, Monica, and Wald, Matthew L. "Potential Flaw is Found in Design of Fallen Bride." The New York Times, August 8th 2007, www.nytimes.com/2007/08/08/us/09cnd-bridge.html?

Holt, Reggie, and Hartmann, Joseph. "Adequacy of the U10 & L11 Gusset Plate Designs for the Minnesota Bridge No. 9340." (n.d.): n. pag. Web Archive. Federal Highway Administration, 2008.

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Saulny, Susan, and Libby Sander. "Bridge Collapse in Minneapolis Kills at Least 7." The New York Times. 2007, www.nytimes.com/2007/08/02/us/02bridge.html?_r=0. Wald, Matthew L. Faulty Design Led to Minnesota Bridge Collapse, Inquiry Finds. 2008, www.nytimes.com/2008/01/15/Washington/15bridge.HTML?_r=0%5D.

26 notes · View notes