The Schoharie Creek Thruway bridge collapse Group 18 Karen McMorrow David O’Brien Clare Whitely

Introduction Design Started in 1949 Completed in October m span comprising of 5 simple spans 165m long bridge comprising of 5 simple spans 1955: 100 Year Flood Collapsed in 1987

The bridge collapsed during an estimated 50year flood in 1987 Pier 3 collapsed first Followed instantly by spans 3 and 4 This led to the collapse of pier 2 and span 2 Finally 2 hrs later, Pier 1 and Span 1 shifted.

Scour: The removal of sediment from a streambed due to water erosive action

Shallow footings Sheet-piles removed Riprap was not adequate Foundations on erodible soil Could not resist scour

Always perform regular maintenance and inspections Need for clear design objectives Sheet piling should have been left in place Importance of footing depth Design for rare events

10 lives were lost in this tragedy, this could have been prevented with regular inspections, better communication and adequate erosion protection