Thank you for posting the pictures Chris, seeing the extent of the damage really shows anvil the railroad is laid out on.
The majority of the cracks in the flanges are new. No rust on the crystal structure. The cracks in the gussets look old but who knows how old they are.
If the girder was separated from the footing the bridge would have moved every time a train crossed and the passengers and crew would be able to feel it.
To paraphrase Dirty Harry, the question you have to ask yourself is do you feel lucky?
The girders of the bridge sustained significant damage. The top flange did receive enough heat that it expanded like the rail only the web contained it and it released that pressure by buckling or compressing in a straight line which then fractured as it cooled.
So would you as an engineer risk your reputation, credentials, future employment and your conscience and sign your name to the repairs on a bridge with unknown material properties that carries a passenger railroad over a 100 foot high gap?
Well do you feel lucky?
I suggest that we all prepare to accept that the bridge will be replaced either in whole or in large part.
Here is an old adage to chew on as well.
"the blacksmith who strikes cold iron will go to hell"
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/27/2010 02:23PM by Paul Dalleska.