The recent collapse of a bridge in Baltimore has raised questions about the effectiveness of protective measures known as fenders. Engineers have pointed out that the collapse might have been avoided if the piers had been better equipped to withstand a collision from a large vessel.
Fenders, which are structures designed to shield bridge supports from damage by water or collisions, are crucial in preventing catastrophic accidents. However, some engineers have raised concerns about the lack of adequate fenders around the bridge’s piers in Baltimore.
The U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg, expressed doubt that any bridge could withstand a direct impact from a vessel of such size. However, investigators are looking into the protective structures around the bridge as part of their investigation into the collapse.
According to a report from the World Association for Waterborne Transport Infrastructure, there have been 35 major bridge collapses worldwide due to ship or barge collisions between 1960 and 2015, resulting in the deaths of 342 people. The deadliest crash occurred in 1983 in Russia, where 176 people lost their lives.
Engineers who reviewed images of the collapsed bridge in Baltimore noted the absence of significant fender structures. Some suggested that the pier was simply not strong enough to survive the collision, leading to the collapse of the superstructure.
The importance of sturdy fenders was highlighted by a similar accident in 2013 when a tanker collided with a support of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. The support remained intact, thanks to the fendering system that cushioned the impact.
While catastrophic collisions garner attention, vessel collision accidents with bridges are not uncommon and can cause varying degrees of damage. Engineers emphasize the need for effective fenders to prevent such accidents, but designing protection against large vessels like container ships poses challenges.
Ultimately, the key to preventing bridge collapses from vessel collisions lies in a combination of physical protection measures like fenders and effective processes to divert ships before they get dangerously close to the piers. The investigation into the Baltimore bridge collapse will shed light on the importance of proper protective measures in bridge engineering.
