Group two from the Introduction to Civil Engineering class took an hour long tour at the Tilikum Crossing Bridge on October 12, 2016. The purpose for this visit was to learn how and what thought the Transportation Engineers put into building the bridge. We discussed about the history of the Willamette valley and its first habitants, then about construction of the bridge. This memo presents my observations and discussion during the tour.
Observations
Bob Hastings, a Trimet employee, was our guide for the day and began by mentioning how the Willamette valley was formed by an enormous glacier that eroded its way through from the Ice Age. The first inhabitants were the Chinook tribe, who lived along the Columbia and Willamette river; hence the …show more content…
This is done by using the monitors of the USGS that collects data from the Willamette river constantly.
Discussion
Two major themes the Mr. Hastings discussed were surrounding the topic of wind impact on the bridge and people. The design to allow wind to go through gaps in the bridge, which at first I did not give much significant thought about; and choosing to make it a cable-stayed bridge also assisted in obtaining a flexible bridge. As for the people of Portland, everyone had to be able to have access onto the bridge; considering wheelchair and others who may have issues with walking. It was surprising to find out that the Tilikum Crossing Bridge only for public use and does not allow any private vehicles to go on the bridge.
Conclusion
The tour of the Tilikum Bridge was very interesting to learn about since I now know that there is a numerous amount of thought that is put in towards the design and appearance, and because I have started utilizing public transportation more frequently for school I enjoy observing structures. Overall, the visit was very informative, but could have been better if we were also able to see the work that was done inside the bridge and not visible from the
Observations
Bob Hastings, a Trimet employee, was our guide for the day and began by mentioning how the Willamette valley was formed by an enormous glacier that eroded its way through from the Ice Age. The first inhabitants were the Chinook tribe, who lived along the Columbia and Willamette river; hence the …show more content…
This is done by using the monitors of the USGS that collects data from the Willamette river constantly.
Discussion
Two major themes the Mr. Hastings discussed were surrounding the topic of wind impact on the bridge and people. The design to allow wind to go through gaps in the bridge, which at first I did not give much significant thought about; and choosing to make it a cable-stayed bridge also assisted in obtaining a flexible bridge. As for the people of Portland, everyone had to be able to have access onto the bridge; considering wheelchair and others who may have issues with walking. It was surprising to find out that the Tilikum Crossing Bridge only for public use and does not allow any private vehicles to go on the bridge.
Conclusion
The tour of the Tilikum Bridge was very interesting to learn about since I now know that there is a numerous amount of thought that is put in towards the design and appearance, and because I have started utilizing public transportation more frequently for school I enjoy observing structures. Overall, the visit was very informative, but could have been better if we were also able to see the work that was done inside the bridge and not visible from the