Giang Pham UID: 805742361 March 7, 2024 The Quebec Bridge Incident
Abstract
Civil engineering is the foundation of modern society, shaping the physical infrastructure that underpins our daily lives. Within this pivotal discipline, the Quebec Bridge failure of 1907 stands as a stark reminder of the consequences that engineering decisions can have on public safety. Prompted by Quebec's 19th-century transportation needs, ambitious plans were devised to bridge the St. Lawrence River, giving rise to the Quebec Bridge. This engineering marvel, boasting a clear span of 548.6 m (1,800 ft), held the distinction of being the longest cantilever structure of its time (Griggs 2021). However, the project was plagued with financial troubles from the start, …show more content…
In the context of the Quebec Bridge failure, a breach of utilitarianism is evident in Cooper's decision to increase the clear span without thorough considerations.Subsequently, this structural compromise resulted in a catastrophic collapse, not only entailing the loss of 75 lives but also inflicting broader societal ramifications. The aftermath extended to the wastage of government funds allocated for the bridge's construction, thereby reflecting a misallocation of resources. Furthermore, the collapse disrupted the lives of individuals who invested their time in the project, causing a ripple effect of negative impacts. The negative effects extended beyond the immediate tragedy, affecting the surviving workers grappling with the trauma, families mourning their loved ones, and the broader community facing the enduring consequences of this engineering failure. The application of utilitarianism in this scenario underscores a systemic failure to adequately assess potential benefits against significant and avoidable risks, ultimately resulting in a profound and multifaceted societal
Abstract
Civil engineering is the foundation of modern society, shaping the physical infrastructure that underpins our daily lives. Within this pivotal discipline, the Quebec Bridge failure of 1907 stands as a stark reminder of the consequences that engineering decisions can have on public safety. Prompted by Quebec's 19th-century transportation needs, ambitious plans were devised to bridge the St. Lawrence River, giving rise to the Quebec Bridge. This engineering marvel, boasting a clear span of 548.6 m (1,800 ft), held the distinction of being the longest cantilever structure of its time (Griggs 2021). However, the project was plagued with financial troubles from the start, …show more content…
In the context of the Quebec Bridge failure, a breach of utilitarianism is evident in Cooper's decision to increase the clear span without thorough considerations.Subsequently, this structural compromise resulted in a catastrophic collapse, not only entailing the loss of 75 lives but also inflicting broader societal ramifications. The aftermath extended to the wastage of government funds allocated for the bridge's construction, thereby reflecting a misallocation of resources. Furthermore, the collapse disrupted the lives of individuals who invested their time in the project, causing a ripple effect of negative impacts. The negative effects extended beyond the immediate tragedy, affecting the surviving workers grappling with the trauma, families mourning their loved ones, and the broader community facing the enduring consequences of this engineering failure. The application of utilitarianism in this scenario underscores a systemic failure to adequately assess potential benefits against significant and avoidable risks, ultimately resulting in a profound and multifaceted societal