I35W bridge collapse

[NixVegaGT]

We are currently refining the animation based on better information we've gotten over the past week. Thanks to everyone who gave constructive input. It's really helpful...

[eluko79]

The animation of the north end doesnt look right. If this is accurate then the north end should have stood.

[WishfulThought]

If I remember correctly, there were two semi-trailer trucks (Tastee Bread and UPS) and a school bus that were all at the southern part of the bridge exactly where the first break is shown on this simulation. I beleive that it is possible those three vehicles combined weight was enough to snap something that was weakened in the bridge at that point.

[rayofminneapolis]

thank you for doing this. Can you do a model which shows truss stress real quick??

[83BurtonFreak83]

Yeah jrhelgeson doesn't know what he's talking about, it's accurate.

[vweezly]

Actually... It is accurate.

[eluko79]

What did you base this on? Im getting conflicting reports on this. In the CNN video the north pillars seem to fall faster then the center part of the bridge.

[jrhelgeson]

This isn't how it happened though... You have the right pieces falling in the right places but the sequence is wrong. The Center span dropped straight down.