Crowd-related failure of bridges Available to Purchase

Over the past 180 years there has been a significant number of crowd-related bridge collapses around the world. Barring natural disasters or human conflict, they have involved greater loss of life than any other form of structural failure. This paper reviews crowd-related bridge collapses over the years, providing details of geographic and chronological distribution, form of structure, primary materials, imposed loading, crowd behaviour and the extent of injuries. It concludes that those responsible for bridge design and maintenance must ensure that design details are robust, structures are properly maintained, and crowds are effectively managed.