Summary Draft #2

In the article, “I-5 and the Physics of Bridge Collapse,” Hartsfield (2013) has stated that most bridges including the I-5 bridge failed due to inevitable design flaws. The author implies the possibilities that can cause a bridge to collapse including construction errors or miscalculations for cantilever, and high external force for suspension bridges. According to Hartsfield (2013), “A truss bridge holds as long as the beams themselves don’t break and the joints stay together.” In this regard, a truss bridge can collapse once a part of the structural beam fails. He further states that the unfortunate tragedy of the I-5 truss bridge might have been due to the impact caused by a truck, as it crashed into one of the beams. Hartsfield also mentions that nevertheless, it is critical to understand the underlying problem to determine the actual cause of unpredicted collapse in bridges.

While truck collision contributed to the collapse of I-5 truss bridge, four main negligence factor had played the key role to this catastrophe.  First of all, Washington State Department of Transportation(WSDOT) should have ensure that every permit given out has oblige to the minimum vertical height clearance level. As WSDOT is responsible of acknowledging the proposed routes for company’s oversized vehicles; they should have checked that all registered vehicles are suitable to utilise the I-5 bridge before granting permission. According to a website from National Transportation Safety Board(NTSB), companies were not prompt to perform route surveys since WSDOT did not technically review permits.

Reference:

Tom.H (2013, May 28). I-5 and the physics of bridge collapse. RealClear Science.com. Retrieved from https://www.realclearscience.com/articles/2013/05/29/i-5_and_the_physics_of_bridge_collapses_106544.html

National Transportation Safety Board. (2014). Washington State I-5 Bridge Collapse Abstract. Retrieved July 15, 2011 from https://www.ntsb.gov/news/events/Pages/2014_I5_Bridge_BMG-Abstract.aspx

Summary Draft #1

In the article, “I-5 and the Physics of Bridge Collapse,” Hartsfield (2013) has stated that most bridges including the I-5 bridge failed due to inevitable design flaws. The author implies that an optimal bridge design relies on the considerable factors of a project such as cost and timeline. The author also quotes the possibilities that can cause a bridge to collapse including prolonged lifespan, construction errors and miscalculations. According to Hartsfield (2013), “A truss bridge holds as long as the beams themselves don’t break and the joints stay together.” In this regard, once a part of the structure beam is hit, it can cause a bridge to fail. He further states that the unfortunate tragedy of the I-5 truss bridge might have been due to the impact caused by a truck as it crashed into one of the truss beams. Hartsfield also mentions that nevertheless, it is critical to understand the problem in order to determine the actual cause of unpredicted collapse in bridges.

Introduction Letter

Dear Professor Brad,

I would like to inaugurate myself as I am tasked to write an introductory letter. My registered name is Loke Nai Xun but do address me as Zyn. I love food and alone time, which I spend working out and watching Netflix.

I am currently majoring in civil engineering and have grown to find myself lacking interest in it. Perhaps it is due to the large concept difference compared to my diploma education which is more towards the supply chain industry.

I enjoy constructing presentation slides. It is also my forte because of how often I practiced in Republic Polytechnic. I have been taught that effective visual messages can enhance the delivering of takeaways to audience. With that in mind, I trained myself to ensure that only critical information is displayed.

My weaknesses include verbal and non-verbal communication. As I speak to large groups, I tend to get nervous and then stumble upon my words even though I am prepared. I have received feedback on how I fail to make eye contact smoothly with my audience. I also do find myself not reacting quickly to questions asked.

At the end of this module, I want to be capable of performing presentations eloquently while making eye contact confidently. I also want to respond to questions spontaneously in a sophisticated manner. By overcoming my weaknesses, I aim to strengthen and tailor my presentation skills to the highest level of professionalism.

Orison Swett Marden once said, “The golden opportunity you are seeking is in yourself.”. In this regard, I want to improve by achieving excellence in communication skills under the guidance of an expert. Hopefully, I can be nurtured into an inspirational communicator to motivate growth in others.

Yours sincerely,

Zyn Loke

Commented on Jia Ying's & Humaidi's blog.
(Edited)