Name: Why Bridges Collapse
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In 2018, Italy’s Morandi Bridge collapsed, tragically killing 43 people. For 50 years, the iconic bridge had withstood the elements—and stress from ever-increasing traffic. What went wrong that fateful day? And how can new engineering technology protect bridge infrastructure to prevent such tragic failures in the future?

Can new engineering techniques help prevent deadly bridge collapses?

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In August of 2018, an 800-foot section of Genoa, Italy's Ponte Morandi Bridge collapsed, killing 43 people. Two survivors reflect on the event.

Hear from two survivors of a tragic bridge collapse.

Survivors Recount Bridge Collapse in Genoa, Italy

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Why Bridges Collapse

In a single-point bridge failure, one component breaks and brings down an entire structure. See how this happened 52 years ago to West Virginia’s Silver Bridge.

How West Virginia's Silver Bridge Fell in 1967

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In 2018, Italy’s Morandi Bridge collapsed, tragically killing 43 people. For 50 years, the iconic bridge had withstood the elements—and stress from ever-increasing traffic. What went wrong that fateful day? And how can new engineering technology protect bridge infrastructure to prevent such tragic failures in the future? Through eyewitness testimony, expert interviews, and dramatic archival footage, NOVA investigates the Morandi disaster and other deadly bridge collapses. (Premiered Oct. 16, 2019)

Can new engineering techniques help prevent deadly bridge collapses?

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As state-legalized cannabis spreads, NOVA explores its little-known risks and benefits.

The Cannabis Question

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A statue of Zheng He at the Sam Poo Kong Temple in Java, Indonesia. Image Credit: Budianto Santosa, Shutterstock

In the 1400s, Zheng He sailed thousands of miles around Asia and Africa in ships the size of soccer fields, spreading Chinese innovations like compasses and gunpowder in the process.

Why Bridges Collapse

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Why Bridges Collapse

Survivors Recount Bridge Collapse in Genoa, Italy

How West Virginia's Silver Bridge Fell in 1967

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Operation Bridge Rescue

Build a Bridge

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Why Bridges Collapse

Survivors Recount Bridge Collapse in Genoa, Italy

How West Virginia's Silver Bridge Fell in 1967

The Unexpected Ways Engineers Help Us Move Faster

Operation Bridge Rescue

Build a Bridge