Film Lens
The documentary examines the collapse of the Polcevera Bridge in Genoa, Italy, which occurred on August 14, 2018, resulting in the deaths of 43 people. It discusses the bridge's history as a landmark and its sudden failure, which left no warning signs. The film raises questions about accountability and the safety of aging infrastructure, noting that over 60 bridges have collapsed globally in the last decade and that more than 47,000 bridges in the United States are classified as structurally deficient.
It also covers advancements in engineering that aim to prevent future collapses. The documentary shows new techniques and regulations that help ensure the safety of bridges, such as calculating the strength of gusset plates and preventing cavities in concrete grout. By learning from past failures, engineers hope to improve the safety of bridge designs for the future.
Why Watch
- •See the aftermath of the 2018 Polcevera Bridge collapse.
- •Find out how engineers are improving bridge safety.
- •Meet the individuals impacted by the bridge disaster.
Did You Know
•A section of the Polcevera Bridge measuring 800 feet collapsed.
•43 people died in the Genoa bridge collapse, one of Europe's worst in a century.
•Over 60 bridges have collapsed worldwide in the last ten years.
•More than 47,000 bridges in the United States are structurally deficient.
Perfect For
Civil engineeringInfrastructure safetyDisaster responseUrban planning