Engineering Disasters: A Study of the FIU Bridge Collapse
- Course Number: S1028
- Credits: 8 hours
- Instructor: Helen Chen, Ph.D., PE
- Price: $80
Course Outline
This course provides an in-depth analysis of the catastrophic collapse of the FIU pedestrian bridge in Miami, Florida, on March 15, 2018. Based on the detailed accident report by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the course examines the engineering, design, and oversight failures that led to the disaster. Participants will explore the sequence of events leading to the collapse, key safety issues identified in the investigation, and the resultant recommendations for preventing similar failures in the future. This self-study course is essential for professional engineers, architects, and land surveyors committed to understanding and applying best practices in structural safety and design integrity.
At the end of this course, there will be a multiple-choice, open-book quiz, which is designed to enhance your understanding of the course material.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this course, the student will:
- Be able to identify the critical design and construction errors that led to the FIU bridge collapse;
- Be able to understand the importance of proper peer review and oversight in engineering projects;
- Be able to apply lessons learned to improve safety and reliability in future infrastructure projects; and
- Be able to implement NTSB recommendations to enhance safety and prevent similar incidents.