The Brooklyn Bridge is a real miracle of America. It is a national landmark. Its age is 130 years.
Idea
The idea of building a bridge arose long before the construction. The first proposal came in 1800 from landscape designer Thomas Paup. He was one of the first to express the idea of the need to build a suspension bridge.
Building
In the 19th century, a bridge in New York City became a necessity as the populations of Manhattan and Brooklyn grew. There was an active construction of business centers. The city authorities held a competition among architectural projects, for which a huge number of the most unimaginable applications were received.
Technological solution
As a result, the current technological solution was realized, when the bridge is supported by a pair of modern Gothic foundations. They also required support in the form of solid rock. Geologists found out that it is located at a depth of 25 m. So the question arose of how to get soft rocks. As a result, the caissons were applied by the decision of John Roebling.
On top of the caissons, slabs of granite were placed, which immersed them in the ground to a maximum depth of 78 m. After excavation, they were filled with concrete and the result was a solid foundation.
Bridge engineering features
Brooklyn Bridge in New York City is one of the most durable old buildings due to the unique ways of braiding and connecting steel cables. The roadway is held by 4 cables with a diameter of 40 cm. Diagonal cables are needed "just in case", in addition, they decorate the bridge, making it original.
The dimensions of the structure are impressive: width - 26 m, the highest point is at 41 m, length - 1828 m.
The traffic on the bridge is conveniently organized in 3 parts.
Note! The road is divided into areas: for cars, cyclists, pedestrians. This ensures a high level of security.
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Decompression sickness
When excavating the land, they used the cheap labor of immigrants, whose wages per day were $ 2. The work was considered difficult and unhealthy. They had to work both at the bottom of the river and at the top. The difference in pressure was palpable. As a result of increased nitrogen excretion, headache, skin itching, and numbness appeared. This condition is called "decompression sickness" (or diving disease). Fatal cases were recorded. In 1909, a law was passed on this disease. During the entire period of the construction of the bridge, about 150 people died here.
Röbling feat
The construction process of the discussed facility in the Brooklyn area was not easy. It was not easy for engineer John Roebling. In the process of its construction, a huge number of technical difficulties arose. Take only the decision to use dynamite to get the material you need. Nobody gave accurate predictions. There could be victims and the caisson itself could collapse. And Washington Roebling himself participated in the explosions.
He also showed himself heroically in extinguishing a fire in the caisson, being there all day. After going out into the open air, he learned from his own experience what decompression sickness is. He was prescribed bed rest. However, he continued to extinguish the fire, even with pronounced symptoms of this dangerous disease.
The second exacerbation of the disease led W. Rebling to paralysis. His wife Emily became the head of the project. She had to learn from scratch materials, engineering, mathematics.
Therefore, it is safe to say that the oldest bridge in America - Brooklyn - owes its existence to the entire family.
Interesting! Emily Roebling was the first to enter the bridge.
Tensile structure
With the supports in place, it was time to pull on the cables to hang the main span. Nobody knew how such a structure would behave in practice. The cables were stretched at a height of 87 m. At some point, the board of directors did not accept the supply of quality cables from Rebling, concluding a new contract with an unverified supplier at a lower price. In the process of work, one such cable was broken, which killed the builders. Rebling Jr., as a result of an inspection, revealed a fragile wire that was clearly smuggled. However, it was impossible to remove the cables already installed.
Thanks to the painstaking and high-quality work of the Rebling family at the very beginning of construction, the suspension turned out to be very strong even with “defective” cables.
Completion of construction
The construction period lasted 13 years old... Expiration date - 05.24.1883 year... The cost of a unique structure - $ 15.1 million.
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The opening of the building was a large-scale solemn event. On the very first day, about 150 thousand people walked along it and 1,800 vehicles drove along.
Architectural style
Brooklyn Bridge is designed in the neo-gothic style. The aesthetics of the building are favorably emphasized by illumination. Once the bridge became a real sensation.
Brooklyn Bridge Towers
Towers are a separate, full-fledged component of the structure. Their height is 83 m. They have a pair of openings, also made in the Gothic style. These are the most massive structures on the continent of North America. They withstand most of the entire load and attract both city residents and tourists.
Note! It's always crowded here. You can take spectacular photos.
Modernity
Once upon a time there were railways, roads for horse carriages. Then tram lines were laid here. In the middle of the last century, the rail strips were removed. There are 30 times more cars on the Brooklyn bridge New York.
In the 80s, night illumination appeared. In 1983, the 100th anniversary of the building was celebrated, where President R. Reagan was present. A July 2, 2014 part of the New York bridge collapsed. As a result, 5 people were injured.
Interesting facts about the Brooklyn Bridge
There are many interesting and sometimes inexplicable facts in the history of the building. For example, there are wine cellars in the towers. There is a unique temperature regime here, there is no sun. These are the best storage rooms for wines.
In 2016, a bomb shelter with drinking water, provisions and newspapers dating from the middle of the last century was found under it. Someone was clearly preparing for military action ...
Bridge length
The length of the bridge is 1828 m.
In which films appears
The legendary building has left its mark on cinematography, including films such as:
- "Armageddon";
- "Toughie";
- Kate and Leo;
- Spiderman;
- Godzilla and others.
Films of completely different styles were shot against its background: from romantic to thrillers and horror films.
Secrets and mysteries of the structure
Many tragic events are associated with the construction of the bridge. And currently it attracts those who decide to commit suicide. The reason for the choice of location remains a mystery. Maybe the reason is the mystical atmosphere of the Gothic towers.
Accidents, accidents and tragedies associated with the bridge
The construction of the bridge claimed many lives, including the founder of the project, John Roebling. Dozens of workers died from the aforementioned decompression sickness.
In May 1883 year a young woman was walking across the bridge. Suddenly she stumbled and fell. The fall was perceived by others as the beginning of the destruction of the structure, and panic arose. Then people died, there were many wounded.
In May 1885 year the swimming coach did not jump off it in order to end his life that way. He wanted to demonstrate to citizens how to properly jump out of a window in case of fire.As a result of an unsuccessful jump, death instantly occurred.
Tips for amateur photographers
When driving towards Manhattan, a picturesque city panorama opens up. To capture this beauty, use wide angle lenses. In the evening, the bridge is incomparable. Backlighting favorably sets off the grace of architecture at night and adds mystery. You can shoot it in any mode.
How to get, in which city it is located
It is recommended to start acquaintance with the Hudson. You can drive up to the facility by boat cruising along Manhattan.
When using public transport, you can drive up to it from two sides: Brooklyn and Manhattan.
Note! Leaving the metro, you just need to continue in the direction of the bridge. It is convenient to use a map of the area. It provides a descriptive description.
The Brooklyn Bridge is a true piece of US architectural art that attracts a large number of tourists every year. Its fundamental nature is striking, and the beauty of the opening view simply obliges you to have a camera at hand. This famous place is surrounded by secrets and mysteries.
