Episode #022721: Selects: Bridges: Nature Abhors Them

From prehistoric logs across streams to the 102-mile Kunshan Grand Bridge, nature works ceaselessly to take down spans. In this classic episode, learn about the fascinating ins and outs of bridge design and building and the mind-boggling challenges structural engineers face.

AI Summary

# Bridges: Nature Abhors Them

Josh and Chuck dive into the fascinating engineering world of bridges, exploring everything from ancient Roman arches to modern suspension cables and even living tree root bridges in India. They break down the four main structural types—beams, arches, trusses, and suspension systems—explaining how engineers battle forces like tension and compression to keep bridges from collapsing, plus they reveal why some bridges are architectural masterpieces while others just happen to look stunning because they have to be built that way. It's a surprisingly entertaining journey through the physics and beauty of one of humanity's most essential structures, complete with bridge recommendations and stories of catastrophic failures that taught engineers crucial lessons.

Movies Discussed

"There is a really cool documentary about the Brooklyn Bridge and it's Building by Ken Burns. — Ken Burns documentary about the Brooklyn Bridge mentioned as being available on Netflix." — Josh

Labyrinth

1986 1h 41m

★ 7.3

"If you're ever in Atlanta, sometimes people say, hey, I'm coming to Atlanta. What should I do? Go to the center for Puppetry Arts. — Center for Puppetry Arts mentioned as having Jim Henson exhibit with Dark Crystal and Labyrinth items." — Josh

Maximum Overdrive

1986 1h 38m

★ 5.8

"Have you ever seen Maximum overdrive the beginning of that movie? — Referenced for featuring a notable drawbridge scene in the film." — Chuck

The Bridges of Madison County

1995 2h 15m

★ 7.7

"Bridges of Madison County. They have walls. — Discussed as an example of a covered bridge structure with walls." — Chuck

The Dark Crystal

1982 1h 33m

★ 7.1

"It looks very dark, crystalline. Like the Dark Crystal. Right. — Referenced when describing the appearance of living tree root bridges in India." — Chuck

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The History of Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out World Records

2h 14m

"Remember him from Mike Tyson's punchout. Oh, no. He says he was French. Glass Joe. — Referenced Glass Joe character from the video game in a joke about weak things collapsing." — Josh

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

1999 1h 45m

★ 5.9

"The one that the headless horsemen couldn't cross. And the Legend of Sleepy Hollow. — Referenced as an example of a famous bridge that the headless horseman could not cross." — Josh

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