“Ask a Scientist” Event: The Science of The Bay Bridge | Potrero Hill

Submitted by the Event Organizer

When the Bay Bridge was built back in 1933 it was the largest and most expensive bridge of its time, but not much was known about earthquakes back then. To help prevent a repeat of the bridge’s partial collapse in the 1989 earthquake the western span of the bridge was retroffited; and the more vulnerable eastern span needed to be completely replaced.

The awesome engineering of the new span hides ingenious seismic innovations within its simple-looking design. Learn about this marvel of modern engineering, and discuss the recent incidents that have raised public concern and curiosity about this colossal and critical project.

• Tonight’s event is presented in collaboration with KQED’s QUEST Science and Environment Series. We’ll start the evening by watching QUEST’s “The New Bay Bridge” video.

Ask a Scientist
Tuesday, May 11, 7:00 pm
Topic: Science of the Bay Bridge

Speakers: Marwan Nader, Bay Bridge Lead Design Engineer; and Bart Ney, Caltrans Spokesperson
Location: Horatius, 350 Kansas (btw. 16th & 17th) San Francisco
Cost: $3 suggested donation to help cover seating rental, plus please support our generous hosts at Horatius with a purchase of food or drinks.

Ask a Scientist is an informative, entertaining, science lecture series, held at a San Francisco cafe. Each event features a speaker on a current topic, a short presentation, and the opportunity to ask all those burning questions that have been keeping you up at night. No tests, grades, or pressure…just food, drinks, socializing, and conversation about the universe’s most fascinating mysteries.

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.