ABSTRACT
Built in 1882, the New York, Ontario&Western Railway’s three-span pin-connected through truss bridge over the East Branch of the Delaware River near Fish’s Eddy, New York experienced two collapses in its short 15-year life. The first occurred as a result of a derailed caboose striking the end post of the north span. The second took place while a lightly loaded train was crossing the bridge, collapsing the middle span; the cause of this failure was never determined. A historical review is presented that begins by examining relevant aspects of the specifications used in the design of the structure. Details of an innovative bridge protection system developed in response to the first collapse are discussed, and related to the subsequent development of industry standards. Analysis results are given that demonstrate that the hangers were excessively loaded, and that a hanger failure may have initiated the second collapse event.
