Movies

The Engineers Who Helped Keep New York City Safe After 9/11

BBG News

As a seasoned movie critic with decades of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that “Engineers at Ground Zero” is a must-watch documentary for anyone interested in history, engineering, or simply understanding the world we live in. Having witnessed firsthand the aftermath of 9/11 and the collective resilience of New York City, it’s heartening to see this film delve into the lesser-known heroes of that day – the structural engineers who worked tirelessly to ensure our safety.

After 23 years, the poignant recollection of the shared empathy sparked by the events of 9/11 continues to swell within us, touching hearts that were thought to be unconnected.

Despite the passage of many years, the lessons from that fateful day remain somewhat obscure, with the immediate implications (such as enhancing airport security) being obvious, while subtler ones might only be understood by experts. This is where the documentary titled “Engineers at Ground Zero” proves invaluable. Scheduled for release in November, with a sneak peek available here on TIME.com, it delves into the aftermath of the Towers’ collapse, focusing not just on the search for survivors but also for answers to pressing questions such as: Were nearby buildings safe? Was the ground beneath us secure? And most importantly: How did this catastrophe occur?

From the 9/11 incident, Vicki Arbitrio, who coordinated engineers in Lower Manhattan, shares with TIME, we’ve gained valuable insights. We realized the importance of expanding stairwells to accommodate firefighters ascending while others descend. We also understood that it might be beneficial to reinforce the walls surrounding these staircases, not just with gypsum board, and to consider locating sprinkler mains within these fortified walls. These changes aim to safeguard lives in the future. Additionally, we recognized the need for redundancy in the overall structure of buildings to ensure they can withstand some damage before collapsing.

This movie provides a detailed walkthrough of the collapse of the Towers, as explained by an engineer using a simulation based on the physics of the disaster. Initially, the towering structures withstood the impact of planes, each distributing the pressure around the hole created by each jet. However, it was the intense fire from the jet fuel that ultimately weakened the steel girders inside, causing them to collapse.

According to Arbitrio, we’re frequently underappreciated, and that’s alright. When things run smoothly, you don’t give it a second thought. However, when something breaks down, it’s valuable to learn from the experience. And this isn’t just about structural engineering; it applies to every aspect of life, doesn’t it?

Read More

2024-09-11 19:06

Previous post Twerks, tantrums, stage invasions and more than one terrible decision… as the MTV Video Music Awards return, a look back at its most shocking moments
Next post Deadlock isn’t out yet, but cheats are starting to pile up already