Which river did Wendel Bollman’s first all-iron truss bridge cross in 1850?
- The Susquehanna River
- The Potomac River
- The Little Patuxent River
- The Mississippi River
Correct Answer: The Little Patuxent River
Correct Answer Explanation: Bollman’s first all-iron truss bridge was built over the Little Patuxent River at Savage Factory, Maryland, in 1850. This bridge marked a significant shift from the traditional use of wood and masonry in bridge construction.
What unique feature of Bollman’s “suspension truss” design allowed for independent load distribution and easy replacement of individual components?
- Vertical tension rods
- Diagonal tension rods
- Horizontal compression struts
- Cast iron compression chord
Correct Answer: Diagonal tension rods
Correct Answer Explanation: The Bollman truss featured diagonal tension rods, cast-iron compression struts, and a cast-iron compression chord called the “stretcher.” This design allowed for independent load distribution and easy replacement of individual components, making the bridge more secure and adaptable.
What type of material did Bollman’s segmental wrought-iron column utilize, offering greater tensile strength and efficiency compared to cast iron?
- Cast Iron
- Wrought Iron
- Steel
- Aluminum
Correct Answer: Wrought Iron
Correct Answer Explanation: Bollman’s innovative segmental wrought-iron column, a precursor to the Phoenix column, highlighted the advantages of wrought iron over cast iron for compression members, offering greater tensile strength and efficiency.
Bollman’s first major Bollman truss, completed in 1851, spanned what river and was located where?
- The Potomac River at Harpers Ferry
- The Little Patuxent River at Savage Factory
- The Susquehanna River at Harrisburg
- The Mississippi River at St. Louis
Correct Answer: The Potomac River at Harpers Ferry
Correct Answer Explanation: This 124-foot span structure was built for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and employed granite towers and three lines of trussing to accommodate a common road and a railroad track.
How did the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad contribute to Bollman’s success and the adoption of his truss design?
- They only used Bollman truss bridges for their railways.
- They provided funding for Bollman’s research and development.
- They were the first railroad to use his truss design for their bridges.
- They used a high number of Bollman trusses, which increased the visibility of the design.
Correct Answer: They used a high number of Bollman trusses, which increased the visibility of the design.
Correct Answer Explanation: The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad embraced innovation and consistently used Bollman trusses, which played a crucial role in popularizing the system.
What year did Bollman’s patent for his truss design get renewed, signifying his belief in the design’s value?
- 1852
- 1866
- 1878
- 1884
Correct Answer: 1866
Correct Answer Explanation: Bollman’s patent was renewed in 1866, indicating his belief in the value of his design. However, the high license fee associated with it discouraged its use by other railroads.
What engineering feature did Bollman use to address the weakness of cast-iron in long unsupported columns?
- A cast iron compression chord
- A cast iron compression strut
- A segmental wrought-iron column
- A Phoenix column
Correct Answer: A segmental wrought-iron column
Correct Answer Explanation: Bollman’s work with the Havana Railroad led to the development of a segmental wrought-iron column, a precursor to the Phoenix column. This design addressed the weakness of cast-iron in long unsupported columns by using a circular section that proved to be more efficient in bearing compressive loading.
What did Bollman’s firm, W. Bollman and Company, become the first company in the United States to do?
- Design, fabricate, and erect iron bridges and structures.
- Produce and sell iron materials for bridges.
- Provide engineering consulting services for bridge building.
- Patents for bridge design innovations.
Correct Answer: Design, fabricate, and erect iron bridges and structures.
Correct Answer Explanation: Bollman’s firm, W. Bollman and Company, was the first in the US to design, fabricate, and erect iron bridges and structures, which allowed them to build major railroad bridges in Mexico, Cuba, and Chile.
What major engineering project did Bollman design and construct in Baltimore in 1873?
- The North Avenue Bridge
- The Lombard Street Bridge
- The Charles Street Bridge
- The iron dome for Baltimore’s City Hall
Correct Answer: The iron dome for Baltimore’s City Hall
Correct Answer Explanation: Bollman designed and constructed the iron dome for Baltimore’s City Hall in 1873, showcasing his innovative use of iron in large-scale architectural projects.
Why did Bollman’s truss design eventually face criticism and be replaced with other designs like the Pratt and Whipple trusses?
- It was not strong enough to withstand heavy loads
- It was too expensive to build
- It lacked rigidity in long spans
- It was too complex to manufacture
Correct Answer: It lacked rigidity in long spans
Correct Answer Explanation: Bollman’s truss was less economical of material than other designs like the Pratt and Whipple types, and its lack of rigidity in long spans led to its gradual replacement.
The first iron bridge in Mexico was built by Bollman over which river?
- The Rio Grande
- The Río Colorado
- The Medellín River
- The Río Bravo
Correct Answer: The Medellín River
Correct Answer Explanation: The first iron bridge in Mexico was built by Bollman over the Medellín River around 1864, demonstrating the international influence of his design.
What was a unique and innovative application of cast-iron used by Bollman in the Lombard Street Bridge over Jones Falls in Baltimore?
- Cast-iron water mains as the top and bottom chords of the bridge.
- Cast-iron beams for the bridge deck.
- Cast-iron columns to support the bridge.
- Cast-iron railings for the bridge.
Correct Answer: Cast-iron water mains as the top and bottom chords of the bridge.
Correct Answer Explanation: Bollman’s use of cast-iron water mains as the top and bottom chords of the Lombard Street Bridge over Jones Falls in Baltimore was a unique and innovative application of the material, showcasing his ingenuity in finding new ways to utilize available materials.
What was the cost of the Savage Bridge, Bollman’s first major iron bridge, which spanned 76 feet?
- $2,382.50
- $23,825.00
- $238,250.00
- $2,382,500.00
Correct Answer: $23,825.00
Correct Answer Explanation: The Savage Bridge, Bollman’s first major iron bridge, cost $23,825.00 and spanned 76 feet. This cost was a significant investment in the early days of iron bridge building.
What was the length of the Winchester span, Bollman’s first major Bollman truss?
- 76 feet
- 124 feet
- 160 feet
- 360 feet
Correct Answer: 124 feet
Correct Answer Explanation: The Winchester span, Bollman’s first major Bollman truss, spanned 124 feet and was fabricated in the railroad’s extensive Mount Clair shops.
What was the length of the Harpers Ferry bridge, built and rebuilt with Bollman trusses throughout the 19th century?
- 76 feet
- 124 feet
- 160 feet
- 360 feet
Correct Answer: 160 feet
Correct Answer Explanation: The Bollman truss at Harpers Ferry spanned 160 feet and was built in sections, with some of the sections being destroyed and rebuilt during the Civil War.
What was the length of the Clinton, Iowa pivot draw bridge, built by Detroit Bridge & Iron Works, designed by Bollman, and the longest in the world at the time of its completion?
- 76 feet
- 124 feet
- 160 feet
- 360 feet
Correct Answer: 360 feet
Correct Answer Explanation: The Clinton, Iowa pivot draw bridge, built by Detroit Bridge & Iron Works, was 360 feet long, making it the longest in the world at the time of its completion. This bridge was designed by Bollman, demonstrating his influence in bridge building beyond the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.
How much did the North Avenue Bridge in Baltimore, built by Bollman, which featured a composite design using timber and wrought iron, cost?
- $7,358.80
- $73,588.00
- $735,880.00
- $7,358,800.00
Correct Answer: $73,588.00
Correct Answer Explanation: The North Avenue Bridge in Baltimore, built by Bollman, cost $73,588.00 and featured a composite design using timber and wrought iron.
What was the length of Bollman’s Charles Street Bridge in Baltimore which cost $20,297.00 and featured three lines of trussing?
- 76 feet
- 108 feet
- 160 feet
- 360 feet
Correct Answer: 108 feet
Correct Answer Explanation: Bollman’s Charles Street Bridge in Baltimore spanned 108 feet and cost $20,297.00, featuring three lines of trussing.
What was the length of the North Street (now Guilford Avenue) Bridge in Baltimore, built by Bollman, which cost $38,772.45 and employed a composite design with cast iron and wrought iron?
- 108 feet
- 160 feet
- 173 feet 9 inches
- 360 feet
Correct Answer: 173 feet 9 inches
Correct Answer Explanation: The North Street (now Guilford Avenue) Bridge in Baltimore spanned 173 feet 9 inches and cost $38,772.45, employing a composite design with cast iron and wrought iron.
Which of the following is a type of truss design that features triangular panels with diagonal members?
- Warren Truss
- Pratt Truss
- Whipple Truss
- Fink Truss
Correct Answer: Warren Truss
Correct Answer Explanation: The Warren truss, named after its inventor, James Warren, features triangular panels with diagonal members, which provides a more efficient and stable structure.
What was the name of the segmental wrought-iron column that was patented by Samuel J. Reeves, who was inspired by Bollman’s design?
- The Bollman Column
- The Reeves Column
- The Phoenix Column
- The Pratt Column
Correct Answer: The Phoenix Column
Correct Answer Explanation: Bollman shared his idea for the segmental wrought-iron column with Samuel J. Reeves, who then patented the design and produced the Phoenix column. The Phoenix column eventually became the standard for compression members in structures, replacing cast iron.
Which of the following bridges is NOT an example of Bollman’s work?
- The Savage Bridge
- The Winchester Span
- The Harpers Ferry Bridge
- The Brooklyn Bridge
Correct Answer: The Brooklyn Bridge
Correct Answer Explanation: The Brooklyn Bridge, designed by John Augustus Roebling and completed in 1883, was a suspension bridge with a completely different design and construction method than Bollman’s truss bridges.
Which of the following was NOT one of the engineering challenges that Bollman faced during his career?
- Finding cost-effective ways to use iron in bridge construction
- Addressing the lack of rigidity in his truss design for long spans
- The availability of skilled labor to build his innovative designs
- The availability of materials to build his bridges
Correct Answer: The availability of skilled labor to build his innovative designs
Correct Answer Explanation: While skilled labor was important in any construction project, Bollman’s challenges were primarily related to finding cost-effective materials, innovating new designs, and finding ways to make his designs more robust.
What made Wendel Bollman a unique figure in the history of American engineering?
- He was a self-taught engineer who pioneered the use of iron in bridge construction
- He was the first engineer to use a suspension truss design
- He was the first engineer to use cast iron in bridge building
- He was the first engineer to use wrought iron in bridge building
Correct Answer: He was a self-taught engineer who pioneered the use of iron in bridge construction
Correct Answer Explanation: Wendel Bollman’s story is remarkable because he was a self-taught engineer who, through his ingenuity and determination, revolutionized bridge building by pioneering the use of iron.
What was the primary driving force behind the transition from wood to iron in bridge construction during the 19th century?
- The demand for longer spans to accommodate the growing size of ships
- The need for more durable and fire-resistant materials for bridges
- The growing demand for bridges to support the expanding railway system
- The discovery of new and cheaper methods of producing iron
Correct Answer: The growing demand for bridges to support the expanding railway system
Correct Answer Explanation: The rapid expansion of railroads in the 19th century created a significant need for durable and efficient bridges. Iron offered advantages over wood and masonry, such as greater strength, durability, and availability.
Why did Bollman’s segmental wrought-iron column eventually become widely adopted and replace cast-iron columns in structural engineering?
- It was more aesthetically pleasing than cast-iron columns
- It was easier to manufacture and install than cast-iron columns
- It offered greater strength and efficiency in bearing compressive loads
- It was more resistant to corrosion than cast-iron columns
Correct Answer: It offered greater strength and efficiency in bearing compressive loads
Correct Answer Explanation: The segmental wrought-iron column, inspired by Bollman’s design, offered several advantages over cast iron, including greater strength, efficiency in bearing compressive loads, and the ability to be built up to any desired diameter.
Which of the following best describes the impact of Wendel Bollman’s engineering contributions?
- He revolutionized the construction of bridges, paving the way for the modern era of steel structures.
- He established the use of iron as the primary material for bridge construction, influencing the development of structural engineering.
- He introduced the suspension truss design, which became the dominant type of bridge construction in the 19th century.
- He developed the first segmental wrought-iron column, which was quickly adopted and became the standard for all structural columns.
Correct Answer: He established the use of iron as the primary material for bridge construction, influencing the development of structural engineering.
Correct Answer Explanation: While Bollman’s truss design was significant, his true impact lies in establishing the use of iron as a primary material for bridge construction. This shift paved the way for further advancements in structural engineering.
Which of the following statements is TRUE about Wendel Bollman’s truss design?
- It was considered a perfect solution for all types of bridges and spans.
- It was widely adopted in Europe as well as in the United States.
- It was initially popular but was eventually replaced by more economical designs.
- It was the only truss design used by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad for several decades.
Correct Answer: It was initially popular but was eventually replaced by more economical designs.
Correct Answer Explanation: Bollman’s truss design was successful initially and influenced the adoption of iron in bridge building. However, its lack of rigidity in long spans and its higher cost compared to other designs led to its gradual replacement.
Which of these individuals was NOT influenced by Bollman’s work in structural engineering?
- Samuel J. Reeves
- James Warren
- John Augustus Roebling
- Octavius Chanute
Correct Answer: John Augustus Roebling
Correct Answer Explanation: John Augustus Roebling was the engineer who designed the Brooklyn Bridge, a suspension bridge with a very different design than Bollman’s truss bridges. Samuel J. Reeves was influenced by Bollman’s segmental wrought-iron column design and patented the Phoenix column. James Warren, the inventor of the Warren Truss, and Octavius Chanute, a pioneer in aviation and bridge construction, were also influenced by the changing landscape of structural engineering brought about by Bollman’s innovations.
Which of the following bridges best exemplifies Bollman’s innovative use of cast iron in a non-traditional manner?
- The Savage Bridge
- The Winchester Span
- The Harpers Ferry Bridge
- The Lombard Street Bridge
Correct Answer: The Lombard Street Bridge
Correct Answer Explanation: The Lombard Street Bridge in Baltimore showcased Bollman’s innovative use of cast-iron water mains as the top and bottom chords of the bridge, demonstrating his ability to think outside the box and find new applications for existing materials.
What was one of the most significant challenges Bollman faced when using iron in bridge construction?
- The lack of skilled labor to work with iron
- The limited availability of iron in the 19th century
- The high cost of producing and transporting iron
- The tendency of iron to rust and corrode quickly
Correct Answer: The high cost of producing and transporting iron
Correct Answer Explanation: While skilled labor and corrosion were concerns, the primary challenge Bollman faced was the high cost of producing and transporting iron. This factor played a significant role in the eventual adoption of other bridge designs that were more economical.
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the Bollman truss?
- Diagonal tension rods
- Cast-iron compression struts
- Vertical compression members
- Cast-iron compression chord
Correct Answer: Vertical compression members
Correct Answer Explanation: The Bollman truss features diagonal tension rods, cast-iron compression struts, and a cast-iron compression chord called the “stretcher,” but it does not have vertical compression members in its primary design.
What was one of the primary advantages of Bollman’s truss design?
- Its ability to withstand very heavy loads
- Its ability to be built very quickly and efficiently
- Its ability to be easily adapted to different terrain
- Its ability to be easily repaired and maintained
Correct Answer: Its ability to be easily repaired and maintained
Correct Answer Explanation: Bollman’s truss design was known for its modularity and ease of repair, as individual components could be replaced without requiring the entire structure to be rebuilt.
Which of the following is the most accurate description of the legacy of Wendel Bollman?
- He is primarily remembered for his innovative truss design, which remains in use today.
- He is considered a pioneer in the use of iron in bridge construction and a key figure in the evolution of structural engineering.
- He is best known for his segmental wrought-iron column, which revolutionized column design and continues to be widely adopted today.
- He is primarily remembered as a skilled engineer who played a key role in the development of the railroad network in the United States.
Correct Answer: He is considered a pioneer in the use of iron in bridge construction and a key figure in the evolution of structural engineering.
Correct Answer Explanation: While Bollman’s truss design played a role, his most significant contribution was his pioneering work in using iron for bridges. This innovation sparked a revolution in structural engineering and continues to influence bridge construction today.
Which of the following was NOT a major area of Bollman’s engineering contributions?
- Bridge construction
- Column design
- Railway engineering
- Dam construction
Correct Answer: Dam construction
Correct Answer Explanation: Bollman’s primary focus was on bridge construction and column design. While he contributed to railway engineering through his bridge building, he was not known for any significant contributions to dam construction.
Which of the following best describes the significance of the Bollman truss in the context of its time?
- It was the most durable and efficient bridge design of its time.
- It was the first bridge design to utilize iron in its construction.
- It was a major step in the transition from wooden bridges to iron bridges.
- It was the most widely adopted bridge design in the United States for several decades.
Correct Answer: It was a major step in the transition from wooden bridges to iron bridges.
Correct Answer Explanation: While not the first iron bridge, Bollman’s truss design was a significant step in the transition from wooden bridges to iron bridges. It demonstrated the practicality and efficiency of using iron and paved the way for the widespread adoption of iron in bridge building.
Which of the following is the most accurate statement about the impact of Bollman’s segmental wrought-iron column on structural engineering?
- It was a revolutionary innovation that immediately replaced all cast-iron columns in structures.
- It was a significant step in the evolution of column design and paved the way for the use of wrought iron in structural applications.
- It was a niche innovation that was only used in a limited number of structures.
- It was a short-lived innovation that was quickly overshadowed by other more advanced column designs.
Correct Answer: It was a significant step in the evolution of column design and paved the way for the use of wrought iron in structural applications.
Correct Answer Explanation: Bollman’s segmental wrought-iron column, while not immediately replacing all cast iron, was a significant step in the evolution of column design. It highlighted the advantages of wrought iron and paved the way for its widespread use in structural applications, leading to the development of the Phoenix column.
Which of the following factors played the LEAST role in the eventual replacement of Bollman’s truss design with other designs?
- The high cost of manufacturing and maintaining Bollman trusses
- The lack of rigidity in Bollman trusses for long spans
- The development of more economical and efficient truss designs
- The increasing availability of skilled labor to build other types of bridges
Correct Answer: The increasing availability of skilled labor to build other types of bridges
Correct Answer Explanation: While skilled labor was important, the primary factors leading to the replacement of Bollman’s truss were its cost, lack of rigidity in long spans, and the emergence of more economical and efficient designs like the Pratt and Whipple trusses.