The Lost Art of Over-Engineering Why 1900s Bridges Stand Forever

A bridge built in 1874 still carries heavy freight trains today. A bridge built in 1967 collapsed during rush hour, killing thirteen people. What changed?

This documentary explores the remarkable engineering philosophy that defined bridge construction during the late 19th and early 20th centuries... and examines why that philosophy was abandoned. Through detailed analysis of iconic structures like the Eads Bridge, the Forth Bridge, and the Hell Gate Bridge, we trace the evolution of civil engineering from an era of calculated over-building to our modern age of optimization and planned obsolescence.

You will discover how Victorian and Edwardian engineers compensated for uncertain calculations with massive safety margins. You will meet the sandhogs and riveters who risked their lives in the caissons and on the high steel. You will understand why wrought iron and early steel... despite their imperfections... created structures of extraordinary resilience.

But this is not merely a nostalgic tribute to the past. We examine the post-war shift that transformed infrastructure spending... the rise of "design life" philosophy... the transition from engineer-led projects to committee-driven procurement... and the sobering reality of 45,000 structurally deficient bridges in the United States alone.

Whether you are a professional engineer, a history enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates craftsmanship and permanence... this documentary offers a thorough examination of how we built, why we changed, and what we might reclaim.