BRIDGES We rely on bridges almost every day to cross obstacles like streams, valleys, and railroad tracks. Engineers must consider many things -- like the distance to be spanned and the types of materials available -- before determining the size, shape, and overall look of a bridge. All of the principles must be considered and applied such as weight carried, the purpose of the bridge, and stresses and strains caused by nature as well as usage. I-35W bridge tragedy may cause examination of the rules. By KEVIN DIAZ, Star Tribune Last update: November 14, 2008 WASHINGTON - Mystified about how a simple human mathematical error that occurred four decades ago, lead to the deadly collapse of the Interstate 35W bridge, federal safety officials recommended procedures to prevent such error in the future. In the end, the National Transportation Safety Board attributed the failure of the downtown Minneapolis span to a simple math calculation that wasn't made. The board found that the designers of the doomed bridge failed to perform some necessary calculations on the critical steel beam gusset plates that eventually gave way.

Little flaws have caused dire circumstances in our economy and maybe even our lifestyle. Being able to count on a secure job, solid real estate values, retirement funds have become shaky at best. So now what? Building multiple streams of income is the key to securing the good life and having less worries. We still keep our profitable, cash flowing rentals. And no one suggests quiting your job.

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