Modern engineering has evolved significantly by harnessing lessons from catastrophic mistakes. Disasters like the Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapse and the Bhopal gas tragedy have prompted engineers to conduct rigorous risk assessments, employ advanced materials and techniques, and emphasize resilience in design. Failure analysis and simulations allow engineers to identify potential hazards and develop mitigation strategies. For example, earthquake engineering benefits from studying past temblors to design structures that withstand seismic forces. Moreover, incident investigations have highlighted the importance of ethical decision-making, clear communication, and public safety. By embracing these lessons, modern engineering has transformed into a discipline that strives to minimize the likelihood of catastrophic outcomes and protect human lives and well-being.
