One of the steel rods anchoring the tower of the new Bay Bridge eastern span has failed a key integrity test, suggesting it became corroded and broke during years when it was soaking in water, The Chronicle has learned.
The test result raises the possibility that hundreds of other rods that
in danger of cracking, which could reduce the stability of the 525-foot- tall tower in a major earthquake.
State officials remained optimistic Thursday that corrosion was not to
because workers have not removed the 25-foot-long fastener from its sleeve.
Gareth Lacy, a spokesman for the state Transportation Agency, confirmed that the rod had failed what is called a mechanical pull test, in which crews tug on the fastener to see if it moves. If everything is right with
Lacy said.