Learning from Engineering Failures: Part 1
by Natalie Springfield, on August 29, 2025
History has shown us that some of the most devastating engineering failures weren’t the result of bold new ideas—but of small oversights in mechanics and design.
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In this episode of Beneath the Build, we sit down with Dr. Allen Bowers, Director of Engineering and Chief Engineer at Geopier, to examine one of the most infamous examples: the Hyatt Regency walkway collapse in 1981. A seemingly minor design change, made to simplify fabrication, ultimately compromised the mechanics of the structure. The result was catastrophic: more than 100 lives lost and hundreds injured.
The tragedy underscored a truth that still resonates across the construction industry today: that details matter, and proper mechanics are non-negotiable.
As Dr. Bowers points out, this lesson is foundational in Geopier’s approach to ground improvement and site readiness. Every system Geopier designs is rooted in soil and structural mechanics to ensure predictable, reliable performance. Because while many ground improvement methods may look similar at first glance, the difference lies in the details. Poorly understood mechanics can lead to settlements far beyond expectations—a risk no contractor, owner or community can afford.
The bottom line: strong builds start with solid fundamentals—but they also demand a commitment to keep learning. The best contractors and engineers study both successes and failures to sharpen their approach. At Geopier, we do the same—constantly refining our methods so clients can count on predictable, reliable performance. Getting the mechanics right from the start, and improving our approach with every project, is what ensures every structure stands the test of time.
In this episode of Beneath the Build, we sit down with Dr. Allen Bowers, Director of Engineering and Chief Engineer at Geopier, to examine one of the most infamous examples: the Hyatt Regency walkway collapse in 1981. A seemingly minor design change, made to simplify fabrication, ultimately compromised the mechanics of the structure. The result was catastrophic: more than 100 lives lost and hundreds injured.The tragedy underscored a truth that still resonates across the construction industry today: that details matter, and proper mechanics are non-negotiable.
As Dr. Bowers points out, this lesson is foundational in Geopier’s approach to ground improvement and site readiness. Every system Geopier designs is rooted in soil and structural mechanics to ensure predictable, reliable performance. Because while many ground improvement methods may look similar at first glance, the difference lies in the details. Poorly understood mechanics can lead to settlements far beyond expectations—a risk no contractor, owner or community can afford.
The bottom line: strong builds start with solid fundamentals—but they also demand a commitment to keep learning. The best contractors and engineers study both successes and failures to sharpen their approach. At Geopier, we do the same—constantly refining our methods so clients can count on predictable, reliable performance. Getting the mechanics right from the start, and improving our approach with every project, is what ensures every structure stands the test of time.