The double-deck freeway at the east edge of San Francisco Bay collapsed in the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake.Why?
A) It was too tall for its height.
B) It lacked steel reinforcing bars.
C) Strong shaking lasted for more than the 30 minutes it was designed for.
D) It was built across soft mud.
E) Water from San Francisco Bay rotted the foundation material, weakening it.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The freeway was built on soft mud, which amplified the seismic waves and contributed to its collapse during the earthquake.

The Double-Deck Freeway at the East Edge of San Francisco