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Joseph Strauss

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description Joseph Strauss Overview

Joseph Baermann Strauss was an American structural engineer known for serving as chief engineer of the Golden Gate Bridge, which opened in 1937 between San Francisco and Marin County. Earlier in his career he specialized in movable bridges and developed designs for bascule bridges whose spans could be raised for passing vessels. His Golden Gate role involved promoting the project, coordinating its engineering work, and overseeing construction with other specialists.

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What did Joseph Strauss do on the Golden Gate Bridge?

Joseph Strauss served as chief engineer and led the bridge project's planning, coordination, and construction. The final structure depended on a wider team that included design engineer Charles Alton Ellis and consultant Leon Moisseiff. [Golden Gate Bridge District](https://www.goldengate.org/bridge/history-research/bridge-construction/joseph-strauss/) [Golden Gate Bridge design history](https://www.goldengate.org/bridge/history-research/bridge-design/)

When did the Golden Gate Bridge open to the public?

The bridge opened to the public on 27 May 1937. Strauss had watched the ceremonial final gold rivet being driven on 28 April 1937. [Golden Gate Bridge District](https://www.goldengate.org/bridge/history-research/bridge-construction/joseph-strauss/) [PBS American Experience](https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/goldengate-strauss/)

Why was Joseph Strauss known for bascule bridges?

Strauss specialized in movable bridges and started the Strauss Bascule Bridge Company of Chicago in 1902. A bascule bridge uses a counterweighted movable span that lifts to let vessels pass. [Golden Gate Bridge District](https://www.goldengate.org/bridge/history-research/bridge-construction/joseph-strauss/) [PBS American Experience](https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/goldengate-strauss/)

Was Joseph Strauss the only designer of the Golden Gate Bridge?

No. Strauss was the chief engineer and project leader, while Charles Alton Ellis handled much of the structural design and Leon Moisseiff advised on the suspension system. [Golden Gate Bridge design history](https://www.goldengate.org/bridge/history-research/bridge-design/)

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