Which risk increased during the 19th century shift from wrought iron to Bessemer steel in railway bridge construction?

💡 Explanation

When Bessemer steel replaced wrought iron, the risk of brittle fracture increased because uncontrolled phosphorus and sulfur impurities led to crack propagation at stress concentrations, especially in cold temperatures. Therefore, brittle fracture resulted, rather than corrosion, reduced tensile strength or deflection which involve different material properties and environmental factors.

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