56 COLLAPSE OF TEXAS TOWER NO. 4. 



This scene shows the tremendous amount of motion we had between the legs 

 and the platform, even though we had a relatively calm sea. 



After the platform was raised to 4 feet, thus removing most of the motion, 

 we threaded the cable through the remaining jacks and started to complete 

 the jacking system up to a point where the platform was some 40 feet above 

 the water surface. 



The jacking system which we used, provided a 4-foot stroke, and the cycle 

 of each stroke took approximately 20 minutes. 



After we raised the platform to this elevation, it became necessary to remove 

 the temporary struts on the control house to provide enough head room for 

 the cranes we had aboard to operate efficiently. 



Senator Stennis. I am sorry, we will have to suspend. 



Gentlemen, that is very impressive. But we will have to suspend 

 now due to a vote. 



But I certainly want to see all of this. 



The committee will stand in recess subject to the call of the Chair. 



I expect to come right back. 



(Brief recess.) 



Senator Stennis. Proceed with the picture, please. You have 

 about 20 minutes more. 



(The commentary continued :) 



In order to supply the tower with men and supplies, it was necessary for us 

 to equip an old Coast Guard cutter of some 1,100 tons in weight, which ran 

 between the mainland and the tower. We used a basketlike platform set on a 

 rubber tube which we called a doughnut for hoisting the men from the supply 

 ship to the platform. During rough weather, many personnel had a ride that 

 could not have been duplicated at an amusement park. 



We were fortunate in all our operations, loading and unloading the men, not 

 to have injured anyone. 



There was one advantage to a job in such a location as this, it makes it easier 

 to dispose of unwanted material. While the platform was in this position, we 

 connected up our airlift system and started excavating. The airlift consisted 

 of a 12-inch pipe some 225 feet in length. In order to sink the caissons, which 

 were 25 feet in diameter and 20 feet in height into the sandy ocean bottom, 

 it was necessary to airlift the three legs practically simultaneously. This was 

 done with 2,000 cubic feet of air. The caissons were sunk in approximately 18 

 hours. It was not until then that we felt we were secure from any storms ex- 

 cept those of hurricane magnitude. 



After this operation was completed, the platform was raised 65 feet above the 

 water. The three bottom caissons were completely filled with concrete and lined 

 with concrete from an elevation of minus 50 to the top of the platform. This 

 left each leg with an opening of 8 feet in diameter, which was used to store 

 fuel oil later on. 



After the concrete operation was completed and the platform welded onto 

 the leg, the jettying system was disassembled, the leg then cut flush with the 

 deck, and the openings covered over. 



Now, here are operations that were due to storms that we encountered. We 

 lost two of the permanent braces. These had to be replaced. In this scene, you 

 see one of the braces being lowered into position for installation by the divers. 

 During the construction of the tower, we had many rough seas, and the bring- 

 ing in of supplies and equipment to the tower was quite a problem. We used 

 large barges to supply the permanent materials, which you can see here. 



Senator Stennis. Suspend for a moment. Senator Saltonstall is 

 compelled to leave on another official mission. The Senator wishes 

 to ask a few questions. 



Senator Saltonstall. Mr. Chairman, thank you very much. 



Captain, I am sorry I cannot stay. I would like to ask this ques- 

 tion of you : 



