COLLAPSE OF TEXAS TOWER NO. 4 81 



We saw them putting them down in the movie. But they had to 

 be connected to something other than that they were designed for con- 

 nection to. 



Senator Stennis. All right. When you replaced them is that when 

 you affixed the collar and secured them with it ? 



Captain Albers. That is correct, sir. 



Senator Stennis. In your opinion, did that restore the tower to 

 the strength of the original design, and put it in as good condition 

 as it would have been had the brace not been lost ? 



Captain Albeks. I have not looked at that design, sir. I do not 

 feel qualified to answer that. 



Senator Stennis. What is your judgment as an engineer ? 



Captain Albers. A joint can be designed of that nature that will 

 be sufficiently strong; yes, sir. 



Senator Stennis. You decline, though, to make any comment on 

 what was done in this particular case. 



Captain Aebers. I do not know how the joint was designed and 

 installed, sir. 



Senator Stennis. Was it sound engineering to try to make the 

 repair in that way ? 



Captain Albers. Yes, sir, 



defect in collar repair 



Senator Stennis. Now, what was the next thing that happened 

 before Hurricane Donna ? Other trouble developed. I am not accu- 

 rate enough in my information to designate 



Captain Albers. I am told that this collar became loose. 



Senator Stennis. The collar that was put on, yes. 



Captain Albers. Which allowed it to move up and down. 



Senator Stennis. If that happened, would you not know it was 

 defective? You just said, as I understand it, you would not venture 

 an opinion, but if that collar came loose, would that not show that 

 it was defective, or that it was not going to hold ? 



Captain Albers. It indicates that there was something wrong, 

 yes, sir. 



But I cannot say that the design of that collar was incorrect. 



Senator Stennis. All right, I am not asking you to say anything, 

 now. 



But if you had been there and were informed of the fact that 

 this collar had broken loose, as an engineer, that would have brought 

 knowledge to you that there was something wrong ; is that right ? 



Captain Albers. I think so, yes. 



Senator Stennis. Well, do you not know so ? 



Captain Albers. Yes, sir. 



Senator Stennis. Well, let us just say it, if you know it. 



Captain Albers. Yes, sir. 



Senator Stennis. What would you have done ? 



Captain Albers. That would require considerable study, Senator. 



Senator Stennis. I am sure it would, but give us your professional 

 opinion, if you are willing, as to what you would have done. 



Captain Albers. I would prefer not to give my professional opinion 

 without complete study of the situation. 



