168 COLLAPSE OF TEXAS TOWER NO. 4 



Mr, Kendall. You were subpenaed because we were advised that 

 your company from time to time made certain underwater surveys 

 or inspections of Texas tower No. 4; is that correct? 



Mr. Crockett. This is correct. 



Mr. Kendall. When was the first survey you made ? 



UNDERWATER SURVEYS OF TOWER NO. 4 BY MARINE CONTRACTORS, INC. 



Mr. Crockett. November 25, 1958, was the date of issue of the 

 actual report. The survey was conducted just prior to that. 



Mr. Kendall. Will you briefly explain to us the significance of 

 your findings, insofar as they pertained to the structural stability of 

 tower No. 4 ? 



Mr. Crockett. The survey was to consider the inspection of all 

 underwater connections and bracings on caissons A, B, and C at the 

 minus-20-foot level; the examination of the collars on A and B cais- 

 sons at the minus-65-70-f oot level ; also to inspect both collars on each 

 side in the way of the Dardelet bolts. 



The second phase was to tighten 36 holding bolts on caissons A and 

 B collars at the minus-65-foot level to a torque of 1,300 foot-pounds; 

 also to assist in locating an oil leak in the A caisson. 



We did this survey and it is a matter of record — I can read it to 

 you, if you so desire. 



Mr. Kendall. I would like you to explain it as best you can so that 

 we can understand it, and submit a copy for the record if you will, 

 please, sir. 



Mr. Crockett. Will do. 



The bracings, all bracings, caissons, and underwater parts of the 

 tower foundation were found to be heavily coated with marine 

 growth. The growth appeared much denser in the zero to minus-20- 

 or 25-foot level, ending completely at minus 90 feet. All underwater 

 parts were found to be very well protected from use of the cathodic 

 protection. Their appearance was black in color, with fine scales of 

 about 20 mils. 



At the minus-23-f oot level 



Mr. Kendall. Excuse me, Mr. Crockett. Can you give us a synop- 

 sis of the significant findings affecting the stability of the tower or 

 the collar connection there ? 



Mr. Crockett. Yes, sir. 



We found at this time, on cleaning of the collar connection, that the 

 B caisson collar had no vertical motion. 



Mr. Kendall. Can you point it out on the model as you go along? 

 As you do, indicate which sides are A, B, and C. 



Mr. Crockett. This one [indicating] is A, this one is B ; this other 

 one is C. The collar at B was found to be without vertical motion; 

 all bolts, nuts, and double nuts were found to be in place. However, 

 the Dardelet keeper plates were loose and several of the studs and nuts 

 were missing from these plates. The plates were three-eighths of an 

 inch thick steel plate installed over the heads of the Dardelet bolts to 

 endeavor to keep them in position. This plate was installed with 

 eight half-inch studs welded to the caisson. The plates were installed 

 in the field and do not show on any construction print. The collar 

 holding bolts were found to be at an average of 900 foot-pounds 



