COLLAPSE OF TEXAS TOWER NO. 4 261 



Mr. EuTLEDGE. It compelled the contractor to face this problem, 

 sir. We did not face it. 



Mr. Kendall. But you approved that change ? 



Mr. RuTLEDGE. The ultimate structure would be the same by this 

 method. 



If he produces the same ultimate structure, we actually camiot, 

 without getting into serious trouble, we cannot disapprove, if there 

 is no effect on the ultimate structure. 



Mr. Kendall. Let's see if I understand you. To do so, I will ask 

 whether or not you approved the elimination of the temporary plat- 

 form, substitution of the permanent platform, and the lashing down 

 of the braces during the tow ? 



Mr. EuTLEDGE. We approved the basic construction methods that 

 the contractor proposed to use. 



Mr. Kendall. Well, does that mean you're answering my question 

 yes or no? 



Mr. EuTLEDGE. Your question includes items which we did not ap- 

 provft, which were part of the contractor's responsibility, 



Mr. Kendall. I'll take them one at a time, then, sir. 



Did 3^ou approve the elimination of the temporary platform ? 



Mr. EuTLEDGE. Yes, sir. 



Mr. Kendall. Did you approve the substitution of the permanent 

 platform ? 



Mr. Eutledge. Yes, sir. 



I^SHING DOWN OF UPPER BRACING DURING TOW 



Mr. Kendall. Did you approve the lashing down of the upper 

 bracing during the tow ? 



Mr. Eutledge. No, sir. 



Mr. Kendall. Why didn't ycu ? 



Mr. Eutledge. Because this was not a matter that affected the 

 ultimate structure and it vras not our responsibilit3^ 



Mr. Kendall. Did you approve a method wliich was submitted by 

 the contractor showing exactly how the braces would be lashed down 

 during the tow ? 



Mr. Eutledge. We approved a drawing as affecting the ultimate 

 structure, and it so states on our approval, that it is approved with 

 respect to the permanent structure. 



Mr. Kendall. But you did approve the method submitted with 

 some modifications that your firm made, is that right ? 



Mr. Eutledge. Only as the method affected the ultimate structure. 



Mr. Kendall. Didn't you give a letter of approval of the method 

 of lashing down the braces, with some modifications that your firm 

 made ? 



Mr. Eutledge. The approval is stamped on the drawing, sir, which 

 says : 



"This drawing is approved with respect to the ultimate structure." 



Mr. Kendall. Well, why did you suggest some changes in it, then ? 



Mr. Eutledge. There was a series of events here because there was 

 a year's delay in the actual construction of this structure. During 

 this period there was a large amount of indiscriminate welding to the 

 members, and in the course of the actual fabrication, we disapproved 

 unnecessary welding to any of the permanent members. 



