AG: Adhesive failure target of tunnel probe (Big Dig)

Boston Herald ^ | Wednesday, July 12, 2006 | Dave Wedge

[PajamaTruthMafia]

AG: Adhesive failure target of tunnel probe By Dave Wedge Boston Herald Chief Enterprise Reporter

Wednesday, July 12, 2006 - Updated: 06:47 PM EST

Attorney General Tom Reilly said today the investigation into the Big Dig tunnel collapse is focused primarily on the possible failure of adhesive anchors, a flaw detected as far back as 1999.

The AG’s preliminary findings mirror a Bostonherald.com report yesterday that first identified “adhesive anchor failure” in the section of the tunnel where 38-year-old Milena Del Valle of Jamaica Plain was killed Monday night. Yesterday’s Bostonherald.com report also revealed the Mass Pike spent at least $439,000 in 2004 to replace adhesive anchors in the tunnel ceiling.

“We have information and documents that a problem with the anchor bolts in this area was identified in 1999,” Reilly said in a press conference this afternoon near the accident scene. “It was not only identified but there was a plan to address that problem. We are trying to find out now, was that plan implemented.”

Reilly said that his own team of engineers is focusing on “hardware” and is taking control of the scene, categorizing evidence.

A source said that Bechtel officials arrived at the scene this afternoon but they were prohibited from entering by investigators.

U.S. Attorney Michael Sullivan was also scheduled to arrive at the accident scene this afternoon.

[topfile]

I was thinking the same thing.

But why suspend a multi-ton concrete
slab over traffic?

There must be some Structural Engineers
reading this thread who can shed some
light on this?

[Plains Drifter]

What would you expect of a pork barrel, over budget project that was personally pushed through Congress by the likes of Ted Kennedy and John Kerry. Blame won't be found because of their involvement.

[I see my hands]

Kip Chalmers and the Taggart Tunnel Disaster come to mind

[spanalot]

"Souds like brain dead engineering to me."

The tried and true method is to imbed hook bolts in the structure --- "but they are so hard to line up and its a lot easier to drill holes and glue the bolts in later."

[operation clinton cleanup]

Only if the tight fisted Republican Congress of the 1990's would have allowed more spending on this boondoggle, cost cutting shortcuts would not have been necessary.

[mrsmith]

Bad concrete quality is most likely but there is some workmanship involved with adhesive anchors. The most common error is not blowing the dust out of the holes first. The dust from the drilling has to be blown out of the holes or the adhesive will just be adhereing to the dust.

[PajamaTruthMafia]

But why suspend a multi-ton concrete slab over traffic?

The original reason given was the need to create a plenum (air duct) to evacuate the exhaust gasses from the tunnel. The reason they were so heavy was they needed to sustain hurricane force winds when they cranked the fans up all the way in the case of an accident and fire. Then, there were some reports that said they didn't need to be so heavy as they were mostly cosmetic.

Now they are taking down all the panels and will reopen the tunnel w/o any because they "think" it will be ok....

If they do indeed need a plenum and they open the tunnel w/o it, and there's a big fire and they can't evacuate the smoke, there might be a major disaster in our future...

[river rat]

If true, that these concrete panels were hung primarily to create a plenum for exhausting fumes or smoke ---- someone needs to be shot...

Perfectly functional plenums could have been constructed with a LOT less weight that 2 tons per panel --- at less cost and nearly zero threat of collapsing on cars below..

Multiple large diameter galvanized duct work sections would seem to be adequate.....

Even in the event a sheet metal panel fell -- it may be less likely to flatten a car..

Semper Fi

[Southack]

...but will anyone dare investigate the building inpectors who signed off on all of the Big Dig's work?

[spanalot]

I think the mud guys had a better in with engineering that the tin knockers

[pierrem15]

Politically (and probably mob) connected concrete contractor.

Everyone of those panels generated campaign contributions, kickbacks, patronage jobs, jobs for relatives of some politicians.

We would be better off if we just agreed to allow politicians and political parties a 5% skim off of every contract up front.

[mewzilla]

Everyone of those panels generated campaign contributions, kickbacks, patronage jobs, jobs for relatives of some politicians.

Including the AG.

[river rat]

I suspect it had more to do with which union offered which politician the most money --- and the engineers be damned.

If they follow the money far enough -- it will probably lead to Kennedy and Kerry.....

Kerry and Kennedy -- why the state is known as Massoftwoshits.

Semper Fi

[topfile]

It seems to me that the tunnel design requirements
drove this creation without a reasonable
regard for safety. Therefore, it becomes OK
to suspend 2 tons of concrete over someone's
head with superglue. Amazing how requirements
that should make things safer now end up
causing a death, truly tragic.

[hellinahandcart]

.

[pierrem15]

That's why an out-of-state manufacturer will be the target of an extortion demand by the Mass. AG, who will hire outside firms to handle the litigation for the state.

These firms wil keep the usual 33% to %40 in 'fees' to be kicked back to the AG (after he 'retires' and joins the firm) or the democratic party: see Spitzer in NY.

For the AG it's a win-win situation: he gets to grandstad about gong after the dastardly manufacturer while creaming a fortune in kickbacks from the law firms.

Bangladesh on the Bay.

[mewzilla]

All the more reason for the US atty to get on the stick.

[river rat]

Hell, that's no more idiotic than many of the demands or successes of the Environmental Wackos..

Their insistence on a "Green" material - led to the failure of heat shield tiles which causes the destruction of a least one of the two destroyed Space Shuttles.
I think the jury is still out on the root cause of the O ring failure.

There are dozens of similar disastrous outcomes, caused by the "best intentions" of leftists, tree huggers and your run of the mill assholes.

Semper Fi

[JOE6PAK]

Follow the money, Kerry and Kennedy,

'NUFF SAID!