[daviddennis]

Well, building something like this would make a dent in the GNP anyway, so you'd might as well do it right and build it of Titanium :-). I'd actually be curious to know how much it would add to costs; probably not as much as one might think since Titanium is stronger than steel.

I own an Apple Titanium G4 computer; it's reassuring to note that the titanium in it would survive this fire even if the plastics that make up the bulk of the machine wouldn't :-(.

For what it's worth, I was amazed at how similar the collapse was to photographs of controlled demolition; that was exactly the thought that crossed my mind when I saw the pictures. However, I don't think there was any reason for the terrorists to do that; the building would clearly not be safe to occupy after the fires, and the image of two 110 story dead hulks would, if anything, create a more dramatic impact on the city.

It is my opinion that the controlled demolition effect may have even been unintentional; they knew they would mortally wound the structures for the purpose of human habitation simply through the fire, and there would really be no point in going any further.

D

[BostonGuy]

It is my opinion that the controlled demolition effect may have even been unintentional; they knew they would mortally wound the structures for the purpose of human habitation simply through the fire, and there would really be no point in going any further.

Agreed. If they had the means to bomb, I would think it more likely that they would have bombed other buildings after the plane crashes - *that's* your diversion/follow-up, not two attacks on the same structure.

[summer]

For what it's worth, I was amazed at how similar the collapse was to photographs of controlled demolition

------------------------

Thank you SO much for pointing that out -- I could not figure out yesterday what exactly I recalled that seemed so similiar to me, visually. Yet, I was sure: I have seen something like that picture before....but where?

[js1138]

the controlled demolition effect ...

The buildings were supported by a massive steela nd concrete core which was essentially undamaged. Think of an umbrella. If you look closely at some of the film you can see the core standing through the collapse.

The building also survived long enough for nearly everyone who chose to evacuate immediately to escape -- except for those above the fire.

I think in twenty years, engineers will look back on this as a successful design, although with perfect foresight, it could have been better.