They needed technical assistance in dismantling the thousands of logs that trapped some students. Larry Grosse, a construction science professor at Colorado State University, said without more information about the findings he couldn't make a concrete analysis. But he did say that both factors need to be examined. If the first stack was leaning, it would work against the pole. If the ropes were cut too early, it could put added stress against the backbone of that structure.
Some more information is needed, though.
The report released Monday was written Dec. 10 by the company's president, Alton G. Rogers, who was asked to produce a report on his firm's involvement in the search and recovery efforts. Rogers referred questions to the Special Bonfire Commission, an independent panel led by Leo E. Linbeck Jr., a Houston construction executive. Linbeck said he has not yet read the report, but said the document, like all information relating to the collapse, will be reviewed by the several consulting firms hired by the commission to investigate the accident. The report does not cite the source of that information or the reason the ropes were cut. Grosse said the ropes control the centerpole until the stack is wide and tall enough to support the pole.