The Deadly Gamble

The Twin Towers should have remained standing. On September 11, 2001, our nation experienced a horrific tragedy. More than 2,700 lives were lost as the World Trade Centers collapsed into rubble, making it the deadliest terrorist attack on American soil. But did the Twin Towers have to fail? Weren't they designed to withstand the impact of a jet airliner? Why did the fires ignited by the jet engines burn hot enough to soften the structural steel beams, causing the upper floors to buckle inward and drop onto the lower floors, shattering them into dust? This book exposes the deadly conflict of interest that led to shortcuts in fire safety features during the construction of the World Trade Center. Motivated by greed and hubris, someone took a deadly gamble--and lost. Dr. Richard E. Klein, Associate Professor Emeritus of the University of Illinois, shares the compelling story of his personal experience with the World Trade Center and its structural engineers. He explains technical concepts in a clear way, using analogies and simple sketches. In a logical progression of engineering concepts such as aerodynamic drag, wind-induced sway, and feedback systems, he lays the groundwork for understanding how a chain reaction of arrogant decisions led to a shocking and indisputable conclusion. Through The Deadly Gamble, Professor Klein delivers a powerful historical lesson for our country: the danger of trusting people in positions of responsibility to make responsible decisions.