Page 27 - British Inquiry into Loss of RMS Titanic Day 27 - 31

would cause a sufficient displacement of the rivets, as to cause the collapse of any part of the bulkhead? - Only the general statement that I made to you, that in riveted structures in general, it would take something like seven-eighths of the collapsing head. I pointed out to you that the collapsing head was something like 150 feet, and therefore a head of something like 130 feet would generally do it. That is only in general terms. 25345. That is where your tank is perfectly still and the water is quite passive? - Or only moderately disturbed. 25346. If there were a swaying movement, that would make a very great difference to the power of the water and the pressure of the water on the bulkhead, would it not? - It would undoubtedly make some difference, and that is why the strength of the bulkhead is so much in excess of the height. 25347. Do not you think after this experience that it might be very advisable, instead of relying upon mere calculations, to get bulkheads practically tested under actual water conditions? - I think I told you that results were known to me of bulkheads which had been tested, and they agreed with the calculation. 25348. That is not quite an answer to my question? - If the test agrees with the calculation, I do not see any reason for testing each one. 25349. But your calculation has been based upon water perfectly passive, but I am putting if there were movement. Do not you think it advisable that there should be actual practical tests of what I will call the resistibility of the bulkhead under actual water conditions, and even a movement of water condition? - How are you to get the movement conditions? It does not seem very practicable. The Commissioner: You can shake water either violently or a little. Do you suggest there ought to be a series of experiments beginning with a slight movement, and then going on to a greater movement, and a greater movement still? Mr. Edwards: I suggest that there should be such tests as will, as near as may be approximate to the actual conditions which these bulkheads are built to resist. The Commissioner: Sometimes they are in a storm, you know. Mr. Edwards: Yes. The Commissioner: Are you to get a storm for the purpose of your test? 25350. (Mr. Edwards.) I am afraid, if I suggested that, I might raise one here, and that I am anxious to avoid; but I have the point I want. (To the Witness.) Anyhow, your view is that the builders can be trusted in this matter. The Commissioner: I think these are matters which probably the Bulkheads Committee will enquire into. I should think so. Mr. Edwards: Yes, my Lord. Examined by Mr. LAING. 25351. Mr. Edwards said at page 687 that “either Messrs. Harland and Wolff defied the Board of Trade, or there was extraordinary laxity on the part of the officials of the Marine Department of the Board of Trade, to allow in the construction of this ship a departure from those Rules which they have already laid down.” Is there any foundation at all for saying that you defied the Board of Trade? - I really know of none. 25352. Or that the ship was allowed to be built by the officials of the Marine Department in violation of their Rules? - We have to comply with all their Rules, and make some sacrifices to do so. (The Witness withdrew.)