I was asked by a tea sip what is done differently from when bonfire fell to now. I didn't have a good answer for him. Anyone wanna help with details on the build, the actual structure, and overall safety?

The biggest difference - other than the smaller scale - is that every log touches the ground.

The stack design is also certified by a Professional Engineer.

No alcohol and the fact all logs touch the ground are the two biggest improvements.


As I understand, alcohol on stack had gotten out of control(what I'm being TOLD mind you, before my time). Zero tolerance now has made things much better, IMO heavy construction and alcohol are bad ideas anytime, especially in this kind of construction


The logs touching the ground are much, much more stable. If you think about it, it means the lower stacks are only bearing there weight, and as I understand it the design minimizes necessary "banding strength" in the stack structure. Supersets have also been brought back in(or had, I didn't go out this year unfortunately..... school had to come first this time, no choice), meaning the lower stacks are most likely stronger than the ones in '99 were, while taking less abuse.

Stack is also shorter, which is more a matter of logistics than safety I THINK(one of the board, or a pot can shed more light on that tan I ever could), because there is no crane available.

I've been impressed with SB and how stack was being built for a long time now. I believe they fixed the problems that Bonfire Commission maintained could not be, and maybe went farther than was necessary in an effort to keep a tradition alive, but prevent another tragedy...

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Everyone says the logs all touching the ground is the biggest improvement, but I still believe the addition of Windle sticks is by far the main improvement as far as stability. I believe that even if the only changes to the design were Windle sticks and big time super sets, you couldn't knock it down with a Mack truck. Not to say this is all that should be done, but realistically I think it would still be plenty strong. SB just doesn't want to take any chances.

Another improvement. The four support posts surrounding center pole.


[This message has been edited by jcadeh (edited 11/20/2007 12:30p).]

quote:

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As I understand, alcohol on stack had gotten out of control(what I'm being TOLD mind you, before my time).

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Not directing this at you, but that is simply untrue. I worked on '96 '97 '98 and '99. Never was anyone allowed to be drinking at stack. I saw people show up drunk. And they were made to leave in a hurry. I saw a person with beer in a cup one time in those fours years. And a JRP almost took the dudes head off. Drinking was not tolerated at stack. Any alcohol problems that were associated with bonfire, had more to with off-campus bonfire parties. And the night of the burn. But that was mainly random drunk people coming out for a party when it burned.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, that as far as the construction of bonfire, there weren't any alcohol problems.

I will corroborate YP 97's story. I built from fall '90 thru fall '94 and drinking on cut site or stack was way way down. In fact I can only remember 1 time clearly where I actually saw it. From my understanding it was a lot worse in the 80's but I don't know that for a fact.

all logs touch, no alcohol even at burn, windle sticks, P.E. stamp on the design, and the same design every year.

never worked on bonfire before...what are windle sticks?

thanks.

See the above picture. Windle sticks are the 4 extra support poles that are tied into centerpole. They are named for Levi Windle.

also, in order to work in a swing you must be very good and experienced at wiring, and you must be chosen by a redpot that night.

in the past you got in a swing if you were the first one to climb up to it...(or so i have heard, maybe one of you old ags could confirm this)

The first come first served swing is partly true. When each shift started it was a race to the top. But the first couple of weeks, you wouldn't see any fish up there. And any crew chief that was worth a dam (and most were), would teach their people how it was done correctly first and wouldn't allow anyone up there that didn't know what they were doing. So when you hear stories about the race to the top, keep in mind the workers knew how to wire logs correctly.

I agree with yellowpot on the alcohol thing. In my experience working on bonfire in 94, drinking was not tolerated at stack or cut. The biggest problem was people wondering out that had nothing to with building bonfire. The JRPs ran them off. The only time I remember drinking at bonfire site was the night of the burn and the night perimeter poles were handed out (and no work got done that night).

YP 97, which dorm are you from? I was the Yellow for Moore in '97.

Hotard

How's it going Cope?

Life is good in Galveston. I see you're still in College Station.

Moved back last year. My wife is in grad school.

Awesome. It's good hearing from you.