Solving a Mystery Behind the Deadly Tsunami of Molasses of 1919

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6. Another problem with the construction of the tank

The joints were riveted, not welded. A riveted joint is only as strong as the shear strength of the rivets, whereas a welded joint, if properly done, can be stronger than the surrounding metal. And, of course, the company official who approved the original design was the company treasurer, who had no training in engineering, and thus was unqualified to judge the quality of the design.