The Failure Analysis of the Arecibo Observatory 305-Meter Telescope Collapse report delves into the reasons behind the collapse of the Arecibo Telescope, shedding light on the zinc creep failure of the cable sockets. The collapse, triggered by Hurricane Maria, was influenced by bureaucratic delays in funding repairs. The report highlights the unprecedented nature of the failure and questions why excessive zinc creep occurred under the loading conditions. The committee, comprised of experts, worked diligently to analyze the incident, drawing on detailed reports from NASA and other organizations. The report offers a plausible explanation for the collapse, emphasizing the need for further research and continued monitoring of structural integrity.
https://nap.nationalacademies.org/read/26982/chapter/1