Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1889-06-20
THE ElFFEL TOWER.
Some Interesting Facts Concerning That
and Other Tall Structures.

and Other Tall Structures.
William A. Eddy, in writing of the
ETHEL Tower in the Atlantic Monthly,
gives some interesting facts regard
ing the limitations upon the erection of
high structures of masonry by reason
of the great weight of the mass of ma
terial. He says:
aside from the question OF outlay
or serious difficulty in the construction
of any kind of material to such an
altitude, there are questions OF pres
sure and danger that daunt experienced
engineers. NJ. G. Eiffel, constructor of
some of the greatest works in France,
notably the trestlework viaduct at
Gavabit, 407 feet high, concluded that
the building of such a tower had not
been attempted in ancient times, so far
as known, because iron then lacked the
lightness, strength and adaptability
seen in modern work. The enormous
weight of masonry in so great mass
would not only imperil by its tremend-
Gus pressure the courses of stone
near the ground. but would cause
an irregular settling of the foundations,
as in the well-known instance of the
leaning tower of Pisa. In modern
work pressure of sixty-six pounds for
each square centimeter (two-fifthS of
an inch on each side) is considered
dangerous. 1t is estimated that fifty
five pounds in this proportion is too
extreme for safety, although. owing to
peculiarites of construction, this has
been exceeded in some of the following
instances. cited by Mr.. Navier:
Pillars of the dome of the Invalides,
Paris. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. sa.55 pounds
Pillars OF st. Peters, Rome. 36.06
Pillars of st. Pauls. London....... 1910
Columns OF ST Paul Rome. 1888
Pillars of the tower of st. Merri
Pillars of the dome OF the Pantheon,
rams -.-...... -..---..----- o3.S4
Mr.. Navier includes an estimate of
1925 pounds for the church of La
Toussant Anglers, which is in ruins.
and so not convincing example. 1t
thus appears that the resistance in
some daring structures is from 33 to A
pounds and only rises to nearly IS in
two instances. NJ. Eiffel cites the Wash
ington monument. which, in its sim
plicity and boldness, he considers re-
markable. In M. Navier's estimates
given for the greatest feats of archi-
tectural engineering in the old world,
this huge obelisk stands. high on the
list of wonderful structures, the pres
sure at its base amounting to 1886
pounds in the proportion above given.
With the exception of the Eiffel tower,
it is easily a holder undertaking than
any other of its kind known in the
world, because it stands upon rela-
lively small base with no side support,
with weight upon its foundations of
IS, 600 tons. This immense square
shaft, about fifty-five feet on a side,
served as an illustration of the danger
of attempting to carry masonry to a
greater height than before achieved.
Fortunately the foundation settled
evenly, but to prevent probable demoli-
ton, the base was reconstructed and
filed in with concrete. Meantime the
structure began to lean to an extent
that caused great ureasiness. and,
finally. the suspension of the work.
The reconstruction was begun in 1913.
and in 1854, when it reached a height
of 152 feet. its dangerous condition be-
came somewhat marked. Its originally
intended altitude of 500 feet was then
reduced to 500. In 1880, after great
difficulties the base had been widened
and the foundation enlarged and deep
ened. Work was then recommended
and the masonry continued upward at
the rate of about 100 feet yearly, until
the topmost stone was laid December
6. 1884" The monument Is 555 feet
high.