The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1889-06-22
THE ElFFEL TOWER.
Some Interesting Facts Concerning Thi
and other Tall Structures.

and Other Tall Structures.
William A. Eddy, in writing OF the
Eiffel 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
teria! 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 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-tifths 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 3;;b5 pounds
Pillars cf ST. Paul'S Lon !on....... 42.i0
Columas nf 1T. Paul, Rom ......... 1888
PIlla;s Of ths ioHer -: ~. Merri.
Pillars o, III: ii; dome Of iiis Piaithsoni,
Ialls ............ r..-......... Oj.53
Mr.. NaYicr 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 Al
pounds and only rises to nearly 90 in
two instances. NJ. Eiffcl cites the Wash
ington monument, which, in its sim
plicity and boldness, he considers re-
markable. In NJ. 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 mt It's base amounting to 5S.35
pounds in the proportion above given.
With the exception OF the Eittel tower,
it is easily bolder undertaking than
any other of its kind known in the
world because IL stands upon rela-
lively small base with no side support.
with weight upon its foundations of
5000 tons. This immense square
shaft, about fifty-tve feet on 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-
tion, the base was reconstructed and
| filled in with concrete. Meantime the
struc lure began to lean to an extent
that caused great uneasiness. and,
finally. the suspension OF the work.
The reconstruction was begun in 1S4S,
and in 1854. when it reached height
OF 152 feet. its dangerous condition be.
came somewhat marked Its originally
intended altitude OF 900 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 al
the rate OF about 100 feet yearly, until
the topmost stone was laid December
6. 1884" The monument is 800 feet
high.