Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-11-21

with problems of floor construction which
require the most careful calculations to
satisfy them that when they authorize the
issuance of the building permit the element
of danger Is entirely removed. The factor
Of safety is the first essential requisite in
the calculation. The quality of the timber
determines the consonant to be applied in
calculating the carrying capacity. The
character Of the building and the purpose
to which 1t is to be put, of course, are con-
sidered, and when drawings are presented
to the building department and exception
taken to the strength Of floors as designed
prolonged argument follows on the part
of the applicant or architect to prove his
position correct When confronted with
tables based upon practical tests, If not
convinced, he resorts to adverse criticism
Of the department, imagining that the de-
partment is seeking to impose some extra
burden, instead of looking after the well
fare of the citizens.
Every one knows that it is in ware
house construction, more than in anything
else, that questions Of this character arise.
Personally, believe that all such buildings
should be limited as to the height of
stories, In order to prevent an increase in
the superimposed loads. Such regulation
would have an immediate and beneficial
effect, and result advantageouslS to con-
struction in avoiding in the future the
propped-up condition of many interiors
whose DETECTED floors by excessive imposed
loads is an eye-sore and blemish.
There are differences of opinion as to
what should be allowed for the superim
posed loads upon the floor of dwelling or
upon the floors of public buildings. The
New York law demands 70 pounds for
dwellings for every superficial foot: for
public buildings 100 pounds 1t is well
known that the maximum consists of moth
ing but ordinary furniture and the weight
of several people In dwellings, and such
condition would exact not more than 40
pounds per square foot in construction. But
good construction, in my mind, should be
stronger than strong enough"
Some New Buildings.
B. F. Meyers, architect, has prepared
plans for three residences to be erected on
the north side of Harvard street between
18th and 14th streets northwest. The struc-
lures will be three stories in height. with
Easements, and the fronts will be built of
buff brick and Indiana limestone. Bay win
dows will be constructed to the full height
of the buildings. two being square and the
center one circular and terminating In
tower. The roofs will be of the mansard
variety, and will be slated. The interior Of
the three houses has been carefully
planned. They will be built for, Jacobs
Brothers, who also contemplate the cree
ton of three similar houses adjoining these
when completed. from plans prepared by
Mr.. Meyers.
A brick boiler house will be built by Mr.
S. A. Reed in the rear Of 41s 9Th street
northwest General interior repairs will
also be made to the house.
]. d. Aiken will erect a two-story and
basement brick dwelling at S06 G street
southwest. The structure will have a
frontage Of sixteen feet and a depth of
thirty-four feet, and the front will be con-
structed of hard red brick with square
bay window.
brick warehouse will be built by S.
Carr the alley between 18th and 14th
streets and G and II streets northwest
The structure will be thirty-two by sew
enty feet, will be two stories in height and
will be constructed of hard red brick
A small brick dwelling will be built by
H. w Emo for Mrs. NJ. Frederick on Har-
rison street. Anacostil.
Maj NJ. P. Caldwell will buil1 at. once
four brick houses at East Capitol and 18th
streets having pressed brick fronts trim
ned with stone.