The times., 1897-09-04
Init strain


tual. sble.
rtirrup (shearl, main floor
beam ................-. 4640 $3.50
Flange Q-6 web added. 10000 15000
Web (shear) ...........-.. $3.50 $3.50
First truss vertical .----.12loo 1880
Member, Draw Span.
Gin. 1 cross beam flange
tby moment Of ofinertial-270o0 1900
Main Girder.
Flange Q-6 web added ..1s9oO $4,000
Web (shear) ..... 2400 $3.50
1T should be stated in reference to these
figures that all flange unit strains are for
tension on net sections deducting rivet
holes, and that owing 10 the very shallow
tram rail used on the draw no assumption
was justifiable that wheel load would be
distributed to more than one of the six.
foot cross beams, which are spaced two
feet apart 1t should also be stated that
no other live load than the loaded motor
cars was assumed, since, as the members
considered were all detail ones limited to
one panel of load, it was thought that
these two motors would represent prac-
tically the maximum loaded condition of
the bridge
In discussing these results it can be said
justification by provision that cars should
not pass on the bridge, but such regula-
tion, besides being makeshlft and doubt
ful as to its constant observance, would
further require the consideration of such
cther moving loads as would thus possibly
pass the remaining motor, and it is known
that these are occasionally Of very consider
able weight. Moreover item 6 would be
in rn wa unluR1 IA dar
any circumstances.
without going further into the details
of the structure, 1t is conclusive to me
that nc such loads as have here assumed
fairly, believe, and justifiably as such
ASSUMPTIONS must lie madel should be
permitted TO cross this bridge.
TT is no proof TO the contrary that they
do pass it successfully once or any other
number of times; they do not or will not
do so safely. / further invite attention
TO the details OF this structure, the panel
points, with their cast iron boxes; the
closed section Of the compression MEM
bers, whose interiors have not been seen
for over twenty years, and while I Go
not impeach their sufficiency, 1 think
they Constitute an added doubt in con.
nection with the results above detailed
A refeience to the charter of the Capital
railway would seem TO show that Con-
gress authorizes them to cross on this
bridge. What the duty of those charged
with its maintenance may be in this
connection L am unable to say, but l
take 1t that at least q full representation
should be made OF the actual conditions
Of the structure, and that the response
hility for it's use should be placed W here
it belongs, and not left indeteminate
A more remote consideration than the
structural strength of the bridge is the
consequences of derailment, not at all
likely occurrence but by no means impos-
sible: and with heavy car, at moderate
speed even, a blow to a vertical post fit
ting loose into cast-iron panel box is
condition not to be dismissed as free
from liability TO serious results A further
proper subject for consideration is the
necessity for protecting the open water
way of the draw span during the passage
of water traffic."
An officer of the Capital Railway said
last night that the line will open for
Atlantic City-AlI the Attractions OF
.he Year in Full Blast-SpIendid
NlipmeDt Through to the Shore
via Pennsylvania Railroad.
Saturday and Sunda next. So round trip
SEE, 3, ,4e-3, Am