Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1904-07-06
THE CAPITOL IS SAFE
Tho Report of Architect Rerle Dis
credits Mr.. Wilson's Report.

Tho Report or erCnltect Berle DlS
credits Mr.. Wilson's Report.
Columbia Etate 25th.
The dome OF the State Capital is
safe. This is the report of the gov
ern1nent expert sent here to make
an investigation. Not only is the dome
safe, but from his report it appears
that the girders are not called upon
to bear any unreasonable load. The
issue was settled by the report Of Mr..
Kort Berle, chief structural engineer
in the office of the supervising archi-
tect OF the treasury department.
This expert investigation was made
necessary by the report of Mr.: c. c.
Wilson, the well-known engineer and
architect Of Columbia. Mr.. Wilson
had been engaged by the committee
to repair tie State house, and he re-
ported that the dome Of the capitol
was unsafe and therefore it would not
be advisable to construct the heavy
steel ceiling for the main lobby.
As SO much surprise was created by
this report, which was accompanied
by calculations, Gov. Hayward decided
to get the best talent available to in
vestigate Mr.. Wilson's charges. Upon
applying to the secretary Of the treas
ury, who has charge of all the federal
buildings in this country, Gov. Hey
Ward was given Mr.. Berle as the eX-
amining expert.
The report which he submitted is
entirely in opposition to the state
ments of Mr.. Wilson. Mr.. Berle, in
addition to his official position, is a
member Of the American Society OF
Civil Engineers. Gov. Hayward for
warded. the report together with all
correspondence III the matter to Col.
]. G. Marshall, chairman Of the COM
mittee to make repairs.
After going into the matter at length
and in minute detail, Architect Berle
concludes as follows:
The fact remains, however, that in
no place in this whole construction are
there any signs of weakness, not one
crack of brickwork or other masonry,
no settlement or DETECTION Of any kind;
and such would certainly have ap-
peared by this time, if weakness eX-
listed, especially to such degree as was
feared.
In conclusion I beg to state that the
government need have no hesitation
in substituting the present ceiling Of
lobby and the covering of the inner
dome by a permanent, ireproof and
suitable construction, provided the
weight of same shall not exceed Is to
20 pounds per square foot. This can<be
best obtained by light angle or 'T"
iron framing covered by metal lathing
and hard plaster with the proper orna-
mental finish.
If such changes be contemplated !
beg to recommend that the two shorter
brackets, supporting the inner dome
on the ribs of the main dome, be first
removed and replaced by similar but
much longer brackets. 1t appears that
one Of those main ribseis bent, and
think this is due to the fact that the
bracket does not extend far enough
down on the steel rib. 'Ehe substitu-
ton of such new brackets can be ac-
complished without much difficulty,
proper snoring being first erected.
Attached to this report and forming
part Of same are sketch showing lay
out of the girders and five sheets OF
calculations.
Respectfully submitted,
I (Sgned) KORT BEHLE,
NJ. Am. Soc. c. 3.
Chief Structural Engineer, Office or
the Supervising Architect, U. s.
Treasury Department