Arizona republican., 1906-05-04
PHOENIX. ARIz.. MAY 4, 1906.
MODERN STEEL STRUCTURES.


 The stability of the modern steel frame sky-scraping structure has been subject of controversy since the first of the ultra tall buildings was erected in New York. It has been the conten- ton of some architects that a moder- ate shock of earthquake would cause these tall and spindling buildings to topple and fall like houses of cards. Other architects have claimed on the contrary, that in the presence of earth quake the steel skeletons would by reason of their liberal factor of elastic ity. prove the salvation of the structure under conditions which would reduce much less tall buildings of brick and stone to ruins.
 The first breakdown test of the steel sky-scraper was given during the recent earthquake at San Francisco While full technical reports are not yet at hand. enough is known, in general way. to warrant the assumption that structures of the steel skeleton type demonstrated their stability beyond reasonable question. While the stone walls of the seventeen-story Spreckels building were destroyed, the frame work seems not to have seriously suf- fered. That the test was satisfactory to the authorities and architects of San Francisco is abundantly shown by the determination to adopt that type of office building.
 Says the Rochester Democrat-C -Chron-
 
 suit of the earthquake:
 Two or three practical and import ant results are likely to follow the test of the steel skeleton buildings at San Francisco. It has emphasized the de- sirability of using other materials than brick or stone for inclosure, as it was noticed that when the steel frame came back into position after the disturb ance the inclosing walls had fallen out. Tn the present state Of the building art it is reasonable to conclude that some material will be found which will give the walls as well as the skeleton framework. a safe margin of elasticity. San Francisco's experience also em- phasizes the necessity of greater care III IlEtNiIlS anu stay HE NiAC OCaiiAS which form the skeleton of the build ing. It is also probable that archi- tects will be enabled so to perfect the details of construction that this factor of elasticity will be increased.
 The importance of properly anchor ing the frame of a sky-scraper to it's foundations was also made apparent. ;, of f.I eli tower Is to be expected to withstand the swaying resulting from an earth quake, it must be securely anchored. To accomplish this result it will Obvi- ous.y be necessary to erect the new San Francisco sky-scrapers on other than the made ground of the bay.
 What effect the test of San Fran cisco steel structures will have on the future of sky-scraping buildings, out side of the earthquake zone. remains to be seen. It is known that the ques- tion of the ability of these structures to withstand wind sress, causing sway ing, has had a restraining effect, and the limit of height has seemingly been l reached in the examples of this type of architecture in New York. The ex- perience of San Francisco would seem to be very suggestive in this respect l and the "come back" quality of the steel skeleton will receive much atten- ! tion. That there will be greater con- fidence in the tall Manhattan buildings goes almost without saying. That the limit of height will be extended and the number of stories increased is more than probable"