The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-10
Age-Herald Seeks Express siOns From Architects
 and Bremen
LOCAL BUILDINGS ARE
 MODELS OF THE KIND
All Cite Importance of Having the Steel Framework Carefully Protected From the Eff
 fects of Heat

In view of the big fire in New York yes- terday, which destroyed the magnificent Equitable building, The Age-Herald yes terday sought expressions of opinion from some of Birmingham's prominent archi- tects -on what constitutes a tireproof building and whether any of the big of flee buildings in Birmingham might have such a disaster as that in New York yes- terday.
 Chief Bennett and other prominent members of the fire depa.'tment were also asked for their views on the subject
 Here is what some of the architects had to say:
 w. T. Warren Defines Term
 W. T. Warren: "A strictly hreproof building is one that is erected with non inhammable materials throughout all it's structural parts and with no flammable portions exposed to a possible fire. It is generally conceded that a steel frame covered with concrete or terra cotta is the best type of construction of this kind, with doors and door trimmings of metal and fireproofing materials used for partitions.
 'The Empire building is the most per feet of the Birmingham office erections from the standpoint of fire safety, with the Chamber of Commerce structure mak- ing a close second. The former building is given the lowest rate of insurance, which is 30 cents, while the second is rated at 35 cents, with the Brown Marx receiving a schedule of 40 cents In my estimation, the reason for the low rate of the Empire is the great care given to the parts of the building that are some- times left unprotected in similar struc- lures. For instance, the steel bars across the elevator well have been coated with an inch or so of concrete to prevent the steel frame from warping or curling in case of intense heat. blaze of even medium proportions could heat the steel beams to melting point, but an appllca- ton of concrete or terra cotta would be an irresistible preventative.
 Tt is an interesting comparison to ob- serve that the Equitable Life building, which is considered very high priced construction, has burned to the ground. while the Chamber of Commerce structure in this city was only damaged in a com paratively small way from a fire that was | capable of causing unusual heat because of the cotton burning in the office where 1t originated. This is an apt illustration of the difference in freproofing now and 70 years ago when the Equitable building was erected, and indicates the rapid strides made in practicable knowledge of what constitutes genuine hreprooflng."
 Hugh Martins Views Hugh Martin of the firm of Miller & Martin: The term fireproofing is a relative one, depending upon the ex- tent of the eonflagration assailing the building and this question, like all scientific and economical matters, Is steadily progressing through expert ments made and the experiences of | those who erect with various materials It is also limited by economy and the height of the building, as reinforced concrete could not be used in the struc- lures of any height above fifteen stories with any satisfaction, as floor space would be utilized in making the columns of this material strong enough to support the higher floors. So A steel frame has come to be the most modern type for q fire proof building, With terra cotta or concrete covering.
 Tn the common acceptance of the term, fireproof construction Is one that Is erected with a steel skeleton having masonry facings, floors and walls, including all partitions of terra eotta. It is very likely that fire on the interior of any of the fireproof of flee buildings in this scity could be ex- tinguished within short time. but tbe real test will come with the flames at tacking the exterior. There is practi- cally no danger for great fire in this city resulting from blaze in any of these buildings, but I cannot say what might happen If a holocaust should sweep the business sections.
 Reinforced concrete, which consists of concrete slabs strengthened with metal bars 10 hold their tensile force. is the most popular of the materials used in the lower buildings. The Elm pire, Brown Marx, First National Bank. Chamber of Commerce and Title Char antee buildings. also tho new Y. NJ. C.. A. structure are among our most up to date buildings in the sense of being fireproof."
 What D. o. Whilldin Says n 4x.