New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1921-09-11
By r. G. Boyer
National Bridge Works


Steel lumber was designed primar-
lily to take tho place of wood joists
and studs in floor end partition con-
struction. The use Of steel lath,
which Is secured to the steel sections
by means Of spring lath clips attached
over the fianges. provides q construc-
zion which entirely eliminates combus-
tible material. Tho result Is light
weight, fireproof and indestructible
building at slightly Increased cost over
&hat Of wood.
The value Of this material In reduc-
ing the enormous annual fire losses
and the economic necessity Of bringing
Me cost Of freproof construction
within the range of the average indi-
vidual have been evidenced by the
rapid and substantial growth Of the
demand fer steel lumber.
National steel lumber Is made from
q high quality basic open hearth steel.
rolled from q slab to the finished prod
uct under strict supervision and in
epection.
These sections can be furnished in
maximum lengths of one hundred feet
If desired, thus eliminating all spite
ing. AS the strips receive even roll
ing and are of uniform thickness over
the entire width, they come from the
mill perfectly fiat, showing the alb
sence of internal stresses.
After the strip is thoroughly cooled
it is formed into the eection,
which insures uniformity throughout,
and which uniformity eliminates the
possibility of distortion due to inter
nal stress If subjected to high tenn
perature. On account of the uniform
ity of the thickness of the section and
that of the steel contained therein "a
maximum strength Is obtained at COM
paratively high temperatures. Actual
Are tests have proved this and shown
the superior merits of steel lumber for
areproof construction.
The strength of the steel (oist is
ample for the purpose intended-all
tables being computed on the basis of
a safety factor of four with fiber
stress of 10000 pounds square
inch. The manufacturing processes
that give the joists greater fiber
strength and uniformity are not adapt
ed to the production of heavy sections
such as are found in structural steel.
The function or the steel JOlst is TO
pick up the floor loads of buildings
and when such loads have reached a
sufficient total transfer them to the
heavier sections comprising the skele-
ton frame or to supporting walls:
The success of steel lumber is based
upon fireproof qualities, soundproo Of
qualities, low cost, simplicity of de-
sign and installation, adaptability,
durability, ease of inspection, light
weight and rapidity of erection.
Merits of Steel Lumber
Steel joist provides tirst-class fire.
proof building with the lightest floors
and SO reduces dead load weight on
beams, columns, walls and foundation.
1t is sound proof, making it ideal for
installation in all classes of buildings.
1t gives finish in building not OBJ
tainable in many other types of fire.
proof construction. Plaster is mechan-
ically bonded to the metal lath and be-
comes q permanent part Of the build
ing.
It provides a safe and dependable
means of economical construction dur
ing winter months, the prosecution of
the work not being handicapped by
usual protective measures, and the dan
ger Of serious results from freezing
being entirely eliminated.
The more simple construction the
less is the chance for failure. Steel