New Britain herald., 1929-04-02
INSPECTORS 0, K.
NEWINGTON SCHOOL
Engineers to Recommend Ac-
ceptince It Meeting Tonight

ton over which a controversy has
ragged for long time has been ap-
proved by the two engineers selected
to inspect it. and the office of Perry
u Bishop has been 0otified that
report favorable on the acceptance
of the building will be made at a
town meeting this evening.
The proposal to hold up payments
until the building was inspected ty
two disinterested engineers was
adopted by resolution February ~
at town meeting. At that time
considerable opposition developed.
much of it based on minor criticisms
OF the building which were later eX-
planned by D. X, Perry.
Feeling at the meeting was in
tense and l.. l.. Harding. chairman
OF the building committee. and
Harry II. Howard chairman Of the
board of education. submitted their
resignation. Former Highway Com
Philip A. Mason. building inspector
OF the city of Hartford. were Sc
lected to inspect the building.
The inspection. according to the
report was very thorough. Whine
the engineers did not cut out por-
tons Of the floors or walls to test
them, they did get all the bills and
purchasing orders for materials and
after thorough inspection Of every
portion OF the building and check
up on supplies have reached the de-
cison that the building is every
thing the people Of Newington have
a reasonable right to expect.
The report frankly states that
certain advantages not included in
the specifications should have been
added. but goes on to explain that
because Of the lack of sufficient
funds these were left out. Consid-
cradle space in the report is given
over to the recommendation that an
additional septic tank and increased
sanitary facilities be added at once.
Extracts from the report take up
certain things which were under fire.
as follows:
AN inspection OF the building in
dicates from outward appearance
that with some minor exceptions
The construction is we'll done.
Gymnasium floor: We are OF the
opinion that any attempt to break
through the gymnasium floor or OK
caNatc il to find out if it is properly
constructed with the proper depth
Of ciuIcrs would be unwisc and
detrimental 10 the building, and of
no particular value to the town. In
vestigation of the records shows
that the general contractor Dur-
chased more than sufficient cin1crs
to lay the required depth under the
floor. indicating that this particular
part Of the work was not skimped.
The general appearance OF the
floor is good and We suggest that the
general ( ontractor be requested TO
furnish fivc-year bond giving
surety that IL defects in the floor
arise, which can he traced directly to
faulty construction, tho floor shall
be repaired or replaced by the con-
tractor without expense to the town.
"Auditorium floor: we arc Of the
opinion that the floor as construct
cd is ga fe for the load specified, with
a reasonable margin of safety. We
recommend that if the town is not
satisfied with tho opinion thus en-
pressed. the authorities arrange for
"A suitable test Of section Of his
floor under a load Of, say fNic"
that specified to be applied before
the seats sre placed. to thoroughly
satisf, everyone Of the ultimate
safety of the structure. Our own
opinion Is that the above test is ad
visable only TO satisfy possible un-
Informed criticism. our own judy
ment being that the floor is con-
structed in accordance with the
specifications.
THE noticeable vibration in the
floor could have been avertcd by
The use of somcw hat heavier con-
struction. but the cost would have
been consd rably increased. The vi
bration of itself is in no way an In
dication of danger. and would ceas
when the floor was partly loaded.
Roofs: asc"rtained that III"
had not at any time submitted bid
in accordance with the specifications
but after approval by the architect
based his bid on the installation of
so-called "Genasco Asphalt roof
in accordance with specification OF
the Barbour Asphalt Company for II
concrete deck. While the actual cosi
for such n roof may have been
somewhat less than that for tar and
Stag roof. it IS our opinion that III"
asphalt roof is perfectly satisfactory.
The depressions in the roof. which
allow water to stand on certain parts
were probably caused by inability TO
keep the roof construction absolutely
level. but the mere fact of water
standing or the roof Is not. in our
opinion in any wise detrimental. As
matter Of fact. such water would
tend to keep the asphalt in good
condition.
"Invcstigation Of the interior Of
the building does not indicate any
leaks. although some very heavy
rains have occurred since the COM
plction Of the roof. Standing water
will quickly disappear in norma!
weather by evaporation.
"A ten year guarantee is furnished
for this roof. which would amply
protect the town from any defects
due tc faulty construction which