Improvements in Life Construction offers, and Fireproof Floors.
Year: 1886

page_text: Date of Application, 26th Mar., 1886.
Complete Left, 24th Dec., 1886.
Complete Accepted, 11th Feb., 1887.
Improvements in Life Construction offers, and
Fireproof Floors.
We, RUDOLPH AUGUST STOFFERT of 4 West Regent Street, Glasgow, Lanarkshire
Contractor for Ironwork and Fireproof Structures and THOMAS DYKES of 65 West
Regent Street, Glasgow, aforesaid, Architect, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention to be as follows :-
The present invention is a development of that described in the Specification
accompanying our application for Patent No. 4830 of 1885.
In that Specification, various modifications of Girders are described; embodying
as the leading feature, a construction in which an upper and a lower flange of T shape
are connected together by means of a series of web straps or braces of an angular
outline; and "generally forming three sides of a trapezoid or quadrilateral figure
whose fourth side is formed by part of the T flange to which the strap or brace is
bolted or secured."
In our present invention we retain, in the majority of cases, the T sectional shape
for the top and bottom flanges, but in other modifications we may either entirely
dispense with girder flanges or booms such as are in themselves detachable and distinct
from the hereinafter described series of interchangeable web bracing-pieces or sections
(in which case we would make the girder flanges upon, and solidly of a piece with,
these interchangeable bracing-pieces or sections; which constitute the girder web,
and would in such case, fulfil the three-fold functions of web, girder flanges or booms,
and stiffeners) or we may employ as girder flanges, bars of ☐ section, of flat plate, of
channel or other suitable section. In all modifications the girder web construction
consists of a series of distinct and individual bracing pieces or sections, interchangeable
with each other, in each of their respective kinds, and in which are retained the quadri-.
lateral form and outline, in themselves continuously; while having each of their "
opposite corresponding sides parallel and equal, and at right angles, or other convenient
angle with their other two sides. As a variation they may have two opposite sides
parallel and unequal, with the other two sides equal, or approximately equal; but
inclined at a suitable angle from each other in the same manner as that shewn in

page_text: Fig. 25 of the above mentioned Patent No. 4830 of 1885, with or without the
ornamental infilling of the aperture; but with the projected flange on two, or all sides
as required. The quadrilateral shaped bracing-pieces or sections, may be of T section,
placed back to back crosswise with each other, and at an angle with, and butted and
fitted between, the tables of upper and lower flanges, and secured to each other, and
to the web of girder flanges; and either parallel, or at an angle with, the adjacent
corresponding bracing-piece or section, right and left on same side of girder.
The web bracing-pieces or sections may also be flanged, channelwise, on two or
more edges or sides; such flanged parts bearing either vertically, or at other suitable
angle with, and against, the inner surface of tables of girder flanges or booms; and
in some cases, simultaneously on such flange-table surfaces, and upon the corresponding
upright, or oblique-angled flanged edge (as the case may be) of the adjacent web-
bracing-piece or section (right and left, on the same side of girder) to which it may
be secured by bolts or rivets. They may also, where desired and practicable, be
lightened in weight and appearance, by having apertures or perforations formed in
their vertical plane surface."
Where the girder flanges are of Ṭ section, it is intended to arrange the web bracing-
pieces or sections continuously on both sides, back to back (directly, or intermediately)
with each other on reverse sides; or they may be arranged to alternate with each
other on opposite sides of girder, and with, or without, spaces or openings intervening
in the longitudinal direction of girder.
Where for a lighter class of girder, the flanges are of L, channel, or flat plate
section the web bracing-pieces or sections may be made to bear on one, or on two
surfaces, to form one or two lines of bracings in the direction of length of girder; and
as above described, the quadrilateral bracing-pieces or sections may be flanged on all
sides; and by being secured to each other back to back, and through adjacent projecting
flanges right and left; a girder would be constituted, having a combined web, flanges
or booms, and stiffeners; easily built together, and of only one description of con-
structional part, and that entirely interchangeable with every other such corresponding
part.
Girders constructed according to the foregoing description are designed to be
specially suited for employment in the support of loads rested on top flange ; or
otherwise the load may result from the support of materials passed through spaces or
openings at desired intervals, through the girder web, and bearing on either, or on
both flanges of girder simultaneously.
These girders are intended, in practice, for general carrying purposes, and for
combination with, and support of, timber joisting to form wooden floors, platforms, or
like structures; in which case, and for such purpose, spaces or openings at intervals,
will be left betwixt each back-to-back couple of web-portions or sections, in the
direction of length of girder.
The flanges of girders so combined with timber joisting, would, though not necessarily
so in every instance, yet be in the most of cases, flush with, and of equal depth with,
the joists they support.
In other cases, the girders may, through their web, be combined with, and support
transverse metallic joists or bars of suitable section, in turn combined with concrete,
or analogous composition; the entire combination of girders with their transverse
joists or bars and concrete; being arranged and made in such manner as to wholly,
or almost wholly, hide and embed the iron work in the concrete of structure; thereby
protecting the structural iron work from the action of heat in the event of fire
impinging against the structure so constituted.
In the case of girders employed for such combination as the latter; the flanged
parts of web-portions or sections would preferably be made to bear simultaneously
on each other, at any convenient angle with, and upon the tables of girder flanges;
openings, at intervals, being left through, rather than between, each individual web-
portion or section; and the portion of under flange of girder, exposed below the
general floor thickness or ceiling, can be effectively encased in cement or other suitable
fire-proof materials,

page_text: The characteristics and features of practical utility and advantage, secured in girders
constructed according to the foregoing description, would be as follows:
A web and flanges consisting, in their respective kinds, of few dissimilar or non-
interchangeable parts, and such as are capable of being speedily built up; thus
insuring simplicity and ease in construction, and in erection at works, or site; and the
reduction to a minimum of the risk of error on the part of workmen as even the
flanges are interchangeable; and either may be used for the upper, or the lower
flange.
A series of mutually interchangeable pieces or sections, constituting-(solidly of a
piece, or so built)-a construction serving the combined purposes of a connecting web,
and lateral, and vertical stiffeners, throughout the length of girder; and that in such
manner as to necessitate a minimum number of bolt or rivet holes to reduce the
strength of the girder flanges. These web-portions or sections also insure effective
resistance to, and equalization of, shearing strain on the girder structure under load ;
and every bolt or rivet along the line of flange web, will be made to secure the greatest
number of structural pieces; while the projected flanged parts of web-portions or
sections, where bearing closely on each other; may or may not, be rivetted or boltod
together.
A narrow depth over flanges of girders, as compared with the extent of their
practicable clear spans and-where combined to form wooden, or concrete or composite
Hoors, a limited thickness, or minimum overall depth, from top, surface of floor, to
underside of bottom flange of main bearing girder.
RUD. A. STOFFERT.
THOS. DYKES.

page_text: COME LEIE DE BOITICATION.
Improvements in the Construction of Girders, and Timber and
Fireproof Floors.
We, RUDOLPH AUGUST STOFFERT, of 4 West Regent Street, Glasgow, Lanarkshire,
Contractor for Ironwork and Fireproof Structures, and THOMAS DYKES, of 65 West
Regent Street, Glasgow, aforesaid, Architect, do hereby declare the nature of our
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described
and ascertained in and by the following statement in writing reference being had to
the accompanying Sheet of Drawings, and to the letters and figures marked thereon;
that is to say:-
The present invention is a development of that described in the Specification
accompanying our application for Patent No. 4830 of 1885...
In that Specification various modifications of girders are described; embodying as
the leading feature, a construction in which an upper and lower flange of Ṭ shape are
connected together by means of a series of web straps or braces of an angular outline;
and generally forming three sides of a trapezoid or quadrilateral figure where the
fourth side is formed by part of the T flange to which the strap or brace is bolted or
secured.
In order that the nature and novelty of our said Invention, and the manner of
performing or carrying the same into effect or practice may be properly understood,
we have hereunto appended an explanatory Sheet of Drawings, in which the same
reference letters are used to indicate like parts, in all the figures where shown.
Figure 1 shows a side elevation, and a transverse section on the line 1---1 of the
former, of part of a girder, illustrating one modification of our improvements with the
quadrilateral interchangeable straps or bracing-pieces A, forming the main web of
the girder, of an open rectangular form with flanges only at the two ends, bolted and
riveted on opposite sides to the vertical feather of the upper and lower Ṭ members or
booms B, B, respectively, of the girder, and riveted to themselves in the centre, the
horizontal or table flanges of these booms B and B' resting on the upper and lower
edges of the said two open web bracing-pieces or sections A on opposite sides, space
being left between the end flanges of these for the insertion of the wood or other
joists C, or C, approximately of the same depth as the girders, when the upper
boom B is removed for that purpose. Figure 2 shows a side elevation and a trans-
verse section on the line 2---2 of the former, of a modification corresponding to that
shown in Figure 1, except that the sectional interchangeable rectangular straps have
flanges all round the four sides, but is otherwise substantially the same as that shown
in Figure 1. Figure 3, shows a transverse section of a girder A, B, B¹, corresponding
to either of the modifications shown in Figures 1 and 2, but with the joists C raised
up, so that they do not require to be cut on the under sides. Figure 4 shows a side
elevation, and a transverse section taken on the line 3---3 of the former, of a different
modification of part of a girder from that shown in Figures 1 to 3, in which the
rectangular straps or bracing-pieces A are shown with flanges on all the four sides,
and riveted to themselves and to the vertical feathers of the upper and lower booms B, B',
on opposite sides, and formed square or of such a length as to admit malleable iron
joists of an I-section, though or other suitable section may be employed between
the flanges of each pair of braces, and in the centre of their open space, resting on the
upper edges of the lower boom, and said bracing pieces with or without stools below

page_text: at c. Figures 5 and 6 show side elevations of parts of two modifications of girders in
which the quadrilateral interchangeable sectional bracing-pieces A¹ forming the main
vertical web of the girder, are shown as made in the form of a close frame rhombus
with open centre, riveted with their end flanges together on opposite sides of the
vertical feather of the upper and lower booms B, B, the former, Figure 5, being
shown without flanges on the upper and lower edges, while the latter have flanges on
all the four sides, the upper and lower edges and flanges of both resting on the hori-
zontal webs of the booms B, B'. Figure 7 shows two modifications of parts of girder
in which the quadrilateral bracing-pieces A2 are formed of broad Ț iron of rhomboid
shape, riveted back to back crosswise with their flat sides to each other and to the
vertical feathers of the upper and lower booms B, B1, at opposite angles, having their
angled ends bearing on the inner surface of the horizontal flanges of the booms, which
bracing pieces might be easily detachable and put together where they had to be
erected. Malleable iron joists C, are indicated in dotted lines in the spaces between
these bracing sections or pieces A¹, A2, in all these modifications Figures 5 to 7, and
with these transverse bars Comitted the girders shown at Figures 5 to 7 would
be suitable as general carrying girders. Figure 8 shows a transverse section of any
one of these girders, Figures 1 to 7, with the malleable iron joist C in position and
as concreted at D, D', above and below the girder and joists, (though concrete may
be finished flush with underside of transverse bars in this as also in Figure 4) and
with the floor E indicated as laid on runners above, all as suitable for fire-proof
buildings. Figure 9 shows various sections of the girders as made with these
sectional bracing pieces, the first F showing the flanges and braces A', A¹, of a piece
back to back without detachable upper and lower booms, the second G, the same as F
but with flat plates for the lower and upper booms B, B¹ with the bracing pieces A¹, A¹
riveted together back to back, the third H with continuous angle bars for booms B2, B²
on one side, and bracing pieces A¹ with flanges all round on the other side, and the
fourth I with angle continuous bars B2, B2 on one side, and braces A' with flanges all
round on the other side, and a channel-iron bar B above for top flange of upper
boom B2 for general carrying girders, and in the case of girders for timber floors for
having a filling of wood for securing the flooring to, suitable for Figures 1 and 2.
In our present invention we retain, in the majority of cases, the T sectional shape
for the top and bottom flange members B, B', but in other modifications we may as
above described either entirely dispense with girder flanges or booms such as are in
themselves detachable or separate members and distinct from the hereinafter described
series of interchangable web bracing-pieces or sections A, A1, A2 (in which case we
would make the girder flanges upon and solidly of a piece with, these interchangable
bracing-pieces or sections which constitute the girder web, and would in such case,
fulfil the three-fold functions of web, girder flanges or booms, and stiffeners, as shown
in the sectional view F of Figure 9); or we may employ as girder flanges, a comi-
bination of the flanges on the bracing-pieces of sections and bars of flat plate section,
or of channel or other suitable section, as shown respectively at G, H, and I in
Figure 9. In all modifications of our present improvements, the girder web con-
struction consists of a series of distinct and individual bracing-pieces or sections
A, A1, A2, interchangeable with each other, in each of their respective kinds, and in
which are retained the quadrilateral form and outline in themselves continuously;
while having each of their opposite corresponding sides parallel and equal, and at
right angles, as shown in Figures 1 to 4 for the insertion of joists between them or
other convenient angle with their other two sides, as shown in Figures 5 to 7. As a
variation they may have two opposite sides parallel and unequal, with the other two
sides equal, or approximately equal; but inclined at a suitable angle from each other
in the same manner as that shown in Figure 25 of the above mentioned Patent
No. 4830 of 1885, with or without the ornamental infilling of the aperture; but with
the projected flange on two, or all sides as required. The quadrilateral shaped
bracing-pieces or sections may be of T section, placed back to back crosswise with
each other, and at an angle with, and butted and fitted between, the tables of
upper and lower flanges, and secured to each other, and to the web of girder flanges;

page_text: and either parallel, or at an angle with, the adjacent corresponding bracing-piece or
section, right and left on same side of girder, all as shown in Figure 7.
The web bracing-pieces or sections may also be flanged, channelwise, on two or
more edges or sides; such flanged parts bearing either vertically, or at other suitable
angle with, and against, the inner surface of tables of girder flanges or booms B, B¹ ;
and in some cases, simultaneously on such flange-table surfaces, and upon the corre
sponding upright, or oblique-angled flanged edge (as the case may be) of the adjacent
web-bracing-piece or section (right and left, on the same side of the girder) to which
it may be secured by bolts or rivets, as shown in Figures 5, and 6. They may also,
where desired and practicable, be lightened in weight and appearance, by having
apertures or perforations formed in their vertical plane surface as shown at A³ in the
several figures.
Where the girder flanges are of T section, it is intended to arrange the web
bracing-pieces or sections continuously on both sides, back to back directly as shown
in Figures 1 to 7 with each other on reverse sides; or they may be arranged to
alternate with each other on opposite sides of girder, and with or without spaces or
openings intervening in the longitudinal direction of girder as indicated respectively
in Figures 1 to 4 and 5 and 6.
Where for a lighter class of girder, the flanges or booms are of L, channel, or flat
plate section, the web bracing-pieces or sections may be made to bear (as the case
may require) on one, or two surfaces of such girder flanges or booms to form one, or
two lines of bracings in the direction of length of girder; and as above described the
quadrilateral bracing-pieces or sections may be flanged on all sides as shown in
Figures 2, 4 and 6; and by being secured to each other back to back, and through
adjacent projecting flanges right and left and with or without interposed continuous
flat bars at top and bottom of girder, longitudinally, and packing pieces at centre of
web and cover plates top and bottom at junction of web bracing pieces, a girder
would be constituted, having a combined web, flanges or booms, and stiffeners;
easily interchangeable with every other such corresponding part as shown in section
at F of Figure 9.
Girders constructed according to the foregoing description are designed to be
specially suited for employment in the support of loads rested on top flanges B; or
otherwise the load may result from the support of materials passed through spaces
or openings at desired intervals, through the girder web, and bearing on either, or on
both flanges of girder simultaneously as shown in Figures 4 to 8.
These girders are intended in practice, for general carrying purposes, and for
combination with and support of, timber joisting to form wooden floors, platforms, or
like structures, in which case, and for such purpose, spaces or openings at intervals,
will be left between each back to back couple of web-portions or sections, in the
direction of length of girder, as shown in Figures 1 to 3.
The flanges of girder so combined with timber joisting, would though not necessarily
so in every instance, yet be in the most of cases approximately flush with, and of
equal depth with, the joists C they support, as shown at Figure 2.
In other cases, the girders may, through their web, be combined with, and support,
transverse metallic joists or bars C¹ of suitable section, in turn combined with concrete
or analogous composition, as shown in Figures 4 and 8; the entire combination of
girders with their transverse joists or bars and concrete, being arranged and made in
such manner as to wholly, or almost wholly, hide and embed the iron work in the
concrete D, D¹ of structure; thereby protecting the structural iron work from the
action of heat in the event of fire impinging against the structure so constituted.
In the case of girders employed for such combination as the latter; the flanged
parts of web-portions or sections A would preferably be made to bear simultaneously
on each other, at any convenient angle with, and upon the tables of the girder
flanges; openings at intervals, being left through, rather than between, each individual
web-portion or section, as shown in Figures 5 and 6; and the portion of under flange
of girder, exposed below the general floor thickness or ceiling, can be effectively
encased in cement or other suitable fire-proof materials, as shown at D' in Figures 4 and 8.

page_text: The characteristics and features of practical utility and advantage secured in girders
constructed according to the foregoing description, would be as follows:-The web A
and flanges B consisting, in their respective kinds, of few dissimilar or non-inter-
changeable parts, and such as are capable of being speedily built up; thus insures
simplicity and ease in construction, and in erection at works, or sites; and the
reduction to a minimum of the risk of error on the part of workmen ; as even the
flanges B, B¹, are interchangeable; and either may be used for the upper, or the lower
flange B or B.
A series of quadrilateral mutually interchangeable pieces or sections A, A¹, A²,
constituting (solidly of a piece, or so built) a construction serving the combined
purposes of a connecting web, and lateral, and vertical stiffeners throughout the
length of the girder; and that in such a manner as to necessitate a minimum number
of bolt or rivot holes to reduce the strength of the girder flanges. These web-portions
or sections also insure considerable resistance to, and equalisation of shearing strain
on the girder structure under load; and every bolt or rivet along the line of flange
web will be made to secure the greatest number of structural pieces; while the
projected flanged pieces of web-portions or sections A', A', where bearing closely on
each other, may or may not be riveted or bolted together.
A narrow depth over flanges of girders, as compared with the extent of their
practicable clear spans is obtained; and-where combined to form wooden, concrete
or composite floors-a limited thickness or minimum overall depth, from top surface
of floor, to underside of bottom flange of main bearing girder is also obtained.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said invention,
and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we claim is :-
First. The construction or arrangement and combination of parts of girders, adapted
for either timber or fireproof joisting, and floors, with quadrilateral interchangeable
brace-pieces on one or both sides, all substantially as herein described in reference to
and shown in the accompanying Drawings.
Second. In malleable iron or equivalent metallic built. girders the forming of the
vertical web of the girder by quadrilateral interchangeable bracing-pieces secured
together on both sides either opposite each other or in alternate positions of the upper
and lower longitudinal members of any section, and either left with spaces between
them for joists, or secured together at their ends by flanges or not, all substantially as
and for the purposes herein described in reference to and shown in the accompanying
Drawings.
Third. In malleable iron or other metallic built girders, the forming of the vertical
web of the girder by quadrilateral interchangeable Bracing-pieces on one or both sides
of the upper and lower longitudinal members of any section, and either with spaces
between them or secured together at their end flanges, all substantially as and for
the purposes herein described, in reference to and shown in the accompanying
Drawings.
Fourth. In malleable iron or equivalent metallic built girders, the forming of the
whole girder by quadrilateral interchangeable bracing pieces, with flanges on all four
sides, and riveted to each other by their flat sides and by their end flanges either
opposite each other back to back or in intermediate or alternate positions, and with or
without interposed continuous flat bars at top and bottom of girder longitudinally, and
packing pieces or washers at centre depth of web, with cover plates at junction of
upper and lower flanges upon web bracing pieces or sections, all substantially as
and for the purposes herein described, in reference to and shown in the accom-
panying drawings.