1897 Chicago Building Floor Loads 1

[bdlc2k]

Hey everyone
We are working on an improvement project in an old Chicago building. The structure dates back to 1897. The 1st floor is old clay tile and steel floor system over a basement. I am trying to find out what the design loads may have been and how to determine the capacity of this type of floor. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[JAE]

Check out the attached...from Structure magazines "Antiquated Structural Systems" Series.

Here's the root index from the magazine website: STRUCTURE Magazine - index

 

[JAE]

Here's another:

 

[bdlc2k]

Thanks, JAE
I do have the first pdf that you posted. I read an article somewhere which discusses the design loads for buildings during this time. You wouldn't happen to know how to find those or determine them would you?

 

[CANPRO]

here is a couple of pages from Ketchums "Structural Engineers Handbook". It was published in 1918, so its a little off the mark for what you're looking for...but it might help.

 

[CANPRO]

and another with dead loads....

 

[JAE]

From this link:

http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/179.html

From the city's inception in 1837, Chicago's Health Department regulated the built environment to reduce threats from fire and disease. Within a generation, the regulations addressed numerous issues concerning the construction, alteration, and maintenance of residential, industrial, and commercial structures. In 1875, the city codified these regulations and created a Department of Buildings to administer the code.

The code never satisfied reformers. In the 1890s, Hull House residents investigated their neighborhood to reveal the extent of sanitation problems among the poor. Despite a revision of the code, problems remained, due to severe overcrowding. So in 1900, the City Homes Association commissioned a much larger survey directed by Robert Hunter. Hunter canvassed immigrant neighborhoods and presented a sophisticated statistical analysis. Social scientists Edith Abbott and Sophonisba Breckinridge expanded this work in their attempt to establish a scientific basis for the study of poverty. Their efforts led to tenement codes setting minimum requirements for light, air, ventilation, and plumbing.

 

[JAE]

A Chicago ordinance from Google Books:
Ordinance Link

 

[JAE]

Per this link: Google Book Link there was a "Chicago Building Code" of 1875.

Doesn't seem to show up on Google Books but you could look.