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THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A SKYSCRAPER

I. Essential Characteristics

A. Great height -- relative

B. Interior arrangement in stories

C. Utmost space and light

 

II. Necessary Means

A. Structural system adequate -- skeletal framing

B. Materials necessary for structural system -- steel and

fireproofing

C. Passenger elevators

 

III. Favoring Conditions

A. Economic: high value of land, availability of labor and capital

B. Social: living in large groups, vigorous enterprise, organization of labor

C. Technological: availability of suitable tools, processes, and sources of power; development of plumbing, engineering

D. Psychological: desires (conscious or unconscious) which a tall form can express

E. Aesthetic: a liking for height; preference for effect of towers related to lower buildings

Technology Notes:

Bearing wall construction:

• solid masonry; usually 12" (at least) for 1st floor, & 4" for
• each additional floor. 5 story building = 28" walls; ten story
• building = 48" walls.
• Walls support floor girders (usually 16" if wood; may be cast
• iron.

Cast iron:

• poured while molten
• 2-4% carbon; very brittle
• 1200-1500&degree F melting point

Wrought iron:

• .3-1% carbon
• higher melting point

Steel:

• X-1.7% carbon
• very high melting point

Chronology of Enabling Technologies

1853: safety elevator (Otis)

1855: Bessemer process for steel

1868: typewriter

1876: mimeograph

1876: telephone

1879: electric light

1880: steel becomes cheap

1885: skyscraper

 

Skyscrapers

Tallest Buildings

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Boston College
Jeffery Howe: 1996, 1997, 1998. (email: [email protected])