As may be seen from the figure, this flooring consists of tubular girders resting upon very simple metallic anchorages. These girders are of the composition above described, and thus constitute a sort of monolith upon which any sort of a floor can be laid—terra cotta, marble, wood, etc.
Aside from its being nearly completely incombustible, this sort of flooring presents a great advantage, from an economical standpoint, in consequence of the rational utilization of the materials employed. It is unnecessary to say that the metal is perfectly protected against oxidation.
Another advantage of this flooring is that it almost entirely prevents the propagation of sound.
HENNEBIQUE’S FIREPROOF FLOORING.
As may be readily seen, this mode of construction is applicable to different uses and to every possible sort of decoration, such as cornices, compartment ceilings, girders of various styles, as well as pillars, pilasters, columns, and supports of every shape and every resistance.—Chronique Industrielle.
Construction of Chimney Flues.
In a letter to the Insurance World Mr. Thomas Boyd, architect, of Pittsburg, Pa., gives the following practical information:
I have had considerable experience in examining buildings burned by fire, having been associated with my father for eleven years, and during that time have examined hundreds of buildings destroyed by fire. I have traced more fires to the cause of defective flues than to any other source, and I could refer you to buildings, not only in this city but in others, where fires have occurred from this cause, and the insurance men and the public in general stated that the fire occurred from “unknown causes,” as it was first seen many feet away from the flues.