STRUCTURAL PURPOSES 



It is a logical conclusion that structural timber should not 

 be used in sky-scraper districts. The question of wooden floors, 

 doors, inside trim, and fire-resistant construction is a problem 

 for the engineer. There is ample evidence that the tendency 

 in many cases has been to go too far in the elimination of wood, 

 since its modern use for these purposes is not the contributing 

 cause of fire. At any rate, the character of the contents is the 

 underlying conflagration hazard in many cases, as evidenced by 

 the burning out of the central districts of cities such as Balti- 

 more and San Francisco. 



For factory and warehouse purposes, suburban and country 

 dwellings, and in many other situations, wood may safely pre- 

 dominate, and if properly used meets all requirements. With 

 the basic facts of availability and economy established and data 

 available as to strength and durability, the engineer can readily 

 specify the extent to which structural timber may be safely used 

 to the advantage of the owner or community. 



Permanence Permanence as applied to construction is a 

 and relative term, since outside of definitely 



Depreciation planned and congested city districts perma- 

 nence may mean a building lasting ten 

 years or fifty years, according to the conditions. Both com- 

 mercial buildings and dwellings serve their original purpose 

 only while community or industrial conditions make their occu- 

 pancy attractive or profitable. The growth of nearly all 

 American cities has forced the transition of residential streets 

 to factory or warehouse districts, with no way of anticipating 

 ultimate developments. The capitol at Washington, for in- 

 stance, does not face the main part of the city, because it did not 

 grow in the direction which was anticipated. 



The lack of stability in city development does not mean 

 that strictly temporary, unsafe, or unsightly structures should 

 be built, but it does indicate definite advantages in the use of 

 timber as the main structural material in dwellings and com- 



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