PREFACE 



A SERIOUS attempt has been made to incorporate into one 

 volume a set of ten specifications, which not only cover the 

 most important materials used in construction work of any 

 magnitude, but which are condensed so as to avoid unnecessary 

 repetitions, are consistent throughout, and which, at the same 

 time, conform in every essential to the latest experiments and 

 investigations, to the best authorities, to modern practice, and 

 to the author's own considerable experience. 



Of new matter, particular attention is called to the specifica- 

 tions for REINFORCED CONCRETE, as these are rather extensive, 

 probably the first complete set in existence. 



To facilitate the use of all specifications, the subject matter 

 in each has been arranged, as nearly as possible, in the order, 

 or rotation, in which the information is wanted. 



Any designs made, or structures built in strict accordance 

 with these specifications will insure first-class details, excellent 

 materials, and creditable workmanship, as well as safety, dura- 

 bility, and economy. Hence they are designed to be equally 

 well suited to the needs of engineers, architects, contractors, 

 college professors and their students. 



In the body of the specifications credit has been accorded to 

 authorities, when quoted, to whom thanks are due. Thanks 

 are also due to Francis P. Witmer, M. Am. Soc. C.E., and others 

 for many valuable suggestions. J. C. O. 



NEW YORK, September, 1910. 



