126 F. M. GUMMOW. 



The method of loading was as follows: — A timber frame 

 with open vertical joints was formed around the test object 

 into which dry sand was filled level to the top. On the 

 sand was laid a course of bricks and on these a platform of 

 rolled joists 12 inches x 6 inches x 12 feet long. Under 

 the projecting ends of the joists timber structures were 

 built allowing a \ inch clearance being maintained by 

 adjustable blocks throughout the testing. This platform 

 of rolled joists was necessary in order to get sufficient 

 width on which to stack the bricks, and served in conjunc- 

 tion with the timber structure to ensure safety to those 

 loading up and reading the deflections. 



The test which extended over a period of 24 hours was 

 commenced one day and completed the next. The loading, 

 beside the sand filling, layer of bricks and steel joists con- 

 sisted of bricks, and reference to the drawings and photo- 

 graphs will show the method of loading adopted. The sand, 

 steel joists, and a quantity of bricks amounting in all to a 

 weight of 33*13 tons, was placed on the test object on the 

 first day and left on all night, an interval of 18 hours. This 

 load which amounted to more than twice the working load 

 for which the construction w r as designed, caused at the end 

 of that time deflections from ith to \ of an inch. Next 

 day the loading was continued, and the deflections taken 

 with each increase of 5 tons. 



As previously mentioned the old concrete floor supporting 

 the piers rested on very uncertain grounds, and in spite of 

 the precautions taken to transmit the pressure by means 

 of these steel joists over a larger area, the floor cracked 

 and settled, and consequently increased the readings of the 

 deflections. As these settlements could not be measured 

 and eliminated, the deflection readings are inclusive of the 

 settlements. Besides, these settlements not taking place 

 evenly, a twisting of the construction took place, all of 



