STATE GEOLOGIST. pit 
DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS SYSTEMS OF REINFORCED CONCRETE, 
But brief descriptions can be given here of the more important systems 
with their essential differences. 
Monier System —In the words of Mr. E. Lee Heidenreich, C. E., 
the agent representing that system in this country, “The Monier con- 
struction consists of two materials, wrought iron or steel, and mortar, 
consisting of cement and sand, or cement, sand and broken stone. The 
iron or steel is either in the form of rods or wires, and are designated as 
carrying rods and distributing rods. The first ones being quite heavy are 
calculated to take most of the tensile strain of the construction; the dis- 
tributing rods being lighter and serving the purpose merely to distribute 
evenly the load over the carrying rods. The two systems of rods are 
applied like a netting with meshes, varying according to the requirements 
of the construction, from say two inches to ten inches square. In most 
cases the distributing rods are placed at a distance apart equal to about 
twice that of the carrying rods.” 
The two systems of rods are wired together and this network oi 
wires or rods is placed in the forms prepared for the concrete at about one- 
sixth of the thickness of the concrete plate from the side which is exposed 
to tension and held there by wedges until the concrete is thoroughly incor- . 
porated around the rods and fills the molds. | 
This system is applicable to any form of construction possible, the — 
increase in the mesh and the size of the rod covering all the ranges of 
construction from a flower pot to a railway bridge. It is particularly 
adapted for the construction of the smaller sizes of sewer, irrigation and 
water supply pipes. 
Roebling’s System.—The Roebling system “A” consists of woven 
wire mesh stiffened by steel rods, which is sprung in between floor beams 
or girders in an arched form. Upon this arch, concrete is deposited and 
allowed to harden. For ceilings, a system of rods is attached to the lower 
flanges of the floor beams by patent clamps which offset the bars below 
the beams for one-half inch or more. Under these rods and securely 
fastened to them by wiring, is placed the Roebling woven wire lathing, 
reinforced with one-fourth inch stiffening rods. A coating of one inch 
of plaster composed of cement or “hard plaster” is troweled upon the 
underside, thus producing their fire proof construction. This system 
is especially fitted for fire proofing floors, beams, columns, etc. Figure 
66 shows it in detail. In their system “B,” flat iron bars, set on edge, are 
clamped from beam to beam, both on top and bottom, and the wire 
meshing fastened to the bars. A 3% inch layer of concrete is then put 
above the upper wiring and I inch of plaster below the lower wire mesh. 
In this method the floor beams are encased on all sides to prevent fire 
teaching them. Figure 67 shows this system. 
