Building Superintendence for Steel Structures: A Practical Work on the Duties of a Building Superintendent for Steel-frame Buildings

BUILDING SUPERINTENDENCE FOR STEEL STRUCTURES - A PRACTICAL WORK ON THE DUTIES OF A BUILDING SUPERINTENDENT FOR STEEL-FRAME BUILDINGS AND THE PROPER METHODS OF HANDLING THE MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION by EDGAR S. BELDEN. INTRODUCTION: THE problems of superintendence of steel frame structures aie JL so different from those which arise in connection with other types of buildings that it has been necessary for men to make a specialty of building superintendence for steel buildings. The knowledge of the best types of design, the proper methods of fabrication, the tests which should be connected for quality of steel, and finally the proper methods of erecting the steel, all call for special training apart from the usual building superintendence methods. It is with the idea of giving engineer and layman the most authoritative information on this important subject that this little volume has been published. It does not attempt to go into the theory of design of steel structures, but confines itself to the problems of superintendence alone. The author is abundantly quali- fied to speak on this subject as he has erected many steel buildings for one of the biggest contracting firms in the country. He has given the reader the benefit of his experience as a superintendent by outlining the duties of this office, and making clear the engineering, legal, and practical knowledge required. Then he goes into detail regarding the inspection of the steel material in the fabrication shops and the proper method of storing it until needed. The problems of erection are all treated equipment required, foundations, the handling of the steel, riveting, and painting. The author closes the article with some advice as to the proper organization of his force, how the superintendent should work with architect and owner and what qualities a good superintendent should possess. Altogether the article should prove a valuable addition to the technical literature in this field. Contents include: Introduction 1 Classes of structures 1 Structural steel 1 Good design 2 Divisions of work 2 General superintendence problems 5 Reconciling theory and practice 5 Value of forethought 5 Judgment in handling mistakes 5 Theories of designing engineer vs. actualities of contractor 6 Problem of handlingmen 6 Progress charts 8 Shifting character of contractors organization 8 Handling business details 9 Value of business methods with businessmen 9 Appointments Contractors payments Superintendents rulings Purchases Legal points encountered 11 Importance of legal knowledge 11 Rudiments of law 11 Field of private law 12 Contracts 12 Agency 16 Liability law 18 Building laws 18 Lien laws 18 Application of the law 19 Duties regarding drawings 20 Draftsmanship and superintendence compared 20 Knowledge of drawings important 20 Accuracy of drawings 21 Supplying workmen with drawings 21 Handling drawings 21 Classes of drawings 22 Conflict in requirements 23 Inspection of material and erection of steel work 24 Mill inspection Knowledge necessary for mill inspector Cast iron Wrought iron Steel Necessity of mill inspection 10 10 10 11 24 24 25 26 27 30 Inspection of material and erection of steel work Continued Shop inspection 30 Amount of inspection varies with work 30 Drawings in shop 31 Shop processes 31 Reports 38 Inspection and superintendence of erection 38 Kinds of structure 38 Different methods of erecting steel ...