Pre 1920 Building Codes

[apetr26542]

I am interested in this as we are doing work on an existing 1914 building, The NYS building code for existing buildings merely states that the structure shall be capable of supporting loads at the time or era. Unless you make modifications that increase the stresses by more than 5%. Something to that effect, anyway.

I beleive they had limits on height and perhaps a limit on exterior openings for lateral stability. What I ultimately want to determine is if we are keeping with the spirit of the original code.

Background, seven story reinforced concrete building, with 6"x18" beams, 3 per bay, columns 20 c.c each way, building is about 100ftx100ft square. These beams are too small to be "bents" the building has a few openings on the exterior. Record drawings could not be located.

We are adding openings and I want something to "hang my hat on". The lower story columns are 30x30 across. and taper up to 16x16 at the roof. I could do a 3D analysis as a last resort, but it is not known if the splices of the members could develop the moments and shears in the model.

 

[apetr26542]

Update: did find a refernece to a "New York City Building Code of 1917", trying to obtain this though. I also found a reference to a "Detailed assesment of Moment frame elements with Masonry Infill Panels"

 

[BSE05]

MA has a section on existing bldgs which is quite comprehensive. it is online

http://www.mass.gov.

It makes you bring the structure up to current code if you change anything structurally (including seismic). Otherwise you only have to make sure all the components are tied together for lateral load. It give some loads and guidance on this. Also look for an old Kidder-Parker Architect's and Builders Handbook. Lots of interesting information on how these building were put together.