Building Restriction in Concrete

Progress, Volume XIV, Issue 6, 1 February 1919, Page 429

Building Restriction in Concrete

The Concrete Institute of America had something to say regarding building restrictions recently, which is of interest to New Zealand, which is Suffering in a similar way. Under the heading “Restrictive Laws,” the committee reported as follows:--“Building ordinances framed to control the brick, tile and stone constructions before the extensive use of concrete in wall construction are in. mostcases unduly burdensome and restrictive when ap plied to concrete. Six-inch walls are the maximum needed in monolithic construction and 2in. is common in precast construction where other structural members carry the load. Most codes call for Sin. and some as much as. 12in thickness. Similar difficulties are found with floors. A reform of our building laws is urgently needed in many of our big cities, and the committee has in mind the preparation of a building code for concrete small bouse construction which will serve as a model for cities, and suggests that after receiving the endorsement of the Institute it be circulated and urged upon municipal authorities. There is a widespread interest in the concrete house to-day. There is not, however, much .active demand for it, owing to the dearth of contractors experienced in concrete work who arc entering this new field to create a supply. The majority of the small houses built to-day are built for quick sale by the vendor and not, for investment. House building standards have been low. Competition in prices has been keen, but quality has been a secondary consideration. The demand at the present time seems to be for a better type of construction. Concrete meets this demand. He who never makes, a mistake never makes anything.