Engineering through plates and arches: a detailed look at iron roofs for public buildings
This edition presents a curated set of plates with practical explanations of how iron roofs were designed and assembled in the 19th century. It highlights bold spans, innovative framing, and the care taken to balance strength, economy, and aesthetics.
The book guides readers through notable examples, from early large-span roofs to railway stations, showing how engineers solved structural challenges with wrought iron, plate sections, and bolt connections. The descriptions emphasize the evolution of methods, the calculations behind the sizing of members, and the real-world results in costs and construction time.
- Detailed explanations of key roof systems, including rigid girders, trusses, and plate-iron framing.
- Case studies of famous roofs and sheds, with data on spans, heights, loads, and costs.
- Insights into workmanship, materials (like corrugated iron and glass), and erection techniques.
- How designers adapted to site conditions, traffic needs, and progressive engineering ideas.
Ideal for readers of architectural history, civil engineering, and railway infrastructure, who want to understand early industrial-era solutions to building large, open spaces with iron.