62 Sloan's Architectural Review and Builders' Journal. [July, DESCRIPTION This invention consists of a ceil- ing composed of ( H ) girders, corru- gated arched plates resting on certain socket-bearers, the whole forming a light, cheap and ornamental fire-proof ceiling. Fig. 1 shows an elevation of part of this ceiling. Fig. 2 is a detached sec- tional view of the same, drawn to an en- larged scale. Fig. 3 is a section on line. ■£ Fig. 1 and Fig. 4 are perspective views of a girder and socket (C C). (A A) are two of a series of parallel girders of ordinary ( R) iron, the opposite ends of which project into the walls of a building, and on these girders rests the floor (A). On each of the lower flanges (C) of each girder, and against the ver- tical portion (B) rests a bearer (D), which has a corrugated recess or socket (X) at one side, for the reception of one end of the corrugated iron plate (B) ; the latter being arched, as shown in the drawing, and resting at its opposite ends in a socket or recess of a similar bearer (D) fitting on the flanges, and against the vertical portion of the adja- cent girder. Against the sides of the upper flanges (C) of each girder-bearer, are the upper ends of inclined bricks or blocks (X X), the lower ends of which rest upon the arched and corrugated plate (B), the space between the bricks and the girders being filled with mortar or concrete ; and upon the upper curved may be arranged to overlap each other, thus forming a continuous corrugated arch extending the length of the girders. The bearers (D) are in short sections, which may be readily fitted to the girder so as to form a continuous socket and abutment for the ends of the plates (B). A ceiling of this char- acter will cost less than the brick arches, at the same time the improved ceiling will resist the action of fire more effectu- ally than one of brick. In consequence of the comparatively slight weight of the plates (B), compared with that of a brick arch, girders (A) much lighter than those usually employed may be used. The plates (B), besides being greatly stiffened by their corrugations, are ren- dered still more rigid by the layer of con- crete, and by the shape of the sockets, which fitting the said corrugations in the plate, prevents the same from being dis- tended laterally under pressure. Apart from the superior lightness and economy of a ceiling thus constructed, it will be seen that the corrugated arched plates present a much more ornamental appear- ance than the usual plain arches Plates corrugated differently from those de- scribed may be used, and braces of cast- iron or other materials may be substi- tuted for the bricks or blocks (X X), or they may be dispensed with, and the entire space above the plates may be filled with concrete. Fig. 5 illustrates two sections of the corrugated iron arches, or part of a finished ceiling, with concrete to the Fig. 5. and corrugated surface of the plate (B) is deposited a layer of concrete, filling the corrugation, and extending above the same. The edges of the plate (B) surface of the beams, and the lower flange of the beams enclosed or covered with a galvanized iron casing, which makes a very ornamental finish.
