¶ Compression
Index Entry
Compression:
“Throughout the ages man was limited in his structuring to the processing and manipulation only of the compressive functions and components of structure. Stone afforded 20,000 pounds of compressive strength to the square inch. It was relatively imperishable. . . Tensile strength of wood or fiber could not be counted on for more than 5,000 pounds to the square inch. Stone was almost imperishable. The wood and fiber were perishable. Stone and masonry could be counted upon to afford no more than 50 pounds tensile strength to the square inch. Man’s structural ability seemingly favored compressive organizations on a four to one or better basis-- width and weight were amplified to increase the stabilities. That his primary philosophic reference was inert and pressive was inevitable.”
¶ Citations
- PREVIEW, I&I, pp. 210,211, 1 Apr’49
