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Raising a house in Chicago, 1871
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Raising a house in Chicago, 1871
Raising a house in Chicago, 1871. Many buildings in central Chicago were elevated in mid 19th century to alleviate drainage problems. Here Robbins Iron Block, a five storey building measuring 100 feet by 170 and weighing 27, 000 tons, was raised up by 28 inches in 21 days, " without interruption to either business or traffic, and without the smallest crack in any part", reports The Graphic. Date: 1871
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© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Block Chicago Community Drainage Elevated Elevation Engineering Foundation Foundations Iron Moving Raising Supply Robbins
EDITORS COMMENTS
Raising a House in Chicago, 1871: Engineering Marvel of the Mid-19th Century This photograph depicts the remarkable feat of raising the Robbins Iron Block building in Chicago during the year 1871. The five-story edifice, measuring an impressive 100 feet by 170, and weighing a colossal 27,000 tons, was elevated by a mere 28 inches. The event took place in the heart of Chicago, a city plagued by persistent drainage issues that necessitated the innovative solution of raising buildings to alleviate the problem. The Robbins Iron Block, a testament to the ingenuity of the time, was raised without causing any disruption to the surrounding business or traffic. The engineering prowess required to execute this feat was nothing short of extraordinary. The process involved jacking up the building using hydraulic jacks, which were connected to a system of levers and pulleys. The achievement was reported in The Graphic, a leading publication of the era, which marveled at the fact that not a single crack appeared in any part of the building during the entire 21-day process. This engineering marvel not only showcased the resilience of the community but also highlighted the advancements in foundation engineering that were transforming the urban landscape of the United States. The 1870s marked a pivotal period in American history, as the country continued to industrialize and urbanize at an unprecedented rate. The ability to raise buildings, such as the Robbins Iron Block, without causing significant disruption to daily life or incurring exorbitant costs, was a game-changer. This photograph serves as a reminder of the ingenuity, determination, and progress that characterized the United States during this era.
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