ABSTRACT
The development of structural steel systems for tall buildings can be traced back to William LeBaron Jenny, who in 1885 used metal framework for the construction of the Home Insurance Building, an eight-story structure in Chicago. This, combined with the invention of a safe passenger elevator by Otis in 1854 led to an explosion of high-rise buildings. In the ensuing 28-year period from 1885 to 1913, the design of steel frame evolved from an eight-story building to the 800-ft tall Woolworth Building in New York City. The first generation of skyscrapers culminated with the erection of the Chrysler Building in New York in 1930, immediately followed by the Empire State Building in 1931, which held the record as the world’s tallest building for 41 years.
