Correction

Correction

In Frank Brannigan’s “High-Rack Storage” article (May 1986, page 32), it was erroneously printed that “Liftslab concrete buildings, with precast wall panels, are very common—and very hazardous.”

The structures in question are tilt slab buildings. The term comes from the practice of casting the wall on the ground and tilting it into place. Today, however, most tilt slab panels are delivered on special trucks from the factory.

Lift slab, on the other hand, refers to floors. In this type of construction, the columns are erected first to their full height. The first floor slab is cast on the ground. Each floor slab and then the roof slab is cast, one directly on top of the other. A bond breaker is used between each slab so there will be no adhesion. Starting with the roof, the slabs are successively lifted or jacked into position. Steel deck roofs have been assembled on the ground and lifted into position in a similar manner.

In the June issue on page 40, we once again wreaked havoc with Mr. Brannigan’s article by confusing two major fires. Both occurred in December 1976, and both involved department stores. However, the Macy’s fire, which was the one that Mr. Brannigan was referring to, took the life of one firefighter. The additional deaths, that we erroneously attributed to the Macy’s fire, actually occurred in a Brooklyn, NY, department store, also unsprinklered.

Four Firefighters Hurt in Fire in Abandoned Harlem (NY) Building

Four firefighters were injured battling a massive fire that tore through an abandoned Harlem building where jazz icon Billie Holiday reportedly once lived.