Re: iron or steel

Jim: Boy is there a lot of information contained in this report. Check out this link:

Historic American Engineering Record report


Here's a specific discussion of the material from page 10 of the report:

"MATERIAL. A recent chemical analysis identifies the building material as phosphorized
mild steel.10 Historical sources, on the other hand, suggest that the material may be a form
of wrought iron: “Wrought iron was extensively used in bridge and building construction
prior to 1890, but since 1900 structural steel has entirely taken its place on account of being
about 20 percent stronger, and also lower in price….”11 The bridge material is referred to as
“steel” for the purposes of this report, but further evaluation may be appropriate."

Rich