the really tall buildings usually have a spire at the top, i.e. cn tower, sears tower, empire state building.
what is their purpose?
2007-10-17 09:22:12 · 10 answers · asked by cuppycakes! 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
a good position for pigeons
2007-10-17 09:25:26 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with richard. It was to help compete for the title of tallest building in the world.
The Sears tower actually does not have a spire, but rather an antenna. According to the powers that be, the antenna is functional and not part of the architecture, therefore does not count in adjucating the building height. The spire on the other hand is architectural and does count. That's why for a few years, the Petronas towers were considered the tallest building in the world, despite the fact that the Sears tower looked taller. Now of course, the Taipei is the tallest, but not for long.
2007-10-17 09:51:09 · answer #2 · answered by Dr D 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the case of the empire state building it was to make sure it got the title of largest building - beating the Chrysler building by a few feet.
See below:
We thought we would be the tallest at 80 stories. Then the Chrysler went higher, so we lifted the Empire State to 85 stories, but only four feet taller than the Chrysler. Raskob was worried that Walter Chrysler would pull a trick - like hiding a rod in the spire and then sticking it up at the last minute.3 The race was getting very competitive. With the thought of wanting to make the Empire State Building higher, Raskob himself came up with the solution. After examining a scale model of the proposed building, Raskob said, "It needs a hat!"4 Looking toward the future, Raskob decided that the "hat" would be used as a docking station for dirigibles. The new design for the Empire State Building, including the dirigible mooring mast, would make the building 1,250 tall (the Chrysler Building was completed at 1,046 feet with 77 stories).
Oh and I agree, many have a lightening conductor on top too!
2007-10-17 09:31:21 · answer #3 · answered by richard head 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Several reasons (some repeated from above)
1. They contain antennae
2. They *are* a single antenna
3. Purely as and architectural aesthetic
4. (mentioned) Competition for the tallest building
5. (mentioned) Lightning rods. Note: whether or not the spires were built for that purpose, they are by default, always lightning rods
6. They contain aircraft navigational lights to mark themselves and the building on which they stand (by law).
7. They contain weather monitoring instruments.
8. (mentioned) They can act as bird houses.
.
2007-10-17 11:11:45 · answer #4 · answered by tlbs101 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lightning conductors. Lightning will hit this spire, and the charge will be taken right down to the ground. If they are not there the lightning could strike the building and damage it.
2007-10-17 09:27:13 · answer #5 · answered by Copper 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lightening conductors - the earth rod goes doen the side of the building.
2007-10-17 09:28:08 · answer #6 · answered by Debi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lightening conductors.
2007-10-17 09:29:24 · answer #7 · answered by taxed till i die,and then some. 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, pigeons, especially in Leeds.
2007-10-17 09:27:44 · answer #8 · answered by Cherrypicker 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
TO RELEASE THE SPARK THAT HAPPENS IN CHARGED CLOUDS IN WENTER...
2007-10-17 22:42:55 · answer #9 · answered by ENG.RASHA Z 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
sea gulls were i live
2007-10-20 05:59:58 · answer #10 · answered by KEVIN B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋