Welding and the Birth of Modern Skyscrapers

The rise of the modern skyscraper in the early 20th century was made possible, in part, by advances in structural steel welding. Before welding, most high-rise buildings relied on riveted joints, which required more material and labor. With the advent of arc welding techniques, builders were able to join steel beams quickly and efficiently, allowing for the construction of taller, more durable buildings.

How Welding Revolutionized Skyscraper Construction

• Efficiency: Welding steel beams together reduced the amount of material needed and sped up construction times compared to riveting.
• Strength: Welded joints are stronger and more resilient to stress, making buildings safer and more resistant to environmental forces like wind and earthquakes.
• Skyscraper Boom: This efficiency helped fuel the skyscraper boom of the early 20th century, leading to iconic structures like the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building.