Reviewing Micropile Systems for Complex Ground Conditions

Reviewing Micropile Systems for Complex Ground Conditions

Maintenance tips to prevent future foundation cracks and prolong the lifespan of repairs.

Explanation of complex ground conditions and the challenges they pose for traditional foundation repair methods.


Certainly! Home inspections are crucial for detecting early foundation problems foundation repair service mortar. When we talk about "complex ground conditions," we're referring to situations where the soil or rock beneath a construction site is far from straightforward. This could mean dealing with soils that are highly variable, unstable, or have unusual properties that make traditional foundation repair methods less effective. Let's dive into what makes these conditions so challenging and why they're a headache for conventional approaches.

First off, think of the ground as a puzzle. In some places, this puzzle is easy to put together because the pieces - or in this case, the soil layers - are uniform and predictable. But in areas with complex ground conditions, the puzzle pieces are all different sizes, shapes, and might even be missing. This unpredictability can lead to a host of problems. For instance, you might have layers of soft clay sitting on top of hard rock, or pockets of water-saturated sand that can shift under pressure. These variations mean that the ground can't support heavy loads in the same way everywhere, making it tricky to design a foundation that will be stable and secure.

Traditional foundation repair methods, like using concrete piles or slabs, assume a certain level of uniformity in the ground. They work well in straightforward conditions but can fall short when the ground is a mixed bag. For example, driving a large concrete pile into the ground might be easy in soft soil, but hit a layer of hard rock, and you're in for a world of trouble. The pile might not go in as deep as needed, or it could crack under the pressure. Moreover, these methods can be invasive, requiring large equipment and significant disruption to the site, which isn't always feasible in urban areas or sensitive environments.

This is where micropile systems come into play. Micropiles are like the Swiss Army knife of foundation repair. They're small-diameter piles, usually less than 300mm in diameter, that can be installed in almost any ground condition. Because of their size, they can be drilled into the ground with minimal disturbance, navigating through complex layers of soil and rock with ease. Once in place, they're grouted with concrete to bond them to the surrounding ground, creating a strong and stable foundation element.

The beauty of micropiles lies in their flexibility. They can be installed at angles, which is a game-changer in areas where the ground conditions vary dramatically over short distances. This means you can essentially "thread the needle" through the complex ground conditions, finding the strongest path to support your structure. They're also incredibly strong for their size, capable of supporting heavy loads without taking up much space.

In conclusion, complex ground conditions pose significant challenges for traditional foundation repair methods due to their unpredictability and variability. Micropile systems offer a versatile and effective solution to these challenges, providing a way to stabilize structures in even the most difficult ground conditions. Their ability to be installed with minimal disruption and their strength-to-size ratio make them an invaluable tool in the arsenal of foundation engineers.

Overview of micropile technology, including its components, installation process, and load-bearing capacity.


Micropile technology has emerged as a vital solution in the field of geotechnical engineering, especially when dealing with complex ground conditions. This innovative method offers a robust and efficient way to provide structural support and stabilization, making it an invaluable tool for various construction projects.

At its core, a micropile is a small-diameter, high-capacity pile that is typically used for foundation support and soil stabilization. Unlike traditional piles, micropiles are characterized by their diameter, which usually ranges from 70mm to 300mm. This smaller size, combined with their high strength-to-weight ratio, makes them particularly suitable for applications where space is limited or where the ground conditions are challenging.

The components of a micropile system are relatively straightforward but crucial for its effectiveness. The primary components include the pile shaft, grout, and the steel reinforcement. The pile shaft is usually made of steel and serves as the main load-bearing element. The grout, typically a mixture of cement and water, is used to bond the pile to the surrounding soil, enhancing its load-bearing capacity and durability. The steel reinforcement within the grout provides additional strength and stability.

The installation process of micropiles is a meticulous procedure that requires careful planning and execution. It begins with drilling a borehole into the ground using a high-torque drill. This borehole is then cased with a steel pipe to maintain its integrity. Once the desired depth is reached, the steel reinforcement is inserted into the borehole. Following this, the borehole is filled with grout, which bonds the pile to the surrounding soil. The process concludes with the installation of a load-transfer element, such as a bracket or a cap, at the top of the pile to distribute the structural load.

One of the standout features of micropiles is their impressive load-bearing capacity. Despite their small diameter, micropiles can support significant loads, making them ideal for a variety of applications. This capacity is largely due to the combination of the steel reinforcement and the grout, which work together to distribute the load over a larger area of the surrounding soil. As a result, micropiles can be used in a wide range of ground conditions, including soft soils, rocky terrains, and even in areas with high water tables.

In conclusion, micropile technology represents a significant advancement in the field of geotechnical engineering. Its components, installation process, and exceptional load-bearing capacity make it a preferred choice for projects involving complex ground conditions. Whether it's for foundation support, soil stabilization, or retrofitting existing structures, micropiles offer a reliable and efficient solution that continues to evolve with ongoing technological advancements.

Case studies showcasing successful applications of micropile systems in residential foundation repair projects with complex ground conditions.


When it comes to residential foundation repair projects, especially those involving complex ground conditions, micropile systems have emerged as a highly effective solution. Let's delve into a few case studies that highlight the successful applications of micropile systems in such scenarios.

In one notable case, a residential property in a region with expansive clay soils faced significant foundation issues. Expansive clay soils are notorious for their ability to swell and shrink with moisture changes, leading to severe structural damage. Traditional repair methods proved inadequate due to the unpredictable nature of the soil. However, the introduction of micropile systems changed the game. By installing micropiles deep into the more stable soil layers beneath the expansive clay, the foundation was effectively stabilized. The micropiles, with their small diameter and high strength-to-weight ratio, provided the necessary support without exacerbating the soil's expansive properties. The result was a stable foundation that withstood subsequent moisture changes, showcasing the adaptability of micropile systems in challenging ground conditions.

Another compelling case involved a historic home situated on a slope with highly variable soil conditions. The home's foundation had begun to shift, posing a threat to its structural integrity. Given the home's historical significance, any repair method had to be both effective and minimally invasive. Micropiles offered the perfect solution. They were installed at precise locations to directly address the areas of greatest concern. The micropiles' ability to be installed at steep angles allowed them to reach stable soil layers far below the surface, effectively anchoring the foundation in place. This project not only preserved the home's historical character but also demonstrated the versatility of micropile systems in addressing complex ground conditions with precision.

In a third example, a residential building in an urban area with limited space faced foundation settlement issues due to nearby construction activities. The ground conditions were further complicated by the presence of underground utilities. Micropiles were chosen for their minimal surface footprint and the ability to be installed with great accuracy. This allowed the repair work to proceed without disrupting the surrounding area or the utilities beneath. The micropiles successfully lifted and stabilized the settled portions of the foundation, proving their worth in urban settings with tight constraints and complex subsurface conditions.

These case studies underscore the effectiveness of micropile systems in residential foundation repair projects with complex ground conditions. Whether dealing with expansive soils, variable soil conditions on a slope, or the challenges of urban environments, micropiles offer a reliable solution. Their ability to be installed with precision, minimal invasiveness, and high load-bearing capacity makes them an invaluable tool in the arsenal of foundation repair technologies. As these examples illustrate, micropile systems not only solve immediate foundation issues but also provide long-term stability, ensuring the safety and longevity of residential properties in challenging ground conditions.

Comparative analysis of micropile systems versus alternative repair methods, highlighting the advantages and limitations of each approach.


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When it comes to addressing complex ground conditions, engineers and construction professionals often face the challenge of selecting the most effective repair method. One popular solution is the use of micropile systems, but it's essential to conduct a comparative analysis with alternative repair methods to understand the advantages and limitations of each approach.

Micropile systems are small-diameter piles, typically ranging from 2 to 12 inches in diameter, that are drilled and grouted into the ground. They are renowned for their high load-bearing capacity and minimal invasiveness. One of the significant advantages of micropiles is their ability to be installed in constrained spaces and through obstacles, making them ideal for urban environments or sites with limited access. Additionally, micropiles can penetrate through soft soils to reach more competent strata, providing excellent stability in complex ground conditions.

However, micropiles are not without their limitations. The installation process can be time-consuming and requires specialized equipment and expertise. The cost of materials and labor can also be higher compared to some alternative methods. Moreover, the long-term performance of micropiles depends on the quality of grouting and the accuracy of installation, which can be challenging to ensure consistently.

Alternative repair methods, such as conventional piling, soil nailing, or ground improvement techniques like jet grouting, each offer their own set of advantages and limitations. Conventional piling, for example, involves larger diameter piles and can provide substantial load-bearing support. However, they are more invasive and may not be suitable for sites with limited space or where vibration and noise are concerns.

Soil nailing is another method that involves the insertion of steel bars into the soil, followed by shotcrete facing. This technique is effective for slope stabilization and excavation support but may not offer the same load-bearing capacity as micropiles. Additionally, soil nailing requires careful design and execution to ensure stability.

Ground improvement techniques like jet grouting involve the injection of grout into the soil to create a reinforced mass. This method can significantly enhance the bearing capacity and reduce settlement but can be expensive and may not be feasible in all ground conditions.

In conclusion, the choice between micropile systems and alternative repair methods depends on various factors, including site conditions, project requirements, and budget constraints. While micropiles offer unique advantages in terms of installation flexibility and load-bearing capacity, they also come with higher costs and installation challenges. Alternative methods may provide viable solutions in certain scenarios, but a thorough comparative analysis is essential to make an informed decision. Ultimately, the goal is to select the method that best addresses the specific challenges posed by complex ground conditions while ensuring safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

Discussion of design considerations and engineering principles involved in implementing micropile systems for residential foundation repair.


When it comes to addressing residential foundation repair in areas with complex ground conditions, micropile systems have emerged as a highly effective solution. The design and implementation of these systems involve a careful consideration of various design considerations and engineering principles to ensure their effectiveness and longevity.

First and foremost, understanding the ground conditions is crucial. Complex ground conditions, such as expansive soils, soft clays, or unstable slopes, require a thorough geotechnical investigation. This investigation helps engineers assess the soil properties, groundwater levels, and potential hazards like landslides or liquefaction. Armed with this information, engineers can tailor the micropile design to suit the specific site conditions.

One key design consideration is the selection of micropile diameter and length. Micropiles are small-diameter piles, typically ranging from 2 to 12 inches in diameter. The choice of diameter depends on the load-bearing capacity required and the site's ground conditions. Longer micropiles may be necessary in areas with weaker soils to reach more stable strata. The length and diameter are determined through a combination of geotechnical analysis and engineering judgment.

Another critical aspect is the determination of the micropile's load-carrying capacity. Engineers must calculate the maximum load the micropiles can support without causing excessive settlement or failure. This calculation involves assessing the soil-pile interaction, considering factors like soil friction, adhesion, and bearing capacity. Sophisticated numerical modeling and field load tests may be employed to validate these calculations.

The installation method is another engineering principle that plays a pivotal role in micropile systems. Micropiles can be installed using various techniques, including drilling, driving, or jacking. The choice of method depends on site-specific factors like access constraints, noise restrictions, and soil conditions. Drilling is the most common method, allowing for precise placement and control during installation.

Furthermore, micropile systems often incorporate grouting to enhance their performance. Grouting involves injecting a cementitious material into the borehole before inserting the micropile. This process helps improve load transfer, reduce settlement, and increase the overall stability of the foundation. The type of grout and its properties must be carefully selected based on the project's requirements.

Lastly, monitoring and maintenance are essential aspects of micropile systems. After installation, regular monitoring of the micropiles and the surrounding ground is necessary to detect any signs of distress or movement. Maintenance may include re-grouting, repair, or even replacement of micropiles if they show signs of degradation over time.

In conclusion, the design and implementation of micropile systems for residential foundation repair in complex ground conditions require a holistic approach. Engineers must consider ground conditions, micropile diameter and length, load-carrying capacity, installation methods, grouting, and ongoing monitoring and maintenance. By carefully addressing these design considerations and engineering principles, micropile systems can provide a reliable and durable solution for stabilizing residential foundations in challenging environments.

Examination of regulatory and code compliance requirements for using micropile systems in residential construction projects.


When it comes to constructing residential buildings in areas with complex ground conditions, engineers and architects often face significant challenges. One innovative solution that has gained popularity is the use of micropile systems. These slender, high-capacity piles are particularly effective in providing structural support in difficult terrains. However, before implementing micropile systems in residential construction projects, it is crucial to thoroughly examine the regulatory and code compliance requirements.

Firstly, understanding local building codes is essential. Each region has its own set of regulations that dictate how construction projects must be carried out. These codes often include specifications for foundation systems, load-bearing capacities, and safety measures. When using micropiles, it is imperative to ensure that the design and installation comply with these local codes. This may involve consulting with local authorities or hiring professionals who are well-versed in the applicable regulations.

Secondly, environmental considerations play a significant role in regulatory compliance. Micropile installation can impact the surrounding ecosystem, particularly in sensitive areas. Therefore, environmental assessments may be required to evaluate the potential effects on soil, water, and local wildlife. Obtaining the necessary permits from environmental agencies is often a mandatory step in the process. This ensures that the construction project minimizes its ecological footprint while adhering to legal requirements.

Additionally, safety standards must be rigorously followed. The installation of micropiles involves the use of heavy machinery and potentially hazardous materials. Ensuring that all safety protocols are in place is not only a regulatory requirement but also a moral obligation to protect workers and residents. This includes proper training for personnel, the use of personal protective equipment, and regular safety inspections during the construction phase.

Furthermore, structural integrity is a key concern when using micropile systems. Engineers must conduct thorough geotechnical investigations to assess the ground conditions accurately. This data is vital for designing a micropile system that can withstand the expected loads and environmental stresses. Compliance with structural engineering standards ensures that the residential building will be safe and durable over the long term.

In conclusion, the examination of regulatory and code compliance requirements for using micropile systems in residential construction projects is a multifaceted process. It involves understanding local building codes, conducting environmental assessments, ensuring safety standards, and verifying structural integrity. By meticulously adhering to these requirements, construction professionals can effectively utilize micropile systems to address complex ground conditions while ensuring the safety and compliance of their projects.



"Chicagoland" redirects here. For other uses, see Chicagoland (disambiguation).

 

Chicago metropolitan area
Conurbation
Chicago–Naperville, IL–IN–WI
Combined Statistical Area
From top, left to right: Chicago skyline from Lakefront Trail at Northerly Island during sunrise, aerial view Evanston, view of Gold Coast, Downtown Naperville, view of Downtown Aurora
Map
Map of Chicago–Naperville, IL–IN–WI CSA
  Chicago–Naperville–Schaumburg, IL
  Elgin, IL Metropolitan Division
  Lake County, IL Metropolitan Division
  Lake County–Porter County–Jasper Cty, IN

Other Statistical Areas in the Chicago CSA

  Kenosha, WI MSA
  Ottawa, IL µSA
  Michigan City–La Porte, IN MSA
  Kankakee, IL MSA

 

Country United StatesStates Illinois
Indiana
WisconsinCore city ChicagoSatellite cities

  •  - Aurora
  •  - Elgin
  •  - Crystal Lake
  •  - Joliet
  •  - Naperville
  •  - Schaumburg
  •  - Waukegan
  •  - Kankakee
  •  - Gary
  •  - Hammond
  •  - Michigan City
  •  - Kenosha

Area

 

 • Metro

 

10,856 sq mi (28,120 km2)Highest elevation

[1]

673 ft (205 m)Lowest elevation

[1]

579 ft (176 m)Population

 

 • Density886/sq mi (342/km2) • Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) (2022)

 

9,441,957[2] (3rd) • Combined Statistical Area (CSA) (2022)

 

9,806,184 [3] (4th)DemonymChicagolanderGDP

[4]

 • Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)$894.862 billion (2023) • Combined Statistical Area (CSA)$919.229 billion (2023)Time zoneUTC−6 (CST) • Summer (DST)UTC−5 (CDT)Area codes219, 224/847, 262, 312/872, 331/630, 574, 464/708, 773/872 and 779/815

The Chicago metropolitan area, also referred to as Chicagoland, is the largest metropolitan statistical area in the U.S. state of Illinois, and the Midwest, containing the City of Chicago along with its surrounding suburbs and satellite cities. Encompassing 10,286 square mi (28,120 km2), the metropolitan area includes the city of Chicago, its suburbs and hinterland, that span 13 counties across northeast Illinois and northwest Indiana. The MSA had a 2020 census population of 9,618,502 and the combined statistical area, which spans 19 counties and additionally extends into southeast Wisconsin, had a population of nearly 10 million people.[5][6] The Chicago area is the third-largest metropolitan area in the United States and the fourth-largest metropolitan area in North America (after Mexico City, New York City, and Los Angeles), and the largest in the Great Lakes megalopolis. Its urban area is one of the 40 largest in the world.

According to the 2020 census, the metropolitan's population is approaching the 10 million mark. The metropolitan area has seen a substantial increase of Latin American residents on top of its already large Latino population, and the Asian American population also increased according to the 2020 Census. The metro area has a large number of White, Black, Latino, Asian, and Arab American residents, and also has Native American residents in the region, making the Chicago metropolitan area population truly diverse. The Chicago metropolitan area represents about 3 percent of the entire US population.

Chicagoland has one of the world's largest and most diversified economies. With more than six million full and part-time employees, the Chicago metropolitan area is a key factor of the Illinois economy, as the state has an annual GDP of over $1 trillion.[7] The Chicago metropolitan area generated an annual gross regional product (GRP) of approximately $700 billion in 2018.[8] The region is home to more than 400 major corporate headquarters, including 31 in the Fortune 500[9] such as McDonald's, United, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. With many companies moving to Chicagoland, and many current companies expanding, the area ranked as the nation's top metropolitan area for corporation relocations and expansions for nine consecutive years, the most consecutive years for any region in the country.[10]

The Chicago area is home to a number of the nation's leading research universities including the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, the University of Illinois at Chicago, DePaul University, Loyola University, and the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT). The University of Chicago and Northwestern University are consistently ranked as two of the best universities in the world.

There are many transportation options around the region. Chicagoland has three separate rail networks; the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, and the South Shore Line. The CTA operates elevated and subway lines that run primarily throughout the city, Downtown Chicago, and into some suburbs. The CTA operates some of its rail lines 24 hours a day, every day of the year, nonstop service, making Chicago, New York City, and Copenhagen the only three cities in the world to offer some 24 hour rail service running nonstop, everyday throughout their city limits. The Metra commuter rail network runs numerous lines between Downtown Chicago and suburban/satellite cities, with one line stretching to Kenosha, Wisconsin, which is part of the Chicago metropolitan area. The interurban South Shore Line runs between Downtown Chicago and the northwest Indiana portion of the metropolitan area. In addition, Amtrak operates Union Station in Downtown Chicago as one of its largest rail hubs, with numerous lines radiating to and from the station.

CTA bus routes serve the city proper, with some service into the suburbs. Pace bus routes serve the suburbs, with some service into the city. In addition, numerous CTA bus routes operate 24 hours a day, nonstop.

Definitions

[edit]

Chicago Metropolitan statistical area

[edit]
The Chicago–Naperville, IL–IN–WI Combined Statistical Area as defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget:
  Chicago–Naperville–Elgin, IL–IN–WI MSA
  Michigan City–La Porte, IN MSA
  Kankakee, IL MSA
  Ottawa, IL MSA

The Chicago metropolitan statistical area (MSA) was originally designated by the United States Census Bureau in 1950. It comprised the Illinois counties of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake and Will, along with Lake County in Indiana. As surrounding counties saw an increase in their population densities and the number of their residents employed within Cook County, they met Census criteria to be added to the MSA. The Chicago MSA, now defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) as the Chicago–Naperville–Elgin, IL–IN–WI Metropolitan Statistical Area, is the third-largest MSA by population in the United States. The 2022 census estimate for the population of the MSA was 9,441,957.[11]

The Chicago MSA is further subdivided into four metropolitan divisions. A breakdown of the county constituents and 2021 estimated populations of the four metropolitan divisions of the MSA are as follows:[11]

Chicago–Naperville–Elgin, IL–IN–WI Metropolitan Statistical Area (9,509,934)

  • Chicago–Naperville–Schaumburg, IL Metropolitan Division (7,159,394)
    • Cook County, Illinois (5,173,146)
    • DuPage County, Illinois (924,885)
    • Grundy County, Illinois (52,989)
    • McHenry County, Illinois (311,122)
    • Will County, Illinois (697,252)
  • Elgin, IL Metropolitan Division (750,869)
    • DeKalb County, Illinois (100,414)
    • Kane County, Illinois (515,588)
    • Kendall County, Illinois (134,867)
  • Lake County, IL Metropolitan Division (711,239)
    • Lake County, Illinois (711,239)
  • Lake County–Porter County–Jasper County, IN Metropolitan Division (719,700)
    • Jasper County, Indiana (33,091)
    • Lake County, Indiana (498,558)
    • Newton County, Indiana (13,808)
    • Porter County, Indiana (174,243)

Combined statistical area

[edit]

The OMB also defines a slightly larger region as a combined statistical area (CSA). The Chicago–Naperville, IL–IN–WI Combined Statistical Area combines the following core-based statistical areas, listed with their 2021 estimated populations. The combined statistical area as a whole had a population of 9,806,184 as of 2022.[11]

  • Chicago–Naperville–Elgin, IL–IN–WI metropolitan statistical area (9,509,934)
  • Kankakee, IL metropolitan statistical area (106,601)
    • Kankakee County, Illinois (106,601)
  • Michigan City–La Porte, IN metropolitan statistical area (112,390)
    • LaPorte County, Indiana (112,390)
  • Ottawa, IL micropolitan statistical area (147,414)
    • Bureau County, Illinois (32,883)
    • LaSalle County, Illinois (108,965)
    • Putnam County, Illinois (5,566)

United Nations' Chicago urban agglomeration

[edit]

The Chicago urban agglomeration, according to the United Nations World Urbanization Prospects report (2023 revision), lists a population of 8,937,000.[12] The term "urban agglomeration" refers to the population contained within the contours of a contiguous territory inhabited at urban density levels. It usually incorporates the population in a city, plus that in the contiguous urban, or built-up area.

Chicagoland

[edit]
Chicagoland by county and state[13]
A map of Chicagoland in relation to the states of Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana

Chicagoland is an informal name for the Chicago metropolitan area. The term Chicagoland has no official definition, and the region is often considered to include areas beyond the corresponding MSA, as well as portions of the greater CSA.[citation needed]

Colonel Robert R. McCormick, editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune, usually gets credit for placing the term in common use.[14][15] McCormick's conception of Chicagoland stretched all the way to nearby parts of four states (Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Iowa).[14] The first usage was in the Tribune's July 27, 1926, front page headline, "Chicagoland's Shrines: A Tour of Discoveries", for an article by reporter James O'Donnell Bennett.[16] He stated that Chicagoland comprised everything in a 200-mile (320 km) radius in every direction and reported on many different places in the area. The Tribune was the dominant newspaper in a vast area stretching to the west of the city, and that hinterland was closely tied to the metropolis by rail lines and commercial links.[17]

Today, the Chicago Tribune's usage includes the city of Chicago, the rest of Cook County, eight nearby Illinois counties (Lake, McHenry, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Grundy, Will, and Kankakee), and the two Indiana counties of Lake and Porter.[18] Illinois Department of Tourism literature uses Chicagoland for suburbs in Cook, Lake, DuPage, Kane, and Will counties,[19] treating the city separately. The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce defines it as all of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties.[20]

In addition, company marketing programs such as Construction Data Company's[21] "Chicago and Vicinity" region and the Chicago Automobile Trade Association's "Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana" advertising campaign are directed at the MSA itself, as well as LaSalle, Winnebago (Rockford), Boone, and Ogle counties in Illinois, in addition to Jasper, Newton, and La Porte counties in Indiana and Kenosha, Racine, and Walworth counties in Wisconsin, and even as far northeast as Berrien County, Michigan. The region is part of the Great Lakes Megalopolis, containing an estimated 54 million people.[citation needed]

Collar counties

[edit]

The term "collar counties" is a colloquialism for the five counties (DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will) of Illinois that border Chicago's Cook County. After Cook County, they are also the next five most populous counties in the state. According to the Encyclopedia of Chicago, there is no specifically known origin of the phrase, but it has been commonly used among policy makers, urban planners, and in the media. However, it also notes that as growth has spread beyond these counties, it may have lost some of its usefulness.[22]

Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning

[edit]
Main article: Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning

Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is an Illinois state agency responsible for transportation infrastructure, land use, and long-term economic development planning for the areas under its jurisdiction within Illinois.[23] The planning area has a population of over 8 million, which includes the following locations in Illinois:[24]

  • Cook County
  • DuPage County
  • Kane County
  • Kendall County
  • Lake County
  • McHenry County
  • Will County
 
 
Panorama of North Avenue Beach

Geography and environment

[edit]
Further information: Geography of Chicago

The city of Chicago lies in the Chicago Plain, a flat and broad area characterized by little topographical relief. The few low hills are sand ridges. North of the Chicago Plain, steep bluffs and ravines run alongside Lake Michigan.

Along the southern shore of the Chicago Plain, sand dunes run alongside the lake. The tallest dunes reach up to near 200 feet (61 m) and are found in Indiana Dunes National Park. Surrounding the low plain are bands of moraines in the south and west suburbs. These areas are higher and hillier than the Chicago Plain. A continental divide, separating the Mississippi River watershed from that of the Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence River, runs through the Chicago area.

A 2012 survey of the urban trees and forests in the seven county Illinois section of the Chicago area found that 21% of the land is covered by the tree and shrub canopy, made up of about 157,142,000 trees. The five most common tree species are buckthorn, green ash, boxelder, black cherry, and American elm. These resources perform important functions in carbon storage, water recycling, and energy saving.[25][26]

The Chicago skyline
 
Night aerial view of Chicago and vicinity

Demographics

[edit]
Taken from the ISS on June 23, 2022; downtown Chicago is at the center by the lake.

As of 2022, the metropolitan area had a population of 9,442,159. The population density was 1,312.3 per square mile. The racial makeup was 50.1% Non-Hispanic White, 23.4% were Hispanic, 15.5% were Non-Hispanic African Americans, 7.2% were Asian, 0.1% were Non-Hispanic Native American, 0.4% identified as “some other race,” and 3.2% were non-Hispanic multiracial.[27]

According to 2022 estimates from the American Community Survey, the largest ancestries in the Chicago metro area were Mexican (18%), African (17.7%), German (12.8%), Irish (9.9%), Polish (8%), Italian (5.9%), English (5.2%), Indian (2.7%), Puerto Rican (2.3%), Filipino (1.7%), Swedish (1.5%), and Chinese (1.4%).[28][29][30][31]

The suburbs, surrounded by easily annexed flat ground, have been expanding at a tremendous rate since the early 1960s. Aurora, Elgin, Joliet, and Naperville are noteworthy for being four of the few boomburbs outside the Sun Belt, West Coast and Mountain States regions, and exurban Kendall County ranked as the fastest-growing county (among counties with a population greater than 10,000) in the United States between the years 2000 and 2007.[32]

Settlement patterns in the Chicago metropolitan area tend to follow those in the city proper: the northern and northwestern suburbs are generally affluent and upper-middle class, while the southern suburbs (sometimes known as Chicago Southland) have somewhat lower median incomes and a cost of living, with the exception being the southwest suburbs which contain many upper-middle class areas. Another exception to this is the West Side, which has a somewhat lower median income, but the western suburbs contain many affluent and upper-middle class areas. According to the 2000 Census, DuPage County as a whole had the highest median household income of any county in the Midwestern United States, although there are individual cities and towns in other surrounding counties in the metro that have even higher median incomes.

According to 2022 estimates from the U.S. Census, poverty rates of the largest counties from least poverty to most are as follows: McHenry 4.0%, Dupage 6.7%, Will 6.9%, Kane 7.8%, Lake 8.0%, and Cook 13.6%.[33] However, Cook County, which contains luxury high rises and expensive houses in sections of the city and expensive houses along the waterfront in the North Shore area, would also have the highest percentage of expensive homes in the region.

In an in-depth historical analysis, Keating (2004, 2005) examined the origins of 233 settlements that by 1900 had become suburbs or city neighborhoods of the Chicago metropolitan area. The settlements began as farm centers (41%), industrial towns (30%), residential railroad suburbs (15%), and recreational/institutional centers (13%). Although relations between the different settlement types were at times contentious, there also was cooperation in such undertakings as the construction of high schools.[citation needed]

Population

[edit]

As the Chicago metropolitan area has grown, more counties have been partly or totally assimilated with the taking of each decennial census.

Census Area Area Type 2020 census 2010 census 2000 census 1990 census 1980 Census 1970 census 1960 census 1950 census
Chicago-Naperville-Joliet, IL-IN-WI Metropolitan 9,618,502 9,461,105 9,098,316 8,065,633 7,869,542 7,612,314 6,794,461 5,495,364
Cook County, Illinois Metropolitan 5,275,541 5,194,675 5,376,741 5,105,067 5,253,655 5,492,369 5,129,725 4,508,792
DeKalb County, Illinois Metropolitan 100,420 105,160 88,969 77,932 74,624 71,654 51,714 40,781
DuPage County, Illinois Metropolitan 932,877 916,924 904,161 781,666 658,835 491,882 313,459 154,599
Grundy County, Illinois Metropolitan 52,533 50,063 37,535 32,337 30,582 26,535 22,350 19,217
Kane County, Illinois Metropolitan 516,522 515,269 404,119 317,471 278,405 251,005 208,246 150,388
Kendall County, Illinois Metropolitan 131,869 114,736 54,544 39,413 37,202 26,374 17,540 12,115
McHenry County, Illinois Metropolitan 310,229 308,760 260,077 183,241 147,897 111,555 84,210 50,656
Will County, Illinois Metropolitan 696,355 677,560 502,266 357,313 324,460 249,498 191,617 134,336
Jasper County, Indiana Metropolitan 32,918 33,478 30,043 24,960 26,138 20,429 18,842 17,031
Lake County, Indiana Metropolitan 498,700 496,005 484,564 475,594 522,965 546,253 513,269 368,152
Newton County, Indiana Metropolitan 13,830 14,244 14,566 13,551 14,844 11,606 11,502 11,006
Porter County, Indiana Metropolitan 173,215 164,343 146,798 128,932 119,816 87,114 60,279 40,076
Lake County, Illinois Metropolitan 714,342 703,462 644,356 516,418 440,372 382,638 293,656 179,097
Kenosha County, Wisconsin Metropolitan 169,151 166,426 149,577 128,181 123,137 117,917 100,615 75,238
Kankakee County, Illinois Combined 107,502 113,449 103,833 96,255 102,926 97,250 92,063 73,524
LaSalle County, Illinois Combined 109,658 113,924 111,509 106,913 112,003 111,409 110,800 100,610
Bureau County, Illinois Combined 33,244 34,978 35,503 35,688 39,114 38,541 37,594 37,711
Putnam County, Illinois Combined 5,637 6,006 6,086 5,730 6,085 5,007 4,570 4,746
LaPorte County, Indiana Combined 112,417 111,467 110,106 107,066 108,632 105,342 95,111 76,808
Chicago-Naperville-Joliet, IL-IN-WI Combined 9,986,960 9,686,021 9,312,255 8,385,397 8,264,490 8,089,421 7,204,198 5,911,816

Counties highlighted in gray were not included in the MSA for that census. The CSA totals in blue are the totals of all the counties listed above, regardless of whether they were included in the Chicago Combined Statistical Area at the time.[34]

Principal municipalities

[edit]

Over 1,000,000 population

[edit]
  • Chicago (2,746,388)

Over 100,000 population

[edit]
  • Aurora, Illinois (180,542)
  • Joliet, Illinois (150,362)
  • Naperville, Illinois (149,540)
  • Elgin, Illinois (114,797)

Over 50,000 population

[edit]
  • Kenosha, Wisconsin (99,986)
  • Waukegan, Illinois (89,321)
  • Cicero, Illinois (85,268)
  • Schaumburg, Illinois (78,723)
  • Evanston, Illinois (78,110)
  • Hammond, Indiana (77,879)
  • Arlington Heights, Illinois (77,676)
  • Bolingbrook, Illinois (73,922)
  • Gary, Indiana (69,093)
  • Palatine, Illinois (67,908)
  • Skokie, Illinois (67,824)
  • Des Plaines, Illinois (60,675)
  • Orland Park, Illinois (58,703)
  • Oak Lawn, Illinois (58,362)
  • Berwyn, Illinois (57,250)
  • Mount Prospect, Illinois (56,852)
  • Tinley Park, Illinois (55,971)
  • Oak Park, Illinois (54,583)
  • Wheaton, Illinois (53,970)
  • Downers Grove, Illinois (50,247)
 
View of Chicago greater metropolitan region and the dense downtown area from the Willis Tower
 
View of Chicago greater metropolitan region and the North branch of the Chicago River from the Willis Tower

Urban areas within

[edit]

Within the boundary of the 16-county Chicago Combined Statistical Area lies the Chicago urban area, as well as 26 smaller urban areas.[35] Some of the urban areas below may partially cross into other statistical areas. Only those situated primarily within the Chicago combined statistical area are listed here.

Urban areas contained within the Chicago combined statistical area as of the 2020 census:
  Urban areas
  Counties in the Chicago MSA
  Counties in the Chicago CSA but not the MSA
Urban area Population
(2020 census)		 Land area
(sq mi)		 Land area
(km2)		 Density
(population / sq mi)		 Density
(population / km2)
Chicago, IL–IN 8,671,746 2,337.89 6,055.09 3,709.2 1,432.1
Round Lake Beach–McHenry–Grayslake, IL–WI 261,835 127.61 330.52 2,051.8 792.2
Kenosha, WI 125,865 56.17 145.48 2,240.8 865.2
Michigan City–La Porte, IN–MI 71,367 49.16 127.32 1,451.7 560.5
Kankakee, IL 66,530 31.66 82.00 2,101.4 811.3
DeKalb, IL 64,736 25.63 66.39 2,525.6 975.1
Valparaiso–Shorewood Forest, IN 51,867 33.64 87.12 1,542.0 595.4
Peru–LaSalle, IL 29,763 21.45 55.56 1,387.4 535.7
Woodstock, IL 25,298 9.31 24.10 2,718.7 1,049.7
Ottawa, IL 20,122 9.99 25.87 2,014.2 777.7
Streator, IL 16,209 8.12 21.04 1,995.3 770.4
Coal City–Braidwood, IL 15,837 10.29 26.65 1,539.4 594.4
Morris, IL 15,740 8.64 22.37 1,822.2 703.5
Lowell, IN 10,747 5.28 13.66 2,037.2 786.6
Manteno, IL 10,437 6.01 15.56 1,736.8 670.6
Harvard, IL 9,376 4.36 11.30 2,148.7 829.6
Princeton, IL 7,979 6.20 16.06 1,287.1 497.0
Marengo, IL 7,509 3.81 9.86 1,971.5 761.2
Lake Holiday, IL 7,313 4.30 11.14 1,700.5 656.6
Mendota, IL 6,918 2.85 7.38 2,426.2 936.8
Wilmington, IL 6,388 3.95 10.23 1,617.3 624.5
McHenry Northwest–Wonder Lake, IL 5,758 2.35 6.08 2,453.6 947.4
Hampshire, IL 5,699 2.72 7.06 2,091.4 807.5
Rensselaer, IN 5,509 3.23 8.37 1,703.9 657.9
Genoa, IL 5,484 2.20 5.69 2,498.0 964.5
Westville, IN 5,189 2.10 5.45 2,466.0 952.1
Marseilles, IL 4,660 2.39 6.19 1,948.4 752.3

Economy

[edit]
Westward view from the Willis Tower in Chicago
Main article: Economy of Chicago
See also: List of companies in the Chicago metropolitan area, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, and Economy of Illinois

The Chicago metropolitan area is home to the corporate headquarters of 57 Fortune 1000 companies, including AbbVie Inc., Allstate, Kraft Heinz, McDonald's, Mondelez International, Motorola, United Airlines, Walgreens, and more. The Chicago area also headquarters a wide variety of global financial institutions including Citadel LLC, Discover Financial Services, Morningstar, Inc., CNA Financial, and more. Chicago is home to the largest futures exchange in the world, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. In March 2008, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange announced its acquisition of NYMEX Holdings Inc, the parent company of the New York Mercantile Exchange and Commodity Exchange. CME'S acquisition of NYMEX was completed in August 2008.

A key piece of infrastructure for several generations was the Union Stock Yards of Chicago, which from 1865 until 1971 penned and slaughtered millions of cattle and hogs into standardized cuts of beef and pork. This prompted poet Carl Sandburg to describe Chicago as the "Hog Butcher for the World".[36]

The Chicago area, meanwhile, began to produce significant quantities of telecommunications gear, electronics, steel, crude oil derivatives, automobiles, and industrial capital goods.

By the early 2000s, Illinois' economy had moved toward a dependence on high-value-added services, such as financial trading, higher education, logistics, and health care. In some cases, these services clustered around institutions that hearkened back to Illinois's earlier economies. For example, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, a trading exchange for global derivatives, had begun its life as an agricultural futures market.

In 2007, the area ranked first among U.S. metro areas in the number of new and expanded corporate facilities.[37] It ranked third in 2008, behind the Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown and Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan areas,[38] and ranked second behind the New York metropolitan area in 2009.[39]

The Wall Street Journal summarized the Chicago area's economy in November 2006 with the comment that "Chicago has survived by repeatedly reinventing itself."[40]

Transportation

[edit]
O'Hare Airport
Chicago 'L' in the Loop
Metra surface rail
The Eisenhower Expressway with the Chicago Transit Authority Blue Line tracks and the non-revenue ramp that leads to the Pink Line
Main articles: Transportation in Chicago and Roads and freeways in Chicago

Major airports

[edit]
  • Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
  • Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
  • Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) (located in the adjacent Milwaukee metropolitan area)
  • Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) (located in the adjacent Rockford metropolitan area)
  • Gary/Chicago International Airport (GYY)

Commercial ports

[edit]
  • Port of Chicago
  • Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor

Transit systems

[edit]

Commercial freight

[edit]

Chicago has been at the center of the United States' railroad network since the 19th century. Almost all Class I railroads serve the area, the most in North America.[41]

Passenger

[edit]
  • Chicago Transit Authority trains, locally referred to as "the 'L' ", (after "elevated train") serving Chicago and the near suburbs
  • Pace Suburban Bus operates suburban bus and regional vanpool, paratransit, and ride-matching services in the Chicagoland region.
  • Metra run by the Northeast Illinois Regional Commuter Railroad Corporation:
    • 4 lines serving southern Cook County and Will County
    • 3 lines serving western Cook County, DuPage County, and Kane County
    • 2 lines serving northern Cook County and Lake County
    • 1 line serving northern Cook County, Lake County, and Kenosha County
    • 1 line serving northwestern Cook County and McHenry County
  • South Shore Line shares the Metra Electric Line in Illinois and connects Chicago to Gary, Michigan City, and ending at South Bend.
  • Amtrak operates Union Station which is the major Amtrak passenger rail hub with connections to Metra and the within a few blocks of connections to several 'L' lines. Amtrak also operates a connecting station out of Joliet.

Major highways

[edit]

Interstates

[edit]
  • Interstate 41 (I-41) runs concurrently with Interstate 94 from the northern terminus of the Tri-State Tollway to Milwaukee.
  • Interstate 55 (I-55) is the Adlai Stevenson Expy.
  • I-355 is the Veterans Memorial Tollway (formerly North-South Tollway).
  • I-57 is unofficially the "West Leg" of the Dan Ryan Expy.
  • I-65 has no name, whether official or unofficial.
  • I-80 is officially called the Borman Expy (cosigned with I-94), Kingery Expy (cosigned with I-94 for 3 miles), Tri-State Tollway (cosigned with I-294 for 4 miles) and is unofficially called the Moline Expy west of I-294.
  • I-88 is the Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway (formerly East-West Tollway)
  • I-90 is locally known as Jane Addams Tollway (formerly Northwest Tollway), John F. Kennedy Expy (cosigned with I-94), Dan Ryan Expy (cosigned with I-94), and Chicago Skyway Toll Bridge.
  • I-94 is Tri-State Tollway in Lake County, Edens Spur, Edens Expy, John F. Kennedy Expy (cosigned with I-90), Dan Ryan Expy (cosigned with I-90), Bishop Ford Frwy (formerly Calumet Expy), Kingery Expy (cosigned with I-80) and Borman Expy (cosigned with I-80).
  • I-190 is the John F. Kennedy Expy spur heading into Chicago-O'Hare Int'l Airport.
  • I-290 is the Dwight D. Eisenhower Expy.
  • I-294 is the Tri-State Tollway.

Other main highways

[edit]
  • US Routes in the Illinois part of the area include: US 6, US 12, US 14, US 20, US 30, US 34, US 41, US 45, and US 52.
  • Illinois Route 53, an arterial north–south state highway running through Grundy, Will, DuPage, Cook and Lake counties
  • Historic US Route 66's eastern terminus is in Chicago.

Major corridors

[edit]

In addition to the Chicago Loop, the metro area is home to a few important subregional corridors of commercial activities. Among them are:

  • Illinois Technology and Research Corridor, along the Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway (Interstate 88)
  • Golden Corridor, along the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (Interstate 90)
  • Lakeshore Corridor, along the Edens Expressway and Tri-State Tollway

Culture

[edit]

Sports

[edit]
Main article: Sports in Chicago

Listing of the professional sports teams in the Chicago metropolitan area

Major league professional teams:

  • Major League Baseball (MLB)
    • Chicago Cubs
    • Chicago White Sox
  • National Football League (NFL)
    • Chicago Bears
  • National Basketball Association (NBA)
    • Chicago Bulls
  • National Hockey League (NHL)
    • Chicago Blackhawks
  • Major League Soccer (MLS)
    • Chicago Fire FC

Other professional teams:

  • Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
    • Chicago Sky
  • National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
    • Chicago Stars FC
  • American Association of Professional Baseball (AA)
    • Chicago Dogs
    • Kane County Cougars
    • Gary SouthShore RailCats
  • American Hockey League (AHL)
    • Chicago Wolves
  • NBA G League (NBAGL)
    • Windy City Bulls
  • Major League Rugby (MLR)
    • Chicago Hounds

The Chicagoland Speedway oval track has hosted NASCAR Cup Series and IndyCar Series races. The Chicago Marathon is one of the World Marathon Majors. The Western Open and BMW Championship are PGA Tour tournaments that have been held primarily at golf courses near Chicago.

NCAA Division I College Sports Teams:

  • Atlantic 10 Conference
    • Loyola University Chicago Ramblers
  • Big East Conference
    • DePaul University Blue Demons
  • Big Ten Conference
    • Northwestern University Wildcats (Evanston)
  • Mid-American Conference
    • Northern Illinois University Huskies (DeKalb)
  • Missouri Valley Conference
    • University of Illinois Chicago Flames
    • Valparaiso University Beacons (Valparaiso, IN)
  • Northeast Conference
    • Chicago State University Cougars

Cuisine

[edit]
Further information: Chicago § Cuisine
  • Chicago-style hot dog
  • Chicago-style pizza
  • Italian beef
  • Caramel popcorn

Media

[edit]
Main article: Media in Chicago

The two main newspapers are the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun-Times. Local television channels broadcasting to the Chicago market include WBBM-TV 2 (CBS), WMAQ-TV 5 (NBC), WLS-TV 7 (ABC), WGN-TV 9 (Ind), WTTW 11 (PBS), MeTV 23, WCIU 26 (CW), WFLD 32 (FOX), WCPX-TV 38 (Ion), WSNS-TV 44 (Telemundo), WPWR-TV 50 (MyNetworkTV), and WJYS-TV 62 (The Way). Radio stations serving the area include: WBBM (AM), WBEZ, WGN (AM), WMBI, WLS (AM), and WSCR.

Education

[edit]
Further information: List of school districts in Illinois, List of school districts in Indiana, and List of colleges and universities in Chicago
Whitney M. Young Magnet High School in Chicago

Elementary and secondary education within the Chicago metropolitan area is provided by dozens of different school districts, of which by far the largest is the Chicago Public Schools with 400,000 students.[42] Numerous private and religious school systems are also found in the region, as well as a growing number of charter schools. Racial inequalities in education in the region remain widespread, often breaking along district boundaries;[43] for instance, educational prospects vary widely for students in the Chicago Public Schools compared to those in some neighboring suburban schools.[44]

Historically, the Chicago metropolitan area has been at the center of a number of national educational movements, from the free-flowing Winnetka Plan to the regimented Taylorism of the Gary Plan.[45] In higher education, University of Chicago founder William Rainey Harper was a leading early advocate of the junior college movement; Joliet Junior College is the nation's oldest continuously operating junior college today.[46] Later U of C president Robert Maynard Hutchins was central to the Great Books movement, and programs of dialogic education arising from that legacy can be found today at the U of C, at Shimer College,[47] and in the City Colleges of Chicago and Oakton College in the Northwest suburbs.[48]

Area codes

[edit]
Main article: List of Illinois area codes

From 1947 until 1988, the Illinois portion of the Chicago metro area was served by a single area code, 312, which abutted the 815 area code. In 1988 the 708 area code was introduced and the 312 area code became exclusive to the city of Chicago.

It became common to call suburbanites "708'ers", in reference to their area code.

The 708 area code was partitioned in 1996 into three area codes, serving different portions of the metro area: 630, 708, and 847.

At the same time that the 708 area code was running out of phone numbers, the 312 area code in Chicago was also exhausting its supply of available numbers. As a result, the city of Chicago was divided into two area codes, 312 and 773. Rather than divide the city by a north–south area code, the central business district retained the 312 area code, while the remainder of the city took the new 773 code.

In 2002, the 847 area code was supplemented with the overlay area code 224. In February 2007, the 815 area code (serving outlying portions of the metro area) was supplemented with the overlay area code 779. In October 2007, the overlay area code 331 was implemented to supplement the 630 area with additional numbers.

Plans are in place for overlay codes in the 708, 773, and 312 regions as those area codes become exhausted in the future.

  • 312 Chicago - City (The Loop and central neighborhoods, e.g. the Near North Side)
  • 773 Chicago - City (Everywhere else within the city limits, excluding central area)
  • 872 Chicago - City (overlay for 312 & 773, effective November 7, 2009)
  • 847/224 (North and Northwest Suburbs)
  • 630/331 (Outer Western Suburbs)
  • 708 (South and Near West Suburbs)
  • 815/779 (Rockford & Joliet: Far Northwest/Southwest Suburbs)
  • 219 (Northwest Indiana)
  • 574 (North-central Indiana)
  • 262 (Southeast Wisconsin surrounding Milwaukee County)

Proposed overlays

[edit]
  • 464 overlay for 708 (January 21, 2022, rollout)

See also

[edit]
  • Index of Illinois-related articles

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Elevations of the 50 Largest Cities". U.S. Geological Survey. Archived from the original on November 9, 2013. Retrieved January 23, 2016. Chicago city proper only
  2. ^ "2020 Population and Housing State Data". United States Census Bureau, Population Division. August 12, 2021. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
  3. ^ "USA: Combined Metropolitan Areas". CityPopulation.de. August 2021. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
  4. ^ "Total Gross Domestic Product for Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI (MSA)". Federal Reserve Economic Data. Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.
  5. ^ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Combined Statistical Areas in the United States and Puerto Rico: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2019 (CSA-EST2019-ANNRES)". United States Census Bureau, Population Division. March 2020. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
  6. ^ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Metropolitan Statistical Areas in the United States and Puerto Rico: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2019 (CBSA-MET-EST2019-ANNRES)". United States Census Bureau, Population Division. March 2020. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
  7. ^ "CAEMP25N Total Full-Time and Part-Time Employment by NAICS Industry 1/ 2018". Bureau of Economic Analysis. November 14, 2019. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
  8. ^ "CAGDP1 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) summary by county and metropolitan area 2018". Bureau of Economic Analysis. December 12, 2019. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
  9. ^ "Economy". Worldbusinesschicago.com. Retrieved October 3, 2017.
  10. ^ "Chicago Named Nation's Top Metro Area for Corporate Relocation For the Sixth Straight Year". World Business Chicago. March 25, 2019. Retrieved July 21, 2019.
  11. ^ a b c "Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas Population Totals and Components of Change: 2020-2021". Census.gov. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved February 12, 2023.
  12. ^ "The World's Cities in 2018" (PDF). United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
  13. ^ As defined by Construction Data Company.
  14. ^ a b Fuller, Jack (2005). "Chicagoland". The Electronic Encyclopedia of Chicago. Chicago Historical Society. Retrieved February 20, 2010.
  15. ^ "The Press: The Colonel's Century". TIME. June 9, 1947. Archived from the original on September 18, 2008. Retrieved February 20, 2010.
  16. ^ O'Donnell Bennett, James (July 27, 1926). "Chicagoland's Shrines: A Tour of Discoveries". Chicago Daily Tribune (1923-1963). Archived from the original on September 10, 2010. Retrieved February 20, 2010.
  17. ^ Cronon (1992); Keating (2005); Keating (2004)
  18. ^ "Classifieds map of Chicagoland". Chicagotribune.com. Retrieved May 30, 2011.
  19. ^ [1] Archived November 10, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
  20. ^ "About Chicagoland". Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved October 25, 2013.
  21. ^ "Bidtool Coverage area: Chicago, Indiana, Wisconsin, Colorado, Kentucky project leads". Bidtool.net. Archived from the original on July 15, 2011. Retrieved May 30, 2011.
  22. ^ Mariner, Richard D. (July 10, 2018). "Collar Counties". The Electrictronic Encyclopedia of Chicago. Chicago, IL: Chicago Historical Society (2005), Newberry Library (2004).
  23. ^ "Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning". Chicagoareaplanning.org. Archived from the original on August 12, 2006. Retrieved May 30, 2011.
  24. ^ "About - CMAP". Cmap.illinois.gov. Retrieved September 7, 2015.
  25. ^ Nowak, David J.; Hoehn, Robert E. III; Bodine, Allison R.; Crane, Daniel E.; Dwyer, John F.; Bonnewell, Veta; Watson, Gary. (September 17, 2013). "Urban trees and forests of the Chicago region". Nrs.fs.fed.us. doi:10.2737/NRS-RB-84. Retrieved September 7, 2015.
  26. ^ "Regional Tree Census | The Morton Arboretum". Mortonarb.org. Archived from the original on May 15, 2015. Retrieved September 7, 2015.
  27. ^ "Grid View: Table B03002 - Census Reporter". censusreporter.org. Retrieved June 29, 2024.
  28. ^ "Grid View: Table B04006 - Census Reporter". censusreporter.org. Retrieved June 29, 2024.
  29. ^ "Grid View: Table B02018 - Census Reporter". censusreporter.org. Retrieved June 29, 2024.
  30. ^ "Grid View: Table B03001 - Census Reporter". censusreporter.org. Retrieved June 29, 2024.
  31. ^ "Grid View: Table B02009 - Census Reporter". censusreporter.org. Retrieved June 29, 2024.
  32. ^ "Kendall County is fastest growing in the nation". Daily Herald. Retrieved May 30, 2011.
  33. ^ "Census profile: Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI Metro Area". Census Reporter. Retrieved June 29, 2024.
  34. ^ "Historical Metropolitan Area Definitions". Census.gov. Retrieved May 30, 2011.
  35. ^ "List of 2020 Census Urban Areas". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 7, 2023.
  36. ^ Carl Sandburg. "Chicago". Poetry: A Magazine of Verse, vol. 3, no. 6 (March 1914):191-192.
  37. ^ RON STARNER. "TOP METROS OF 2007 - Site Selection magazine, March 2008". Siteselection.com. Retrieved May 30, 2011.
  38. ^ RON STARNER (March 9, 2009). "TOP METROS OF 2008 - Site Selection magazine, March 2009". Siteselection.com. Retrieved May 30, 2011.
  39. ^ "TOP METROS OF 2009 - Site Selection Magazine, March 2010". Siteselection.com. Archived from the original on July 2, 2011. Retrieved May 30, 2011.
  40. ^ Brat, Ilan (November 8, 2006). "Tale of a Warehouse Shows How Chicago Weathers a Decline". The Wall Street Journal. p. A1. Retrieved February 20, 2010.
  41. ^ "Chicago Highlighted as the US Railroad Capital by Trains Magazine". WTTW. February 23, 2017. Retrieved March 23, 2019.
  42. ^ "About CPS". Chicago Public Schools. Retrieved January 26, 2015.
  43. ^ Moore, Natalie (November 12, 2014). "Why so few white kids land in CPS — and why it matters". WBEZ. Archived from the original on January 17, 2015. Retrieved January 26, 2015.
  44. ^ Bogira, Steve (October 17, 2012). "Two students, two high schools, two divergent paths to college". Chicago Reader.
  45. ^ Thiede, Robert. "Gary Plan". Britannica.com. Retrieved January 16, 2015.
  46. ^ Sydow, Debbie; Alfred, Richard (2012). Re-visioning Community Colleges: Positioning for Innovation. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. p. 13. ISBN 978-1442214880.
  47. ^ Ronson, Jon (December 6, 2014). "Shimer College: The Worst School in America?". The Guardian.
  48. ^ "Great Books program". Oakton Community College. Retrieved January 26, 2015.

Further reading

[edit]
  • Fischer, Paul B. (July 28, 1993). Racial and Locational Patterns of Subsidized Housing in the Chicago Suburbs: A Report to the MacArthur Foundation (Archive). Lake Forest, Ill.: Lake Forest College. Report to the MacArthur Foundation.
  • Lewinnek, Elaine (2014). The Working Man's Reward: Chicago's Early Suburbs and the Roots of American Sprawl. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
[edit]
Chicago metropolitan area at Wikipedia's sister projects
  • Definitions from Wiktionary
  • Media from Commons
  • Travel information from Wikivoyage
  • Data from Wikidata
  • Encyclopedia of Chicago (2004), comprehensive coverage of city and suburbs, past and present
  • U.S. Census Urbanized Area Outline Map (2000)
  • Chicago-Naperville-Michigan City, IL-IN-WI Combined Statistical Area (2012) map
  • Illinois CBSAs and Counties (2013) map
  • U.S. Census Bureau Chicago city, Illinois QuickFacts
  • Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas
  • About Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas
  • History of Metropolitan Areas
  • Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas Population Totals and Components of Change: 2010–2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

For other uses, see Ceiling (disambiguation).
Various examples of ornate ceilings

A ceiling /ˈsiːlɪŋ/ is an overhead interior roof that covers the upper limits of a room. It is not generally considered a structural element, but a finished surface concealing the underside of the roof structure or the floor of a story above. Ceilings can be decorated to taste, and there are many examples of frescoes and artwork on ceilings, especially within religious buildings. A ceiling can also be the upper limit of a tunnel.

The most common type of ceiling is the dropped ceiling,[citation needed] which is suspended from structural elements above. Panels of drywall are fastened either directly to the ceiling joists or to a few layers of moisture-proof plywood which are then attached to the joists. Pipework or ducts can be run in the gap above the ceiling, and insulation and fireproofing material can be placed here. Alternatively, ceilings may be spray painted instead, leaving the pipework and ducts exposed but painted, and using spray foam.

A subset of the dropped ceiling is the suspended ceiling, wherein a network of aluminum struts, as opposed to drywall, are attached to the joists, forming a series of rectangular spaces. Individual pieces of cardboard are then placed inside the bottom of those spaces so that the outer side of the cardboard, interspersed with aluminum rails, is seen as the ceiling from below. This makes it relatively easy to repair the pipes and insulation behind the ceiling, since all that is necessary is to lift off the cardboard, rather than digging through the drywall and then replacing it.

Other types of ceiling include the cathedral ceiling, the concave or barrel-shaped ceiling, the stretched ceiling and the coffered ceiling. Coving often links the ceiling to the surrounding walls. Ceilings can play a part in reducing fire hazard, and a system is available for rating the fire resistance of dropped ceilings.

Types

[edit]
California tract home with an open-beam ceiling, 1960

Ceilings are classified according to their appearance or construction. A cathedral ceiling is any tall ceiling area similar to those in a church. A dropped ceiling is one in which the finished surface is constructed anywhere from a few inches or centimeters to several feet or a few meters below the structure above it. This may be done for aesthetic purposes, such as achieving a desirable ceiling height; or practical purposes such as acoustic damping or providing a space for HVAC or piping. An inverse of this would be a raised floor. A concave or barrel-shaped ceiling is curved or rounded upward, usually for visual or acoustical value, while a coffered ceiling is divided into a grid of recessed square or octagonal panels, also called a "lacunar ceiling". A cove ceiling uses a curved plaster transition between wall and ceiling; it is named for cove molding, a molding with a concave curve.[1] A stretched ceiling (or stretch ceiling) uses a number of individual panels using material such as PVC fixed to a perimeter rail.[2]

Elements

[edit]

Ceilings have frequently been decorated with fresco painting, mosaic tiles and other surface treatments. While hard to execute (at least in place) a decorated ceiling has the advantage that it is largely protected from damage by fingers and dust. In the past, however, this was more than compensated for by the damage from smoke from candles or a fireplace. Many historic buildings have celebrated ceilings. Perhaps the most famous is the Sistine Chapel ceiling by Michelangelo.

Ceiling height, particularly in the case of low ceilings, may have psychological impacts. [3]

Fire-resistance rated ceilings

[edit]

The most common ceiling that contributes to fire-resistance ratings in commercial and residential construction is the dropped ceiling. In the case of a dropped ceiling, the rating is achieved by the entire system, which is both the structure above, from which the ceilings is suspended, which could be a concrete floor or a timber floor, as well as the suspension mechanism and, finally the lowest membrane or dropped ceiling. Between the structure that the dropped ceiling is suspended from and the dropped membrane, such as a T-bar ceiling or a layer of drywall, there is often some room for mechanical and electrical piping, wiring and ducting to run.

An independent ceiling, however, can be constructed such that it has a stand-alone fire-resistance rating. Such systems must be tested without the benefit of being suspended from a slab above in order to prove that the resulting system is capable of holding itself up. This type of ceiling would be installed to protect items above from fire.

  • An unrestrained non-loadbearing ceiling undergoing a 4-hour fire test. Deflection is measured off the I-beam.
    An unrestrained non-loadbearing ceiling undergoing a 4-hour fire test. Deflection is measured off the I-beam.
  • Durasteel ceiling after successful fire test, being raised from the furnace and readied for an optional 45PSI (3.1 bar) hose-stream test.
    Durasteel ceiling after successful fire test, being raised from the furnace and readied for an optional 45PSI (3.1 bar) hose-stream test.
[edit]
  • Gothic ceiling in the Sainte-Chapelle, Paris, 1243-1248, by Pierre de Montreuil[4]
    Gothic ceiling in the Sainte-Chapelle, Paris, 1243-1248, by Pierre de Montreuil[4]
  • Renaissance ceiling of the Henry II staircase in the Louvre Palace, Paris, by Étienne Carmoy, Raymond Bidollet, Jean Chrestien and François Lheureux, 1553[5]
    Renaissance ceiling of the Henry II staircase in the Louvre Palace, Paris, by Étienne Carmoy, Raymond Bidollet, Jean Chrestien and François Lheureux, 1553[5]
  • Renaissance ceiling of the king's bedroom in the Louvre Palace, by Francisque Scibecq de Carpi, 1556[6]
    Renaissance ceiling of the king's bedroom in the Louvre Palace, by Francisque Scibecq de Carpi, 1556[6]
  • Baroque ceiling of the Salle des Saisons in the Louvre Palace, by Giovanni Francesco Romanelli, Michel Anguier and Pietro Sasso, mid 17th century[7]
    Baroque ceiling of the Salle des Saisons in the Louvre Palace, by Giovanni Francesco Romanelli, Michel Anguier and Pietro Sasso, mid 17th century[7]
  • Neoclassical ceiling of the Salle Duchâtel in the Louvre Palace, with The Triumph of French Painting. Apotheosis of Poussin, Le Sueur and Le Brun in the centre, by Charles Meynier, 1822, and ceilings panels with medallion portraits of French painters, 1828-1833[8]
    Neoclassical ceiling of the Salle Duchâtel in the Louvre Palace, with The Triumph of French Painting. Apotheosis of Poussin, Le Sueur and Le Brun in the centre, by Charles Meynier, 1822, and ceilings panels with medallion portraits of French painters, 1828-1833[8]
  • Neoclassical ceiling of the Mollien staircase in the Louvre Palace, designed by Hector Lefuel in 1857 and painted by Charles Louis Müller in 1868-1870[9]
    Neoclassical ceiling of the Mollien staircase in the Louvre Palace, designed by Hector Lefuel in 1857 and painted by Charles Louis Müller in 1868-1870[9]
  • Moorish Revival ceiling in the Nicolae T. Filitti/Nae Filitis House (Calea DorobanÈ›ilor no. 18), Bucharest, Romania, de Ernest Doneaud, c.1910[10]
    Moorish Revival ceiling in the Nicolae T. Filitti/Nae Filitis House (Calea Dorobanților no. 18), Bucharest, Romania, de Ernest Doneaud, c.1910[10]
  • Demonstrative reconstruction of a Roman suspended ceiling in an Imperial palace of circa AD 306 at Trier, Italy
    Demonstrative reconstruction of a Roman suspended ceiling in an Imperial palace of circa AD 306 at Trier, Italy
  • Part of the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City in Rome, showing the ceiling in relation to the other frescoes
    Part of the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City in Rome, showing the ceiling in relation to the other frescoes
  • Ceiling of the Villa Schutzenberger from Strasbourg, France, decorated with Art Nouveau ornaments
    Ceiling of the Villa Schutzenberger from Strasbourg, France, decorated with Art Nouveau ornaments
  • Painted ceiling in Liège, Belgium
    Painted ceiling in Liège, Belgium
  • Traditional Chinese ceiling of Dayuan Renshou Temple at Taoyuan, Taiwan
    Traditional Chinese ceiling of Dayuan Renshou Temple at Taoyuan, Taiwan
  • Dropped ceiling
    Dropped ceiling
  • Wooden beam ceiling
    Wooden beam ceiling

See also

[edit]
  • Beam ceiling
  • Hammerbeam roof
  • Hollow-core slab
  • Moulding (decorative)
  • Popcorn ceiling
  • Scottish Renaissance painted ceilings
  • Tin ceiling
  • Passive fire protection
  • Fire test
  • Hy-Rib

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Casa de las Ratas 2/2/2003". Archived from the original on September 29, 2008. Retrieved September 14, 2008.
  2. ^ Corky Binggeli (2011). Interior Graphic Standards: Student Edition. John Wiley & Sons. p. 220. ISBN 978-1-118-09935-3.
  3. ^ Meyers-Levy, Joan; Zhu, Rui (Juliet) (August 2007). "The Influence of Ceiling Height: The Effect of Priming on the Type of Processing That People Use". Journal of Consumer Research. 34 (2): 174–186. doi:10.1086/519146. JSTOR 10.1086/519146. S2CID 16607244.
  4. ^ Melvin, Jeremy (2006). …isme Să ÎnÈ›elegem Stilurile Arhitecturale (in Romanian). Enciclopedia RAO. p. 39. ISBN 973-717-075-X.
  5. ^ Bresc-Bautier, Geneviève (2008). The Louvre, a Tale of a Palace. Musée du Louvre Éditions. p. 26. ISBN 978-2-7572-0177-0.
  6. ^ Bresc-Bautier, Geneviève (2008). The Louvre, a Tale of a Palace. Musée du Louvre Éditions. p. 30. ISBN 978-2-7572-0177-0.
  7. ^ Bresc-Bautier, Geneviève (2008). The Louvre, a Tale of a Palace. Musée du Louvre Éditions. p. 55. ISBN 978-2-7572-0177-0.
  8. ^ Bresc-Bautier, Geneviève (2008). The Louvre, a Tale of a Palace. Musée du Louvre Éditions. p. 106. ISBN 978-2-7572-0177-0.
  9. ^ Bresc-Bautier, Geneviève (2008). The Louvre, a Tale of a Palace. Musée du Louvre Éditions. p. 138. ISBN 978-2-7572-0177-0.
  10. ^ Marinache, Oana (2015). Ernest Donaud - visul liniei (in Romanian). Editura Istoria Artei. p. 79. ISBN 978-606-94042-8-7.
[edit]
Look up ceiling in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
  • Media related to Ceilings at Wikimedia Commons
  • "Ceiling" . Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 5 (11th ed.). 1911.
  • "Ceiling" . New International Encyclopedia. 1904.
  • Merriam-Webster ceiling definition

 

 

 

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USS was excellent. They are honest, straightforward, trustworthy, and conscientious. They thoughtfully removed the flowers and flower bulbs to dig where they needed in the yard, replanted said flowers and spread the extra dirt to fill in an area of the yard. We've had other services from different companies and our yard was really a mess after. They kept the job site meticulously clean. The crew was on time and friendly. I'd recommend them any day! Thanks to Jessie and crew.

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It was a pleasure to work with Rick and his crew. From the beginning, Rick listened to my concerns and what I wished to accomplish. Out of the 6 contractors that quoted the project, Rick seemed the MOST willing to accommodate my wishes. His pricing was definitely more than fair as well. I had 10 push piers installed to stabilize and lift an addition of my house. The project commenced at the date that Rick had disclosed initially and it was completed within the same time period expected (based on Rick's original assessment). The crew was well informed, courteous, and hard working. They were not loud (even while equipment was being utilized) and were well spoken. My neighbors were very impressed on how polite they were when they entered / exited my property (saying hello or good morning each day when they crossed paths). You can tell they care about the customer concerns. They ensured that the property would be put back as clean as possible by placing MANY sheets of plywood down prior to excavating. They compacted the dirt back in the holes extremely well to avoid large stock piles of soils. All the while, the main office was calling me to discuss updates and expectations of completion. They provided waivers of lien, certificates of insurance, properly acquired permits, and JULIE locates. From a construction background, I can tell you that I did not see any flaws in the way they operated and this an extremely professional company. The pictures attached show the push piers added to the foundation (pictures 1, 2 & 3), the amount of excavation (picture 4), and the restoration after dirt was placed back in the pits and compacted (pictures 5, 6 & 7). Please notice that they also sealed two large cracks and steel plated these cracks from expanding further (which you can see under my sliding glass door). I, as well as my wife, are extremely happy that we chose United Structural Systems for our contractor. I would happily tell any of my friends and family to use this contractor should the opportunity arise!

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