IMPROVEMENTS IN DRAINING LAND, EMBANKMENTS, AND CUTTINGS OF RAILWAYS AND OTHER ENGINEERING WORKS
Year: 1842

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, RICHARD
WATSON, Junior, of Cloth Fair, within the City of London, Gas Fitter, send
greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain, bearing date at West-
minster, the Thirty-first day of May, in the fifth year of Her reign, did, for
Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the said Richard
Watson, Her especial license, full power, sole privilege and authority, that I,
the said Richard Watson, my exors, adiñors, and assigns, or such others as
I, the said Richard Watson, my exors, admors, or assigns, should at any time
agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times during the
term of years therein mentioned, should and lawfully might make, use, exer-
cise, and vend, within England, Wales, and the Town of Berwick-upon-
Tweed, my Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN DRAINING LAND, EMBANKMENTS,
AND CUTTINGS OF RAILWAYS AND OTHER ENGINEERING WORKS;" in which said
Letters Patent is contained a proviso that I, the said Richard Watson, shall
cause a particular description of the nature of my said Invention, and in
what manner the same is to be performed, to be inrolled in Her said Majesty's
High Court of Chancery within six calendar months next and immediately
after the date of the said in part recited Letters Patent, as in and by the same,
reference being thereunto had, will more fully and at large appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
Richard Watson, do hereby declare that the nature of my Invention, and the
manner in which the same is to be performed, are fully described and ascer-

page_text: tained in and by the following statement thereof, referenco being had to tho
Drawings hereunto annexed, and to the figures and letters marked thereon,
that is to say-
My Invention relates, first, to improvements in the construction of tubes
and tiles for draining purposes.
Secondly, my Invention relates to modes of applying draining tubes for
draining embankments and cuttings of railway and other engineering works.
And thirdly, my Invention relates to an apparatus to bore through walls for
draining cuttings and embankments of engineering works, when the draining
is to be performed after the works are constructed.
And in order that my Invention may be fully understood and readily carried
into effect, I will proceed to explain the Drawings hereunto annexed.
Figuro
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING.
represents part of an iron tube constructed according to my
Invention; Figuro 2 is a transverse section of the samo tube. Figuro 3
shows part of another tubo; and Figure 4 is a transverse section thereof.
Figure 5 shows part of another tube; and Figure 6 shows a transverse sec-
tion thereof. In all these cases the improvement is in substance the same,
and consists in forming the holes or slits, whichever may bo used, in such
manner that the holes or slits enlarge inwards; by which arrangement it will
bo found that the holes or slits will be less liable to become clogged than
when the holes or slits are the same size throughout, or where the holes or
slits formed in -tubes are larger externally than internally. Figure 7 shows
part of a side view, and Figure 8 a transverse section of a drain tile, so con-
structed that the holes, whether circular or oblong, aro mado to enlarge from
the outside inwards, by which tho water will be voided into the tube more
freely than when the holes are constructed in any other shape. In making
these tiles the holes aro to be made before bending the tiles. The iron tubes
I wish it to be understood, that I do not propose to uso the above-
described tubes and tiles for the general purposes of land draining, but only
in such cases as will allow of the additional cost consequent on the formation
of the various holes, though I believe that such tiles would be found to be
best for all purposes of draining.
are cast.
I will now describe the second part of my Invention. Figure 9 shows
two slopes which will either represent the surfaces of embankments or of open
cuttings; and this part of my Invention consists of introducing draining tubes
(perforated with holes) by boring, and then forcing them into the earth, so
that the drain tubes will enter to a considerable extent into the earth, and

page_text: the water will be voided at the face or surface of the cutting; and from the
mouth of each tube to the bottom of the embankment or cutting, there
may be channels cut and lined with unperforated drain tiles, so that the sur-
face of the earth may not be injured by the water coming from the drain tubes.
a, a, are the lower drain tubes, which are forced to a considerable extent into
the side of an embankment or the face of an open cutting, as is shown, and
the extent to which they are forced may be varied, having a greater length of
tubes where the land is wet or otherwise liable to slip. The lower tubes a, a,
I recommend to be very little sloped, and in most cases these tubes may be
placed at about twenty feet apart, unless the land is very wet, then they may
be placed nearer together. The next range of tubes b, b, I incline much
more than the lower ones, and so on with the next range, as is shown in the
Drawing. Although I prefer to use tubes. the holes of which enlarge inwards
as described above, yet for carrying out this part of my Invention I do not con-
fine myself thereto, as tubes having numerous holes or sufficient openings into
them for the passage of water, whatever be the shape of such openings, may
be used, and this modo, of applying drain tubes will be found very advan
tageous. In applying the second row or range of tubes I do not place them
directly over the lower ones, but cause them to be equally spaced in respect
to the lower row of tubes, and in like manner I apply the next row or range
above in respect to the range of tubes b, and so on, whatever may be the
number of rows required. It will be found, that in thus applying drain tubes
to embankments and cuttings, that at first, in most cases, particularly in wet
land, the water will flow away quickly, after which the land will become more
settled and solid, and this will be facilitated by the air which passes into the
tubes, and in a short time embankments and cuttings so treated will be found
to have consolidated and become more secure. In applying this part of my
Invention to open cuttings faced with walls of brickwork or masonry, I apply
the drain tubes through the walls and into the earth, either when building the
walls or by boring after the wall has been made, as is clearly shown in the front
view and transverse section of a cutting faced with a wall at Figuro 10 of the
Drawings; and when applying my Invention to the cuttings of tunnels, then
pursue a like course as is shown at Figure 11 of the Drawings, which
represents a longitudinal and transverse section of part of a tunnel, taking
care to have tubes c sufficiently near the crown of the arch to ensure that
the water is conveyed away, whereby the earth above will bo ventilated by
the air in the tubes, and become well consolidated for a considerable distance
from the brickwork. If the dropping of the water from the tube c be objection-
able, then the water may be conducted down pipes bent to the figuro of the
I

page_text: cutting or tunnel; and although I consider that the applying of the drain tubes
every twenty to twenty-five feet will be sufficient, this may be varied whero
there are springs, or otherwise much water and looseness of land consequent
thereon, in which cases it will be desirable to place the tubes nearer together,
but the engineer of the works will readily judge of these matters and apply
the tubes accordingly, and he will also judge of the positions where the tubes
shall be introduced.
I would remark, that I am aware in facing cuttings with brickwork or
masonry, that in some cases holes have been left through the saine for the
draining through of water from behind; 1 do not therefore claim tho having
holes in walls for such purposes, nor do I claim the draining of embankments
or cuttings of railways, or of other engineering works generally, they having
been before drained by cutting trenches and laying tiles, and in some cases
bush and stone draining have been resorted to for such works; this part of
my Invention relating to the forcing of perforated tubes into the earth for
a considerable distance from the face of the embankment or cutting, and thus
causing the land to be drained for a considerable way in from the face of au
embankment or a cutting. And although I prefer to use irou pipes for this
purposo do not confine myself thereto, as other materials, such as clay,
might be used.
Figure 12 shows an internal side view of the boring apparatus. Figure 13
is a plan of the apparatus, and Figure 14 is a longitudinal side view of the
apparatus. This apparatus consists of a tube, at the end of which are formed
a series of inclining teeth as is shown; at the inner end is applied a cover
which prevents the portion or cylinder of brick wedging the apparatus in the
hole formed by it, which it is liable to do if left open. The apparatus is fixed
to a rod by a scrow or otherwise, and the same is then turned by any suitable
apparatus.
Having thus described the nature of my Invention, and the manner in
which the same is to be performed, I would have it understood that what I
claim is,
First, the mode of constructing perforated drain tubes and tiles with holes
or openings enlarging from the outside inwards, as above described.
Secondly, I claim the mode of draining embankments and cuttings of rail-
ways and other engineering works, by applying perforated tubes from tho
face of an embankment, or of an open or other cutting, as above described,
and whether faced with a wall of masonry or not, as above described.
And thirdly, claim the apparatus above described for boring holes in
brickwork or masonry, for draining, cutting, and embankments of railways

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, RICHARD
WATSON, Junior, of Cloth Fair, within the City of London, Gas Fitter, send
greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain, bearing date at West-
minster, the Thirty-first day of May, in the fifth year of Her reign, did, for
Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the said Richard
Watson, ler especial license, full power, sole privilege and authority, that I,
the said Richard Watson, my exors, adiñors, and assigns, or such others as
I, the said Richard Watson, my exors, adñors, or assigns, should at any time
agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times during the
term of years therein mentioned, should and lawfully might make, use, exer-
cise, and vend, within England, Wales, and the Town of Berwick-upon-
Tweed, my Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN DRAINING LAND, EMBANKMENTS,
AND CUTTINGS OF RAILWAYS AND OTHER ENGINEERING WORKS;" in which said
Letters Patent is contained a proviso that I, the said Richard Watson, shall
cause a particular description of the nature of my said Invention, and in
what manner the same is to be performed, to be inrolled in Her said Majesty's
High Court of Chancery within six calendar months next and immediately
after the date of the said in part recited Letters Patent, as in and by the same,
reference being thereunto had, will more fully and at large appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
Richard Watson, do hereby declare that the nature of my Invention, and the
manner in which the same is to be performed, are fully described and ascer-

page_text: tained in and by the following statement thereof, reference being had to the
Drawings hereunto annexed, and to the figures and letters marked thereon,
that is to say
My Invention relates, first, to improvements in the construction of tubes
and tiles for draining purposes.
Secondly, my Invention relates to modes of applying draining tubes for
draining embankments and cuttings of railway and other engineering works.
And thirdly, my Invention relates to an apparatus to bore through walls for
draining cuttings and embankments of engineering works, when the draining
is to be performed after the works are constructed.
And in order that my Invention may be fully understood and readily carried
into effect, I will proceed to explain the Drawings hereunto annexed.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING.
Figure 1 represents part of an iron tube constructed according to my
Invention; Figuro 2 is a transverse section of the same tube. Figure 3
shows part of another tube; and Figure 4 is a transverse section thereof.
Figure 5 shows part of another tube; and Figure 6 shows a transverse sec-
tion thereof. In all these cases the improvement is in substance the same,
and consists in forming the holes or slits, whichever may be used, in such
manner that the holes or slits enlargo inwards; by which arrangement it will
bo found that the holes or slits will be less liable to become clogged than
when the holes or slits are the same size throughout, or where the holes or
slits formed in tubes are larger externally than internally. Figure 7 shows
part of a sido viow, and Figure 8 a transverso section of a drain tile, so con-
structed that the holes, whether circular or oblong, are made to enlarge from
the outside inwards, by which the water will be voided into the tube more
freely than when the holes ard constructed in any other shapo. In making
these tiles the holes are to 'bo mado before bending the tiles. The iron tubes
'aro cast. I wish it to be understood, that I do not propose to úso the above-
'described tubes and tiles for the general purposes of land draining, but only
in such cases as will allow of the additional cost consequent on the formation
of the various holes, though I believe that such tiles would be found to be
best for all purposes of training.
I will now describe the second part of my Invention. Figure 9 shows
two slopes which will either represent the surfaces of embankments or of open
cuttings; and this part of iny Invention consists of introducing draining tubes
(perforated with holes) by boring, and then forcing them into the earth, so
that the drain tubes will enter to a considerable extent into the earth, and

page_text: the water will be voided at the face or surface of the cutting; and from the
mouth of each tube to the bottom of the embankment or cutting, there
may be channels cut and lined with unperforated drain tiles, so that the sur-
face of the earth may not be injured by the water coming from the drain tubes.
a, a, are the lower drain tubes, which are forced to a considerable extent into
the side of an embankment or the face of an open cutting, as is shown, and
the extent to which they are forced may be varied, having a greater length of
tubes where the land is wet or otherwise liable to slip. The lower tubes a, a,
I recommend to be very little sloped, and in most cases these tubes may be
placed at about twenty feet apart, unless the land is very wet, then they may
be placed nearer together. The next range of tubes b, b, I incline much
more than the lower ones, and so on with the next range, as is shown in the
Drawing. Although I prefer to use tubes the holes of which enlarge inwards
as described above, yet for carrying out this part of my Invention I do not con-
fine myself thereto, as tubes having numerous holes or sufficient openings into
them for the passage of water, whatever be the shape of such openings, may
be used, and this mode of applying drain tubes will be found very advan
tageous. In applying the second row or range of tubes I do not place them
directly over the lower ones, but cause them to be equally spaced in respect
to the lower row of tubes, and in like manner I apply the next row or range
above in respect to the range of tubes 6, and so on, whatever may be the
number of rows required. It will be found, that in thus applying drain tubes
to embankments and cuttings, that at first, in most cases, particularly in wet
land, the water will flow away quickly, after which the land will become more
settled and solid, and this will be facilitated by the air which passes into the
tubes, and in a short time embankments and cuttings so treated will be found
to have consolidated and become more secure. In applying this part of my
Invention to open cuttings faced with walls of brickwork or masonry, I apply
the drain tubes through the walls and into the earth, either when building the
walls or by boring after the wall has been made, as is clearly shown in the front
view and transverse section of a cutting faced with a wall at Figure 10 of tho
Drawings; and when applying my Invention to the cuttings of tunnels, then
I pursue a like course as is shown at Figure 11 of the Drawings, which
represents a longitudinal and transverse section of part of a tunnel, taking
care to have tubes c sufficiently near the crown of the arch to ensure that
the water is conveyed away, whereby the earth above will be ventilated by
the air in, the tubes, and become well consolidated for a considerable distance
from the brickwork. If the dropping of the water from the tube'c bo objection-
able, then the water may be conducted down pipes bent to the figuro of the

page_text: cutting or tunnel; and although I consider that the applying of the drain tubes
every twenty to twenty-five feet will be sufficient, this may be varied whero
there are springs, or otherwise much water and looseness of land consequent
thereon, in which cases it will be desirable to place the tubes nearer together,
but the engineer of the works will readily judge of these matters and apply
the tubes.accordingly, and he will also judge of the positions where the tubes
shall be introduced.
I would remark, that I am aware in facing cuttings with brickwork or
masonry, that in some cases holes have been left through the same for the
draining through of water from behind; 1 do not therefore claim the having
holes in walls for such purposes, nor do I claim the draining of embankments
or cuttings of railways, or of other engineering works generally, they having
been before drained by cutting trenches and laying tiles, and in some cases
bush and stone draining have been resorted to for such works; this part of
my Invention relating to the forcing of perforated tubes into the earth for
a considerable distance from the face of the embankment or cutting, and thus
causing the land to be drained for a considerable way in from the face of an
embankment or a cutting. And although I prefer to use iron pipes for this
purpose do not confine myself thereto, as other materials, such as clay,
might be used.
Figure 12 shows an internal sido view of the boring apparatus. Figure 13
is a plan of the apparatus, and Figure 14 is a longitudinal side view of the
apparatus. This apparatus consists of a tube, at the end of which are formed
a series of inclining teeth as is shown; at the inner end is applied a cover
which prevents the portion or cylinder of brick wedging the apparatus in the
hola formed by it, which it is liable to do if left open. The apparatus is fixed
to a rod by a screw or otherwise, and the same is then turned by any suitable
apparatus.
Having thus described the nature of my Invention, and the manner in
which the same is to be performed, I would have it understood that what I
claim is,-
First, the mode of constructing perforated drain tubes and tiles with holes
or openings enlarging from the outside inwards, as above described.
Secondly, claim the mode of draining embankments and cuttings of rail
ways and other engineering works, by applying perforated tubes from the
face of an embankment, or of an open or other cutting, as above described,
and whether faced with a wall of masonry or not, as above described.
And thirdly, claim the apparatus above described for boring holes in
brickwork or masonry, for draining, cutting, and embankments of railways

page_text: and other engineering works which are faced or lined with brickwork or
masonry.
In witness whereof, I, the said Richard Watson, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Thirtieth day of November, One thousand eight
hundred and forty-two.