IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF SUBMERGED TUNNELS, AND IN APPARATUS OR MEANS EMPLOYED THEREIN OR CONNECTED THEREWITH
Year: 1875

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Henry Johnson, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields,
in the County of Middlesex, Gentleman, for the Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF SUBMERGED TUNNELS, AND IN
APPARATUS OR MEANS EMPLOYED THEREIN OR CONNECTED THEREWITH."-A
communication from abroad by Jacques Castanier, of Lyons, in the
Republic of France.
Sealed the 4th January 1876, and dated the 18th October 1875.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Henry Johnson
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition,
on the 18th October 1875.
I, JOHN HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County
of Middlesex, Gentleman, do hereby declare the nature of the said
Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF SUBMERGED TUNNELS,
AND IN APPARATUS OR MEANS EMPLOYED THEREIN OR CONNECTED THEREWITH," a
communication to me from abroad by Jacques Castanier, of Lyons, in
the Republic of France, to be as follows:-
maning x submerged tunnels and consiste

page_text: of an improved mode of constructing the same, and of a combination of
means or apparatus to be employed in their construction.
In carrying out this Invention as applied to a submarine railway, for
example, two parallel tunnels are employed; each of which contains only
a single line of rails, whereby the diameter of the tunnel is reduced.
These tunnels are connected with one another by transverse passages,
which place them in communication and ensure considerable strength
for resisting the force of the waves and currents. Each of the two
tunnels, as also each transverse passage, is formed of two concentric
tubes, the inner one of which is constructed of sheet metal, whilst the
other or outer tube is constructed by preference of wood bound or
hooped with iron, and of sufficient size to leave a space between the two
to be filled in with beton concrete, hydraulic lime, or cement.
In order to compensate for the irregularity of the bottom of the sea
(for example), and to enable the inclines previously decided on to be
formed, means are provided for lowering vertical columns from the
interior of the tunnels, when desired to serve as temporary supports, and
for elevating ventilating tubes or shafts in a similar manner.
The tunnel is composed longitudinally of segments, each extremity of
which when prepared for submersion is provided with a head, by pre-
ference of cast iron, closing the interval between the two concentric
tubes, and serving to form the connection between the said segments.
In order to enable the supporting columns to be forced out from the
interior of the tunnels the two tubes of the tunnel are formed with
apertures to which are fitted large rings or tubes, by preference com- 1
posed of cast iron so as to form passages from the interior of the inner
tubes to the exterior of the outer tubes. Each of these rings or tubes is
formed or fitted with two collars or flanges for the purpose of attaching
it to the concentric tubes; and with a flat internal flange for the
attachment of the supporting rods of a hydraulic press. These hydraulic
presses are employed for the purpose of forcing or pushing out the
supporting columns, which are capable of sliding in the rings or tubes
before mentioned, packing rings of leather or other suitable material
being provided in order to make a tight joint. By the use of these
columns, which may be composed of a series of longitudinal segments or
tubes, the position of the tunnel may be adjusted. When the length of
one moveable tube forming a segment of the column is insufficient it is

page_text: of attaching chains or cables for dragging or suspending it in an oblique
direction.
Before floating a segment of the tunnel it is fixed upon a suitable
number (say for example from four to eight) of these cassions which
displace a sufficient quantity of water to float the tunnel and allow it to
rise to a greater or less extent at the will of the operator, after which it
may be towed to the spot where it is to be submerged by steam vessels
or otherwise. A certain quantity of water is then admitted into the
caissons and the windlasses are slowly unwound on the vessels moored
for the purpose, and as soon as the caissons come in contact with the
ground the segment of the tunnel stands supported by the hydraulic
presses upon which it rests.
The faces of the two heads or rings at the extremities of the tubular
segments are provided with annular tongues and grooves of trapezoidal
section, formed in such a manner as to fit into one another when the
segments are brought together; these grooves are provided with coilings
or plaits or flat cords tarred and greased, and a leaden ring for the
purpose of completing the joint is fitted between the interior recesses or
rebates of the heads.
The ends of the segments of the tunnel are provided with light ports
or glasses, and lights are employed in the interior of the segments so as
to facilitate the adjustment of the moveable segments in relation to
those which have been already fixed. A small electric telegraph is also
provided, enabling communication to be established between the segments
which are being put together and the exterior.
In order to obtain the required vertical motion in adjusting the
position of the segments, the large hydraulic presses which are placed on
the adjusting caissons are employed. The pumps of these presses may
be situate either on the vessels which serve for towing the segment or
in the interior of the tunnel itself by forming apertures in the sides of
the tunnel and fitting thereto a tube for the reception of one or more
tubes which are connected with flexible pipes for conducting the water
to the hydraulic presses. This arrangement admits of the joint being
unfastened from the interior in order to disengage the pumps when it is
desired to remove the adjusting caissons. When the operation is
completed molten lead is run into the hollow space between these con-
necting tubes and also into the tubes themselves which have been

page_text: suitably plugged, and they may then be disconnected from the flexible
tubes before mentioned.
The motion for the lateral adjustment of the segments of the tunnel
is effected by means of the small horizontal presses before mentioned.
The longitudinal motion is obtained by means of other hydraulic presses,
the piston rod of each of which passes through a stuffing box fitted on
one of the plates, temporarily closing the ends of one segment, and
terminates in a T shaped head which engages in an opening formed for
the purpose in a U piece rivetted on the opposite end plate of the
neighbouring segment to be adjusted. By turning the rod of the piston
the two segments are united, the action of the hydraulic press causing
the loose or moveable segment to approach the segment already secured;
the two segments are then to be bolted, after which the temporary end
plates are removed and the supporting columns are lowered and filled
with beton. The caissons may be towed away by the steam vessels or
otherwise.
In order to avoid the vibration resulting from the passage of the trains
the wooden sleepers are placed in metal boxes sunk into the beton, and
at the bottom of which may be placed coiled springs or bands of india-
rubber or the like.
In order to consolidate and provide for the stability of the tunnel it is
proposed to cover it with a pile of beton or similar material by any of
the means employed in submarine operations.
For the purpose of ensuring the block of beton being of the required
shape it is proposed to employ an apparatus somewhat resembling a
diving bell, the oblique lateral walls of which support the beton which
is run in through a funnel opening outwards for the purpose, the descent
of the beton in which can be facilitated by suitable mechanical
arrangements.
It is further proposed to surround the ventilating shafts with a
cylindrical envelope or casing of sheet metal or wood, and to fill up the
hollow space left between the casing and the shaft with beton or similar
material. The upper part of the shafts may moreover be provided with
a contrivance for the reception of the fires or lights destined to indicate
their positions during the night.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said John Henry Johnson in the Great Seal Patent
Office on the 18th April 1876.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JOHN
HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of
Middlesex, Gentleman, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing dato the Eighteenth day of October, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-five, in the thirty-
ninth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors,
give and grant unto me, the said John Henry Johnson, Her special
license that I, the said John Henry Johnson, my executors, admini-
strators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said John Henry
Johnson, my executors, administrators, or assigns, should at any time
agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter
during the term thercin expressed, should and lawfully might make,
use, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF SUBMERGED TUNNELS, AND IN APPARATUS
OR MEANS EMPLOYED THEREIN OR CONNECTED THEREWITH, a communication to
me from abroad by Jacques Castanier, of Lyons, in the Republic of
France, upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said John
Henry Johnson, my executors or administrators, by an instrument
in writing under my hand and seal, should particularly describe and
ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same
was to be performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal
Patent Office within six calendar months next and immediately after
the date of the said Letters Patent.
"
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said John Henry Johnson, do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the
same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in
and by the following statement, reference being had to the accom-
panying Drawings, and to the letters and figures marked thereon, that
is to say:-
T

page_text: Channel or other straits or arms of the sea, and consists of an improved
mode of constructing such tunnels, and of a combination of means or
apparatus to be employed in their construction.
And in order that the said Invention may be fully understood I shall
now proceed more particularly to describe the same, and for that
purpose shall refer to the several Figures on the annexed Sheets of
Drawings, the same letters of reference indicating corresponding parts
|【Channel or other straits or arms of the sea, and consists of an improved
mode of constructing such tunnels, and of a combination of means or
apparatus to be employed in their construction.
And in order that the said Invention may be fully understood I shall
now proceed more particularly to describe the same, and for that
purpose shall refer to the several Figures on the annexed Sheets of
Drawings, the same letters of reference indicating corresponding parts
in all the Figures.
Figure 1, Sheet 1, of the accompanying Drawings is a transverse
vertical section of two parallel tunnels constructed according to this
Invention for a submarine railway, and the remainder of the Figures are
details illustrating various stages of their constructing and the apparatus
employed therein.
In carrying out this Invention as applied to the construction of a
submarine railway, for example, two parallel tunnels are employed, each
of which contains only a single line of rails, whereby the diameter of the
tunnel is reduced. These tunnels are connected with one another by
transverse passages, which place them in communication and ensure
considerable strength for resisting the force of the waves and currents.
Each of the two tunnels is formed of two concentric tubes A, B, the inner
one A of which is constructed of steel, iron, or other suitable metal, say,
for example, about twenty feet in internal diameter, whilst the other or
outer tube B is constructed of wood bound or hooped with iron, and of
sufficient size to leave an annular space D of, say, about three feet six
inches between the two cylinders to be filled into within, say, about three
feet of each end with beton concrete, hydraulic lime or cement, or other
similar material. A space of about thirty-three feet is left between the
outer circumferences of the two wooden tubes B, and the transverse
passages A', connecting the two tunnels, and which are constructed in a
similar manner to the tunnels, are placed at intervals of say about one
hundred and sixty-five feet.
In order to compensate for the irregularity of the bottom of the sea
and to enable the inclines previously decided on to be formed, means are
provided for lowering when desired from the interior of the tunnels
vertical columns to serve as temporary supports, and also for elevating
ventilating tubes or shafts.

page_text: the tunnels, and they are further supported by means of columns placed
beneath the transverse passages and resting upon the ground or concrete
bed, lateral supports being also provided if required, which may be
pressed or forced out in a similar manner to the shafts I. The shaft I
on reaching the surface of the water is opened so as to admit air to the
interior of the tunnels.
The apparatus employed for adjusting and bringing together the
segments or lengths of the tunnel is illustrated by Figures 3 and 4,
Sheet 1, and Figure 5, Sheet 2, of the Drawings; it is composed of a
caisson or case of strong sheet metal K, at each extremity of which at
a distance corresponding to the distance between the centres of the
tunnels, there is provided a hydraulic press L arranged in such a
manner that the piston can be elevated or lowered by means of hydraulic
pumps provided for the purpose. The pistons of these two presses are
united by a cross bar, upon which work two small transverse presses M,
the piston rods of which terminate in a species of platform f, which
rests upon the piston of the large vertical press L and supports the tube
or segment which is to be submerged.
Tubes N composed by preference of cast iron, are fixed at the corners
of the caission K for the purpose of attaching chains, by which it
may be drawn along or suspended vertically. These tubes N are also
provided with a horizontal branch tube 9 fixed to the side of the
caisson K, to which chains or cables are attached for the purpose of
dragging or suspending it in an oblique direction when required.
Before floating a segment of the tunnel it is fixed upon a suitable
number, say, for example, from four to eight, of these caissons, which
will displace a sufficient quantity of water to float the segment of the
tunnel, and allow it to rise to a greater or less extent at the will of the
operator, after which it may be towed by means of steam vessels or
otherwise to the spot where the segment is to be submerged. The con-
necting chains should be arranged in such a manner to be capable of
being readily taken off or removed when the work of placing in position
is terminated. The segment having been brought to the spot where it
is to be submerged and its position adjusted as accurately as possible, a
certain quantity of water is admitted into the caissons, and the windlasses,
with which they are connected, are slowly unwound, when the caissons
with the segment of the tunnel will descend, and as soon as the caissons

page_text: come into contact with the ground the segment of the tunnel will be
supported by the hydraulic press L upon which it rests.
•
In cases where too great an inclination of the ground or bottom
occurs, so as to render one caisson insufficient to maintain the segment
in the required position two or more caissons may be placed one above.
the other so as to form a support, the pistons of the press L of each
caisson working within the limit of their stroke.
The faces of the two heads or rings C at the extremities of the
tubular segments are provided, the one with annular tongues h, and the
other with corresponding grooves i of trapezoidal form in section, the
tongues on the ring or head of one segment fitting into the grooves in
the ring or head on the contiguous end of the next segment when
brought together. The grooves i are provided with coilings or plates of
flat cords tarred or greased, and a leaden ring P, see Figure 5³, is also
placed between the contiguous rings or heads for the purpose of forming
a water-tight joint when connected together. These heads C are pro-
vided with holes for the reception of bolts for connecting them together,
which holes are temporarily stopped with wooden plugs.
In order to facilitate the operation of adjusting the position of the
segments of the tunnel the temporary ends S of the segments are a
provided with light ports or glasses, and lights are placed or employed
in the interior of the segments, whereby the operation of adjusting the
position of the moveable segments in relation to those which have been
already fixed is facilitated. A small electric telegraph is also provided,
enabling communication to be established between the segments which
are being put together and the exterior.
In order to obtain the required vertical motion in adjusting the
position of the segments the large hydraulic presses L on the caissons K
are employed, the pumps of which presses may be situate either on the
vessels which serve for towing the segment, or in the interior of the
tunnel itself. In the latter case apertures are formed in the sides of
the tunnel, in which are fitted tubes Q, as shown in Figures 9, 10, and
11, Sheet 3 of the Drawings, having screwed therein other tubes R con-
nected with flexible pipes k, for conducting the water to the hydraulic
presses L. This arrangement admits of the joint being unfastened 3
from the interior of the segment in order to disengage the pumps when

page_text: it is desired to remove the adjusting caissons. When the operation is
completed molten lead is run into the hollow space between the exterior
of the tubes R and the interior of the tube Q, and also into the interior
of the tubes R, which have been suitably plugged, and they may then
be disconnected from the flexible tubes k.
The motion for the lateral adjustment of the segments of the
tunnel is effected by means of the small horizontal presses M, Figures 3
and 4, Sheet 1, and the longitudinal motion is obtained by means of the
hydraulic press T, Figure 5, Sheet 2, the piston rod of which latter passes
through a stuffing box fitted on the plate S which temporarily closes the
outer end of the segment already fixed. This piston rod terminates in a
T shaped head which engages in an opening formed for the purpose in a
piece U revetted on the end plate S of the contiguous end of the segment
to be adjusted. By turning the rod of the piston the two segments are
united, when upon putting the hydraulic press T in action the loose or
moveable segment is caused to approach the segment already fixed, and
is then securely bolted thereto. The columns H are then lowered and
filled with beton or other similar material, and the caissons disconnected
and towed away by means of steam vessels or otherwise. The water
contained between the two partitions or temporary ends of the segments
which have been brought together is allowed to flow out by means of a
cock into the tunnel itself, or into a portable receptacle, or it may be
forced out by means of a pump into the sea.
The tarred or greased coilings or plaits of cord herein-before referred
to may be replaced by a tube of india-rubber or other elastic material,
which is fitted by a stuffing box into the interior of the chamber in
which the men employed in forming the connection are placed, and by
means of a force pump the tube is expanded or pressed outwards,
whereby it is caused to be applied exactly between the two contiguous
surfaces and form an hermetical joint.
The bolting together of the two segments is effected by the operator
entering (by means of an opening provided in the inner tube A for the
purpose) that portion of the space D, which has not been filled up with
beton at the ends of the tubes as herein-before described, and sub-
stituting bolts for the wooden plugs temporarily placed in the bolt holes
formed in the end pieces or rings C as herein-before mentioned. The

page_text: plates S are then removed and the lead ring P is driven into the recess
formed in the interior of the heads or end pieces C, as shown in
Figure 5, after which the space left vacant at the connected ends of
the segments is filled up with beton. The lower part of the tunnels is
filled with beton or other similar material, which forms a bed for the
rails and also side banks or platforms, as shewn in Figure 1, Sheet 1.
In order to avoid the vibration resulting from the passage of the
trains the wooden sleepers carrying the rails are placed in metal boxes
sunk into the beton, and containing coiled or other springs or bands of
india-rubber or other suitable yielding substance. The lower part of the
transverse tubes A' which are constructed in a similar manner to the
segments forming the tunnel is similarly filled with beton, or these
tubes may be entirely filled up when not required to serve as a com-
munication between the two tunnels, the weight being thereby increased
and additional firmness imparted to the structure.
In removing the adjusting caissons from the segment when in
position the pistons of the large presses L are drawn back, the flexible
tubes for admitting water are detached, and the suspending chains
disconnected. The liberated caissons are then raised to the surface of
the water, and the water contained therein discharged, after which they
are towed to the shore or other place to receive another segment of the
tunnel.
In order to consolidate and provide for the stability of the tunnel it is
covered with beton or similar material to the extent of, say about eight
feet, so as to form an integral or monolithal mass by any of the means
employed in submarine operations.
For the purpose of ensuring the block of beton being of the required
shape an apparatus somewhat resembling a diving bell may be em-
ployed, the oblique lateral walls of such apparatus supporting the beton
which is run in through a funnel opening outwards for the purpose,
the descent of the beton being facilitated by any suitable mechanical
arrangements.
In order to ensure the durability of the ventilating shafts I, they are
surrounded with a cylindrical envelope, by preference of sheet metal, and
the hollow space left between the casing and the shaft is filled up with
beton or similar material,

page_text: The upper part of the shafts may moreover be provided with a con-
trivance for the reception of the fires or lights destined to indicate their
positions during the night.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of the
said Invention and the manner in which the same is or may be used or
carried into effect, I would observe in conclusion that what I consider
to be novel and original, and therefore claim as the Invention secured to
me by the herein-before in part Letters Patent is,-
First. The employment of two tunnels having each a single line of
rails and united together by transverse tunnels serving as a communi-
cation from one line to the other, substantially as herein-before described
and illustrated by the accompanying Drawings.
Secondly. Constructing submerged tunnels of three concentric tubes
composed respectively of wrought iron or other suitable metal beton and
wood, substantially as herein-before described and illustrated by the
accompanying Drawings.
Thirdly. The means or process employed for lowering and elevating
respectively the supporting columns and ventilating shafts or funnels
from the interior of submerged tunnels, substantially as herein-before
▸ described.
Fourthly. The mode of closing the ends of the annular space between
the two extreme tubes of the segments of the tunnel, whereby the union
of the segments with one another may be effected, substantially as
herein before described and illustrated by the accompanying Drawings.
Fifthly. The application and use of caissons arranged as herein set
forth for transporting and adjusting the segments of the tunnel, sub-
stantially as herein-before described.
Sixthly. The means employed for adjusting the position of the segments
of submerged tunnels and for fitting them accurately together, sub-
Ostantially as herein-before described.
Seventhly. The enveloping the tunnels in a mass of monolithal beton,
substantially as herein-before described.
Eighthly. The employment of elastic sleepers for carrying the track

page_text: for the purpose of destroying or preventing vibration, substantially as
herein-before described.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Henry Johnson, have to
this my Specification set my hand and seal, this Thirteenth day
of April, One thousand eight hundred and seventy-six.
J. HENRY JOHNSON. (L.S.)