IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO QUAYS, PIERS, DOCKS AND SIMILAR STRUCTURES
Year: 1884

page_text: similar Structures.
7
I, HENRY HARRIS LAKE, of the firm of Haseltine Lake & Co, Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings in the County of Middlesex do hereby declare the nature
of my invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO QUAYS, PIERS, DOCKS
AND SIMILAR STRUCTURES" to be as follows:-
This invention relates to the construction of iron (or other metal) quays,
piers, inverts, wiers, locks, dry-docks, retaining walls, and similar structures
and has for its object to reduce the expense and the time required for their
construction.
These works which ordinarily give rise to numerous inconveniences and diffi-
culties, are very expensive in their construction. By the simple and convenient
new methods hereinafter described they are made of the ordinary strength at less
expense than heretofore and they will be equally serviceable.
The wall of the quay constitutes the simple type from which each of the works
which are included in the scope of this invention is made. Each of these works is
developed from the first by a natural extension.
According to the present invention the wall of the quay is made of sheet iron
plates connected with a metal framework consisting of suitably arranged cross-
beams and stays. The said wall of the quay is constructed entirely in the open
air, either on the spot or in a special yard, and is finally put in place by means of
movable air-boxes.
The mounting (that is to say the putting in place) is effected upon the head of
foundation piles properly cut level, or upon any other plane surface upon which
the lower longitudinal beam forming the bed of the quay is placed. Another
longitudinal beam forms the crown of the wall..
The wall of the quay is secured upon piles or upon a wall of masonry by means
of metallic tie-rods.
The metallic quays once put in place are suitably connected to adjacent works if
requisite, or they can be protected in front by stonework.

page_text: 1
The piers consist of two walls similar to those described above and firmly united
with each other by single or crossed tie-rods of iron.
The putting up takes place in the same manner as that of a simple quay wall.
If the length of the piers is considerable, each wall can be treated like a simple
quay wall.
The mounting of the piers takes place upon foundation piles prepared before.
band.
In constructing inverts and wiers the foundations are made upon piles as has
been described above. These piles are embedded in a mass of beton in which
are also fixed the metallic parts which constitute the principal portion of the
work.
The construction takes place in the open air and the securing is effected in a
similar manner to that adopted for quay walls.
The joints are so made as to secure tightness.
Metallic locks. constructed according to this invention have exactly the form which
they ordinarily assume. They are constructed like ships upon inclined ways or in
a trench where they can be floated.
They are likewise made upon a surface previously prepared and the placing is
effected by filling the lock, which, in order to facilitate this operation, is generally
divided into several compartments by means of movable partitions.
The side-walls of the lock have the form of the quay-walls or piers above
described.
There are three different types of locks viz 1st those having two land walls;
2nd those having one land wall and one river or sea wall; and 3rd those having
two river or sea walls.
Dry-docks for repairing and examining have generally the same appearance as
those which are constructed according to methods already known, but these forms
may be modified.
The making of the foundation, the construction, the putting up, and the con-
'nection are effected precisely in the same manner as for locks.
Retaining-walls constructed.according to this invention resemble in all points the
quay walls already described. They can be placed upon a small wall of masonry,
but they are preferably placed on piles, because there does not exist any inconvenience
.in placing them under the water.
The discharge of the excavated materials is generally effected by the known
*means.
Dated thin 15th day of December 188.1

page_text: Improvements in and relating to Quays, Piers, Docks, and
similar Structures.
* I, HENRY HARRIS LAKE, of the firm of Haseltine, Lake & Co Patent Agents.
Southampton Buildings, in the County of Middlesex, do hereby declare the nature
of my invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO QUAYS, PIERS, DOCKS,
AND SIMILAR STRUCTURES" and in what manner the same is to be performed, to
be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
This invention relates to piers, docks, locks and similar structures for maritime.
and fluvial purposes, and comprises improvements whereby the cost of such
structures as compared with those constructed according to the methods heretofore
employed, is greatly reduced, and whereby the length of time occupied in their
construction is considerably diminished.
The characteristic feature of this invention consists in the substitution of metal
walls for walls of inasonry.
I will commence this description by explaining the construction of a quay wall
of metal, this wall constituting the type or model upon which the construction of
other works is based!
This system of construction is very simple and convenient, and it permits
works to be made of any desired strength and capable of being used for any
purpose..
In the accompanying drawings
Figure 1 is a transverse section of a metal quay constructed according to this
invention.
Figure 2 is a side view showing how the wall ties are connected together.
Figure 3 is a plan of the connection drawn to an enlarged scale.
Figure 4 shows in plan view the ties connected to piles.*
Figure 5 is a side view of the same drawn to a reduced scale.
Figure 6 is a transverse section of a pier having metal walls on the channel or
mooring side.
J
Figure 7 is a plan of a portion of a movable weir or barrage showing the invert..
Figure 8 is a transverse section of a portion of the same drawn to an enlarged
scale.
"
Figure 9 is a view of a detail.
Figure 10 is an elevation of a movable weir invert as seen from down a river.
Figure 11 is a transverse section of the invert.'
Figure 12 is a transverse section of a fixed weir.
Figure 13 is a general plan view of a lock one side of which has a metal wall.
Figure 14 is a longitudinal section through the centre of the lock, showing in
elevation the metal side-wall.
Figure 15 is a transverse section of a lock having a river or sea wall.
Figure 16 is a general plan view of a dry dock.
Figure 17 is a vertical transverse section of a portion of dry dock.
Figure 18 is a longitudinal section through the centre of the dock.
Figure 19 is a transverse section of a metal sustaining wall.

page_text: The metal quay Figure 1 is formed of a front wall c composed of metal plates
secured with lap or flush joints upon an iron frame resting upon any level
foundation at the desired depth and maintained at the desired inclination by
metallic ties anchored or imbedded as shown in Figures 2 and 3 at points
offering sufficient resistance, to their movement in order that the stability of the
structure is ensured.
The frame of the wall is composed of a lower main beam a and of an upper
beam b, both placed horizontally and having between them the vertical or inclined
beams d which are connected by upright or oblique braces e and strengthened by
angle irons and fastening or reinforcement plates 9 so as to give to the metal
wall sufficient stiffness over its entire surface. All the parts mentioned. can be
made of metal plate.
The lower horizontal beam a rests upon a prepared surface which serves as a
foundation; the upper beam b supports the crown of the quay, (which may be of
stone, wood or metal,) and also the accessory pieces such as. the mooring posts i
intermediate posts, parapets or balustrades and the like..
The ties are placed edgewise and are connected with each other by means of
bars and forming vertical and horizontal fastenings: Each of the said ties is
rivetted at one extremity to the vertical or oblique beams & of the metal frame,
and fixed at the other end in a wall l'of coarse masonry Figures 2 and 3 or in
natural soil, if it is sufficiently solid. The walls can be made of any strength
and arranged in any manner according to requirements.
Instead of securing the ties as before described the ties h can be secured to
piles n, Figures and 5 by metal bands m and the piles may be connected by
cross-ties o Figure 5 and also surrounded with beton or concrete Figure 5 at their
upper parts in cases where the soil into which the piles are driven does not present
sufficient solidity.
The depth to which the piles are driven depends upon the nature of the soil.
The arrangement, and the section of the iron bars used may vary, but in order
to ensure the durability of the structure, it is preferable, instead of using a number
of bars of comparatively small section to employ piéces having a larger section but
arranged farther apart.
The iron bars are fastened together in the usual manner by means of rivets.
In laying the foundation of the structure it may be desirable under some
circumstances to perform dredging operations so as to obtain the required depth of
water; after this, if necessary, piles may be driven, a single row being sufficient
for a quay wall. The piles are sawn off under water by means of a cross-cut saw.
The point at which the piles are cut off should be level with the bottoin of the
fair-way to be obtained.
•
The distance of the piles apart is calculated according to the pressure which they
have to bear which is preferably about 30 kilogrammes per square centimetre.
The depth to which the piles are driven should be such that there is no fear of
their subsequently sinking lower.
It may happen by reason of the ground being rocky that piles cannot be driven
far enough. In this case it is necessary after having removed the soil to the rock
to construct a foundation of beton or concrete the surface of which is properly
levelled. This foundation slopes on each side of the line of the quay and is made
at least from 2 to 3 meters in breadth at the top.
.
"
The foundation can also be made in any other manner which is best suited to the
circumstances, provided that a surface is obtained which is adapted to support the
lower beam of the metal wall at the required height.
Before proceeding with the erection of the metal wall upon its foundation it is
important to verify with care the line and the height of the said foundation.
It is difficult, beyond certain dimensions, to construct a quay in a single piece,
and it is therefore more advantageous to construct it in lengths upon the spot.
For this purpose some temporary rows of piles are driven upon each side of the
position which the wall is to occupy. These piles are connected by cross-bars,

page_text: braces, struts, and the like, and carry at various heights scaffolding.
This,
scaffolding must be arranged at such a height, that the water cannot cause any,
inconvenience during the construction of any portion of the work.
In the erection of the wall the lower principal beam is first put into place, so as,
to facilitate the connection of the other beams and the rivetting of the metal plates.
All these parts. are prepared at the factory or in some other suitable locality..
When the operation of rivetting has terminated, the whole structure must be
lowered into place, care being taken that its descent is controlled. As, in. pro-.
portion as the wall is constructed, its weight increases, it is necessary to relieve the
lowering appliances of the weight which they support.
For this purpose air tight boxes or caissons which can be easily disconnected are,
bolted upon T-irons behind the vertical beams of the metal framing. A plate
secured to the wall horizontally closes the lower end of these boxes which are
formed of several superposed. parts or sections connected together, which sections.
can easily be transported by means of fixed external hooks.
These boxes are placed in position and removed by means of a fixed or floating
crane. It is to be understood that the parts of the boxes are prepared beforehand,
and that they are connected when required. The mounting takes place above the
level of the water, the dismounting effected in the interiors of the boxes by:
means of fixed or movable ladders arranged from one part of the box to the other.
It is easy to arrange the air boxes in the space between two ties h..
"
The horizontal section of the said boxes is so calculated that it nearly equilibrates
the weight of the metal structure together with the extra weight which it
temporarily carries. If the structure reaches a certain point in its descent where
it is held in suspension through its immersion one or more air-boxes are dismounted
symmetrically with respect to the centre of gravity.
The lower portions of the said air-boxes are placed a little above the scarf of the
lowest tie so that the centre of gravity of the structure is placed as low as possible,
thus ensuring stability during the descent. Wooden stanchions prevent the air-
boxes from collapsing under the pressure of the water.
These stanchions rest prefer-
ably upon the vertical beams of the metal wall, and float after the disconnection of
the air-boxes so that they can be collected.
The piles which support the scaffolding serve as guides for the wall during the
descent.
Care must be taken that in proportion as the structure. is lowered, the ties are
lengthened; the latter are if necessary supported in order to prevent them from
bending and to counteract the tendency to disturb the centre of gravity of the
structure.
In lowering the wall it is advisable to keep a little on the inside of the line to be
followed, that is to say a little towards the land side, as the pressure of the earth
behind the wall causes the ties to bed themselves and consequently allows the
metal wall to move to its proper line.
The wall having been lowered into its place it is necessary to secure the ties h
to the walls or piles. The arrangement of piles does not require any particular
description. As regards the walls built upon earth work it is well to adopt the
following method. First some small pieces of stone are thrown against the lowered
quay wall so as to bury the lower longitudinal portion thereof. In places without
earth, this of especial importance. The earth discharged behind the walls of the
metallic quay is almost always dredged and then lifted and discharged by a dredger
elevator which dilutes and transports it through the medium of a powerful stream
of water. This process of discharge which is very economical can readily be
applied in large works. It is important that the dredging and discharge of the
earth is effected as the erection of the structure proceeds, in order that the stability
of the said structure is ensured. The diluted earth subsides immediately and fills
the smallest interstices of the iron pieces.
The elevator dredge instead of discharging the earth against the metallic wall,
deposits it in. the line of the wall to which, the ties are to be connected. The

page_text: densest and most compact portions of the earth remain on this line and form
a foundation for the wall while the thinnest portions pass to the sides.
As the metal ties are equal in length to nearly three times the height of the
quay wall, it follows that the diluted earth loads the latter very little when the
side of the foundation of the grappling wall is above the point of discharge of
the said earth. The ground is then left to dry a little and the surface of the same
is levelled for the foundation of the grappling wall, this wall being raised without
having had to dig trenches for the foundations.
The length of the metallic ties being determined beforehand, the embedding is
effected at determined points. This operation is easy because it is not effected in
the water but upon an earth-bank which renders access easy.
When the wall is built I re-commence discharging dredgings upon the line of the
said wall, which is thus buried. When the level of the quay is reached the
remaining space may be filled with rubbish of any kind.
The batter of the quay wall is determined by the pressure of the earth.
The ties may be of different lengths as it is not necessary that they should be
embedded in the same line.
In grappling upon piles it is necessary to calculate the length of the tie rods after
the piles are in place.
If the piles are connected they should be notched as little as possible by any
fastenings it being important to retain their normal section throughout.
The ties h Figures 4 and 5 are attached by means of loops m rivetted thereto.
By reason of the obliquity of the loops upon the piles, use must be made, if
necessary, of wedges of cast iron or very hard wood, in order to compensate for this
obliquity. These loops which cut very little into the piles transmit to the latter
the load upon the ties.
If the piles are secured in masonry it is to be understood that this masonry is
only executed after fixture of the ties and loops.
In curved quays the observations apply equally well. There is no particular
difficulty, because, as has been remarked, all the pieces are prepared in the manu-
factory and it remains only to connect them at the place where the quay is to be
erected.
A metallic pier Figure 6 is composed of two quay walls similar to that described
above and firmly connected with each other by straight or crossed iron ties h.. The
foundation consists of two rows of piles. The preceding operations such as dredging
and driving the piles are effected as above stated.
The erection takes place exactly in the same manner as for a simple quay wall.
The strap p connecting the beams & to the upper tie ensures the transverse rigidity
of the pier.
All the pieces are prepared beforehand as above set forth, and the scaffolding and
lowering apparatus do not necessitate a new description.
The inverts for movable weirs shown in Figures 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 and the piles
and abutments belonging thereto can be 'executed in the same manner as the works
described above..
of, the metallic.
Dredging is first effected for obtaining the desired level then piles n are driven.
Upon the heads of these piles are placed the longitudinal beams
invert s.Figure 8 which constitute the principal part of the work.
:
These beams support the fastenings of the braces e cross bars r and the like, which
compose the work
'
The work is grounded by means of air-boxes placed at regular distances apart
with regard to the weights of the abutments and inverts.
During the lowering of the structure the effects of the current are obviated by
ropes attached to anchors arranged upon one of the temporary piles fixed higher.
up the stream.
It is not necessary to provide for the expansions and contractions of the metal.
The temperature of the water varies at the depths of the foundation only 15º;
'

page_text: When the work is terminated the closing bays are placed; they may be of any
suitable construction. Fixed weirs Figure 12 are likewise constructed upon piles.
The metallic framing is composed of four or five longitudinal beams connected
by transverse beams and cross-bars:designed to ensure the rigidity of the structure.
The connection of the irons does not offer any particular feature, but the dis-
tinctive character of this kind. of work consists in the fact that the metallic
framing of the structure is lowered into place first. The rivetting of the plates to
the sides does not take place until after this operation.
If the weight of this metallic framing is not great relatively to the means at
disposal the lowering can be commenced without air-boxes.
After the lowering, the down-stream side of the weir is faced with stones then
the body of the weir is covered with gravel mixed with argillous sand in proportion
as the plates which form the bottom and inclined: plane are, fastened upon the
framing already lowered. The vertical or greatly inclined weirs have an invert
analogous to that of movable weirs in order to avoid the scourings caused by
the fall.
The metallic locks Figures 13, 14 and 15, whatever their dimensions may be, are
entirely constructed before being placed in position. They are provided with all
accessory parts such. as the discharge apparatus, anchoring posts, sills and guides,
and even, if desirable, with the lock gates, providing the latter are firmly secured
during the time the lock is floating.
The work is floated similarly to ships. It is however necessary to give to
the ways a greater inclination than that necessary for ships. The latter which is
about 0-06 m., must be increased to at least 0.10, by reason of the augmentation of
the coefficient of resistance at the moment of immersion.
The sliding and constructing stocks are constructed in the same manner as those
of ships.
Arrangements must be made for obtaining a sufficiently important variation in
the level of the water for floating the lock at any given moment. The base of the
stock must be arranged as near as possible to the normal level of the waters or
rather to the level foreknown at the commencement of the execution of the work?
The stocks or slips must be arranged as far as possible on the upper side of the
grounding place.
'
The connection of the plates and of the metallic framing is already known;
it is the same as that of two quay walls founded upon a horizontal metallic bottom.
There are three kinds of locks.
-
1st Locks having two key walls or land walls.
2nd Locks having one quay wall and one river or sea wall.
3rd Locks having two river or sea walls.
The metallic walls which resemble key walls are retained by ties secured in the
ground.
The sea or river walls have exactly the form of piers and their stability is
ensured by the weight of the diluted earth. with which they are filled.
:.
Strong transverse beams connected by longitudinal accessory beams support the
metallic vertical walls forming the chamber of the lock. The fastenings of the
upright beams, side walls, and bank walls are fixed upon transverse beams which
are consequently prolonged for the entire breadth of the side-walls in order to
prevent the warping of the latter under the effect of the pressure of the water
when the chamber is full.
Double side walls are firmly braced together; the single walls carry the ends of
the retaining ties.
Single side walls may be constructed very thick, but this arrangement should not
be employed by reason of the insufficiency of strength of the wall when steamers
or ships are moored thereto.
•
The locks can also be constructed in the same manner as the dry docks hereinafter
described, that is to say, by employing band-ties.
Beyond this the metallic lock differs in no respect from the ordinary lock, --

page_text: :
L
For laying the foundations of a metal lock the operations described for making
the foundation of a simple quay are necessary, that is to say, dredging, driving in
the foundation piles, cutting off the latter, and verifying the preceding operations
at a proper time before the lowering of the lock. The distance between the piles
can vary according to requirements.
Any other surface serving as a foundation for the lock can be used when piles
cannot be employed. .
To facilitate the lowering of the lock before the latter is floated the chamber
between the lock gates must be divided into at least three compartments by tight
but casily removable metallic partitions. The partition in front which supports the
pressure of the water while the lock is floating must be firmly propped.
Posts are used for supporting the extreme partitions.
Before the floating of the lock takes place, the side walls are balanced when they
are of unequal weights.
After floating, the lock is transported to the place where it is to be fixed, and
then a few guide piles are driven in for aiding the descent of the work, as has been
explained in connection with the construction of piers.
The lowering takes place by means of the gradual filling of compartments. This
filling is regulated in such a manner that the structure sinks evenly. The position
of the structure is adjusted just before it reaches the foundation by means of
windlasses and pulleys. If the lowering is not proceeding satisfactorily, one or
more pumps are kept ready, by means of which. the compartments are lightened
until the lock again floats. The operation of lowering is then recommenced.
It will be well to explain why the division of the chamber between the gates into
several compartiments has been adopted.
If there were only a single compartment the water for filling would rush from
one extremity of the lock to the other with the least alteration of the horizontal
position of the lock and it would be impossible to maintain the work in its natural
position during its descent even with the most powerful machines.
The division of the chamber into several departments prevents these movements
of the water.
The lowering can be effected by means of any kind of ballast, but it is very
evident that water ballast is the least expensive.
When the lock is completely lowered its tightness is ensured on the upper side.
For this purpose the dredged trench in which the work is erected is prolonged some
meters in front of the bed on the upper side. This trench is filled with beton of
good quality up to the level of the bed, that is to say to the level of the bottom of
the fair way on the upper side. The surface is adjusted in such a manner that the
desired depth of water is obtained.
This mass of beton is prolonged along the return walls in locks having two
land walls or one land and one river or sea wall so as to be imbedded below the
abutting slopes.
In locks having one land and one river or sea wall the beton surrounds the
walls on the side of the upper water course in a trench and unites with the
On this side it is of little
foundations of a weir or any contiguous structure.
importance to level the upper surface of the beton.
On the lower, side of the weir along the side walls and along the prolonged
inverts on the downward side, stone work of suitable dimensions is deposited for
preventing any scouring which may be caused by the fall of water over the said
weir or by the emptying or discharge apparatus.
|
The bottom of the sea or river walls and the external lower edge of the bank
walls can be lined, but this is not indispensable:
Before the discharge of the diluted earth, the ends of the metallic ties of the
land walls are lengthened.
The filling up of the sea or river walls then takes place, and for the formation
of the ground level with the land wall, by reason of the grappling walls, the mode
of discharging the earth as described for metal quays is observed.