IMPROVEMENTS IN BREAKWATERS, BEACONS, AND MOORINGS, PARTS OF WHICH ARE APPLICABLE TO OTHER PURPOSES
Year: 1849

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, WILLIAM
HENRY SMITH, of Fitzroy Square, in the County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer,
send greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Royal Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain, bearing date at
Westminster, the Fifth day of June, in the twelfth year of Her reign, did, for
Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the said William
Henry Smith, Her especial license, full power, sole privilege and authority,
that I, the said William Henry Smith, my exors, admors, and assigns, and
such others as I, the said William Henry Smith, my exors, admiors, 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, exercise, and vend, within England, Wales, and the Town
of Berwick-upon-Tweed, my Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN BREAKWATERS,
BEACONS, AND MOORINGS, PARTS OF WHICH ARE APPLICABLE TO OTHER PURPOSES;"
in which said Letters Patent is contained a proviso obliging me, the said
William Henry Smith, by an instrument in writing under my hand and seal,
particularly to describe and ascertain the nature of my said Invention, and in
what manner the same is to be performed, and to cause the same to be
inrolled in Her 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.

page_text: NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I,-the said
William Henry Smith, do hereby declare that the nature of my said Inven-
tion, and the manner in which the same is to be performed, is particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following description thereof, refe-
rence being had to the Drawings hereunto annexed, and to the letters and
figures marked thereon (that is to say) :-
My Invention is designed to furnish a mode of arranging and constructing
breakwaters and beacons in such a manner as to produce structures of
adequate strength and elasticity to cope with the violence of the waves, but
at a greatly reduced cost, and capable of being erected in situations in which
the accomplishment of such works has hitherto been considered as inexpedient
or impracticable; and my Invention is also designed to supply moorings pos-
sessed of a kind of mechanical elasticity, by which the vessels moored thereto
may be capable of yielding to the stroke of a wave in stormy weather, and of
returning to their position on being relieved from the pressure of the wave,
or, as regards other structures, on the wave being broken up by its passago
through and by the recoil of the said structures. Such being the nature of
my Invention it consists,-
Firstly, in forming breakwaters composed of one or more open frames, or,.
in some instances, of solid walls constructed so as to be capable of moving
upon pivots or fulcra fixed in the bed of the sea, and combined with braces of
wood or other material extending from the upper part of the said frames or
walls to ground moorings, such braces being rendered mechanically clastic by
means of weights attached thereto in or about the centre, as will be hereafter
described. These breakwaters are formed in sections constructed as above
stated, and such sections may be brought into line, so as in combination to
present an adequate barrier of sufficient extent to the sea, and afford a safe
anchorage for vessels behind or to leeward of the structure. These break-
waters may be erected or placed in all ordinary required depths of water with-.
out being liable to the evils incidental to floating breakwaters, inasmuch as
*being fixed at the bottom to the bed of the sea, they are incapable of vertical
movement, and therefore avoid the danger of bumping on the ground, rocks,
&c. in shallow water, to which floating structures are liable. These break-
waters are also distinguished from the ordinary fixed structures by their capa-
bility of first absorbing the striking force or momentum of the wave while in
the act of partially yielding to it, and afterwards of reacting upon it in a
manner somewhat analogous to the naturally-formed shingle beach, the loose
portions, ou which are thrown forward by the wave on its advance, and by
gradual resistance absorb its momentum, the back wash drawing the shingle

page_text: to its original position. The several sections composing these breakwaters
may be connected iu one continuous line, and in such a manner as to admit
of a road or gangway being constructed on the upper part of the frames or
walls above alluded to. A breakwater constructed on this principle would
answer some of the purposes of a landing pier.
Secondly, my Invention consists in the construction of beacons resting upon
or secured by a standard or standards extending to the bed of the sea, and
united at the bottom so as to be capable of moving upon a pivot firmly fixed
in its position either by sinking it into the ground, or by making a bed of
piles or other artificial base to receive it, or by attaching it to a screw pile.
To the upper part of the standards are attached connecting braces, the reverse
ends of which are attached to fixed piles or other convenient mode of mooring.
These braces are formed or united with a joint, from which a chain or
other suitable connection passes to a common central counterbalancing weight
connecting all the braces therewith in such a manner as to give sufficient
stability to the upright standard or standards to enable it to maintain a ver-
tical position at all times except when struck by heavy seas, and in such case
to yield slightly to the first shock of the wave, and afterwards steadily return
to its position. The framing being open, and the surface exposed being of
few parts, its required extent of yielding will be considerably less than in the
breakwater. I therefore reduce the elasticity, which may be effected by
making the angle formed by the elastic buttresses or braces more obtuse, the
capability of yielding being still greater than is ever likely to be required,
the braces being secured to the foundation at their lower end, and extending
to the upper part of the standard or standards, stay it in its upright position
in manner similar to the staying of a ship's mast by the standing rigging.
These elastic braces or buttresses graduate all shocks that may be received
upon the structure, and transfer them to the lower ground moorings or founda-
tions. These beacons may be constructed in bad bottoms or in almost any
depth of water.
Thirdly, my Invention consists in the arrangement and construction of
moorings rendered mechanically elastic by adapting and attaching thereto a
suitable weight in or about the centre of the jointed brace, as herein-after
described. These moorings, as well as the before-mentioned braces or moor-
ings, may be combined with the screw pile and mushroom anchor or ordinary
anchors, and other suitable gear, or with my improved holdfasts or anchors
erein-after described, so that the several structures to be used in conjunction
therewith may be erected on quicksand or other bad bottoms.

page_text: Fig. 1 is a seaward élevation, Fig. 2 a section, and Fig. 3 a plan of
one of my breakwaters. It is composed of sections a¹, a², a³, each section
being framed and braced together, so as to form a compact mass pivoting upon
the foundation piles b, b, and feet c, (see the detached Figs. 4 and 5,) or other
attachment sunk or fixed at the bottom to receive them. The timber, iron, or
other material composing the sections may be used in open frames or gratings
d, or the sections may be formed of closed bulwarks, as required, properly
trussed with iron or timber trusses and tyes e, e, with cross frames f. f, to
support the mass; the outer framing so formed with great strength, mortised
and bolted, and secured by the cross tyes e', e¹. g', g', are the bottoms of the
outer framing, which project about two feet to give strength to the mortice
and admit of a free scour of tidal current, so as not to affect the passage of
shingle, or cause the injurious deposits attendant upon almost all stone har-
In the event of the bottom deepening
bours, frequently to a ruinous extent.
or silting up in the course of time, the frames can be readily raised, lowered, or
removed. I do not confine myself to any height or breadth of sections. The
height must depend upon the depth of water; but I prefer generally a breadth
of about fifty feet, as not being too large to be formed of timber of the ordi-
nary size and strength, and not liable to become twisted by being beyond the
base of a wave in its vermicular play, and likewise not so small as to multiply
the braces to excess, and consequently to add materially to the expense. The
frames may be constructed on shore of wood or iron, and the foundation
formed by sinking the screw pile or anchor pile h, herein-after described, to
which the yielding braces are secured from a vessel in the ordinary manner.
The yielding braces i, i, with their counterbalancing weights k, are then secured
to the top of the frames i, i. From the centre they are carried out senward,
where a grapnel, anchor pile, or other mode of attachment is fixed. The
length of such braces I prefer being greater than the depth of water; indeed,
their play and power may be extended to any required degree by lengthening
the outer or supporting framing g above the water. The breakwater may be
constructed of iron without air chambers, or without any buoyant material, or
of prepared wood, or of a combination of wood and iron styles, with slate or
wood pannels. 'See Figures 20 and 21. The pannels are let into grooves in
the vertical styles to expose additional surface to the action of the waves.
Each compartment or section a³, a, a, is shewn fixed down in the same ling
with an opening m of about eighteen inches, and separately shackled on to the
same foundation pile, by which arrangement, in calm weather, the top n will

page_text: of the sea.
In
form an even liue, but in a storm the sections may spread asunder; and such
line will vary with the irregularity of bend or direction of the wave.
cases wherein it is found advisable to construct a roadway on the top, I
attach to every alternate frame a portion of a road or gangway o of its own
length, by which a communication may be effected between every section of
the line of harbour and the shore or other desired point. I may, if requisite,
vary the mode of adapting such gangway.
Each alternate section a¹ & a³ is
provided with a roadway p, and over the intermediate section is thrown a
bridge q. The two ends of this bridge rest upon the approximate ends r, r, of
the adjoining sections, where the bridge is affixed on trams s, with friction
rollers t, allowing of the spiral or vermicular motion before the irregular play
In either case, as a matter of course, there would be a certain
lap u, v, of the end of one over the other where the intervals occur. Fig. 6
is a section shewing the compression and tension bars, and the filling-in
between them; Fig. 7 represents the structure in cross section; and Fig. 8 is
a plan view exhibiting more clearly the tapering form of the compression bar.
The principle on which I construct the road or gangway or bridge between
the sections is that of forming the whole structure into a kind of girder, com-
posed of a compression bar w and tension bar a at the top and bottom, with a
solid filling between. The said bars are to be constructed tapering in form so
as to give the greatest amount of strength in the centre, and gradually dimi-
nishing to the ends. I prefer the top bar to be cylindrical in the cross section,
and constructed of wood, the several portions of which being united together
by means of marine glue and rings or hoops of iron. The bottom bar may be
square in the cross section, and constructed of wood strengthened with iron, in
the manner represented at Figures 11 and 12, which are a section and side
elevation of a portion of the bar, shewing the iron y inserted into the division
between two beams or timbers z, z, of wood, the whole being enclosed by iron
clamps at intervals. The several timbers or beams composing this bar may
be scarfed or joined together in the manner represented at Figures 18 to 17,
and herein-after described. I prefer to use corrugated iron as the material for
filling-in between the top and bottom bar; but other materials might be found
useful for the purpose.
Figures 18 to 20 represent a form of bracket bridge on the improved prin-
ciple, the interior filling being the same. In some cases wherein a covered
road or gangway or bridge is required, I would construct the same in the
form of a hollow tube or tunnel of any desired form in the cross section, and
composed of wood put together with marine glue and iron fastenings. This
tube or tunnel should be formed tapering, in thickness similar to the above-
=

page_text: described girder or gangway; but it is constructed so that the top and bottom
with the sides together aid in the stability of the structure. Both the above-
named girder and tunnel may be applied as bridges of greater span than is
required in the present application of them, their construction in each case
being adapted to the particular circumstances; and portions of the detail, such
as the mode of strengthening the timbers, Figures 11 and 12, by running, as
it were, a vein of iron a through them, might be used in the before-described
structures wherever necessary, or might be applied to any other useful purpose
requiring timbers of great strength. The upright piling 6 is morticed into a
keel c, instead of being driven, as usual, into the bed of the sea, however loose
or unsound the foundation might be. These breakwaters or structures may,
with some modifications, (by limiting their clasticity, and sheeting or covering
them in front as a close fabric) be applied to other purposes, such, for
instance, as to the construction of groyues, being fixed in the required
position, and the screw piling or other foundation being withdrawn after
the structures have become imbedded in the earth composing the shore or
beach, where the said groynes were to be constructed. They may also
be applied to the clearing away of shoals or bars (the fabric in such
case being made as close as possible and less elastic); the current of water
impinging upon the barrier thus presented becomes diverted with renowed
force into the required channel. The structures may then be removed
with great facility to any other required situation. These structures
are also applicable to the formation of coffer dams in sound or tenacious
bottoms, as the greater the pressure the greater will be the thrust down
upon the bottom. I would here remark, that these breakwaters, which have
hitherto been described in their simplest form, may be constructed in one or
more lines of sections, and each of such sections may be composed of framing,
as represented in the Drawing, or they may have other frames constructed
behind that represented, so as to form together a more solid structure if
required. In some cases also I would adapt and apply a kind of hurdle
framework, placed in a line between the sections, such hurdles forming a kind
of vertical lattice framework between lengths of wire, rope, or other flexible or
strong connection, fastened at each end to the adjoining sections. A break-
water constructed in this manuer of sections and hurdles alternately would bo
capable of accomodating itself to the vermicular bend of the wave, by acting
somewhat on the principle of the spine or back bone of the human body, the
sections being in themselves rigid, with a flexible connection between them.
In some cases likewise it might be sufficient to use these hurdles instead of
the sections, such hurdles being either fixed or floating, and supported with

page_text: posts or pillars extending from top to bottom, and having braces or moorings,
as above described, adapted to them, the weights being reduced to suit the
diminished weight of the structure. It might be found desirable also in some
cases to place a line of hurdles in front of the sections seaward, or two or more
lines or sections instead of one might be used. Again, as to the pivots or
fulcra upon which the sections move, it may be found desirable in practice to
vary their form and number. All the various foregoing modifications in the
construction and arrangement of these breakwaters I would adapt to the
particular circumstances required to be met.
Figures 13 to 17 represent the mode in which I prefer forming the ends of
the braces to receive the links from which the weights are suspended;
Figures 15, 16, and 17 are transverse views; Fig. 15 shews the end of the
brace, with the saw cuts ready to admit of the insertion of a wedge, as shewn
in its place at Fig. 16; Fig. 17 shews the same end of the brace, with the
wedge, and a metal ring or collar enclosing the same; Fig. 13 represents the
same in longitudinal section; and Fig. 14 is an external view of the same.
In preparing and completing these ends for their purpose, the saw cuts are first
made, as represented at Fig. 4; the log is then sprung open, and the 'wedge
inserted. The wood is then compressed by any suitable means in present use,
and the metal ring or collar is afterwards driven on hot, shrinking into the position
represented in the Drawing. The link is connected with the eye in the outer
end of the wedge, and by its pull tightens the wood inclosed within the metal
ring or collar. The above connection is also tightened by the swelling of the
wood occasioned by its immersion in the water when in use. Fig. 18* shows
the elevation and ground section, and Fig. 19* the plan of a beacon, which may
at the same time be adapted to a bell tower or lighthouse, either separately or
in combination. It is shewn fixed in its position by the anchor pile d, or any
other mode of making fast to the bed of the sea e, whereby the same may be
applied to various localities where it is at present impossible to erect such
structures, owing to the greater depth of water or soft quicksand bottoms, as is
well known to engineers, and where light vessels are at present obliged to be
moored with crews sufficient to manage them, at great risk of breaking adrift
in severe weather, with great loss of life and property generally ensuing. It
may also be constructed on a rock, or on shore. The advantages of the plan
here adopted arise from the facility with which it may be constructed, and the
stability of the structure itself, owing to the pile heads f being supported, as it
were, by clastic abutments or braces 9, of a considerable breadth of base,
attached to the anchor piles d, thereby obviating the present tendency to strain
the foundation. The beacon may be constructed either of timber, or of iron.

page_text: or other metal. The braces g all converge to a common centre counter balanco
weight h, which is lifted up by the strain on the braces in the direction of the
shock of the sca and wind draft. Although the motion will be slight compared
with the heeling and motion of a light ship, the structure contains more elasticity
than is absolutely required, and from this circumstance it is enabled, as it
were, to transfer a blow into a comparatively gentle pressure. The standard
or standards pivots on the centre block, mooring i, and all is held in its place
by the holdfast or pile, having a connection ke passing through the centre to the
cup I. It will be evident that the strain or reaction will always be down-
wards, and greater in proportion to the action of the sea and wind draft. I
have here shewn the braces g forming a very obtuse angle, in order to limit
the elasticity, which, however, like the breakwater, has a latitude considerably
greater than is ever likely to be required. Such clasticity could equally be
obtained by attaching a number of weights, as in the breakwater, one to the
centre of each of the braces. The upper or living and store rooms may be
made to float out, and be formed much in the usual way, or of panels of slato
or wood, fitting in grooves in the styles or upright piles (sec Figures 20 and 21).
I would here remark, that the mode above described of supporting a beacon
by means of an upright standard or standards secured by braces or buttresses
may be applied as a mode of supporting platforms for the erection of batteries
or other purposes thereon, in such cases any required number of such
independent pillars or standards being employed. The foundation pile is
intended to work in the cup 1, which, being inverted, will be less affected by
sand or shingle. Should the foundation subside, the block i will sink at the
same time, but in case of shingling or silting up the screw can be raised.
Figures 22 to 25 represent an anchor pile, which may be driven as an
ordinary pile. The tendency of the point m, from its being slightly out of the
centre line of shaft, is to bear on the shaft at n, and when driven to advance
downwards, retaining its upright position until there is a draw from above,
when the barbed end o catches against the ground, and is drawn into the
position shewn in Figures 22 and 23, and thus the pile resists the upward or
downward pressure. This mooring may be applied with a patent screw pile
upon it, for the purposes of sinking, after which the screw can be withdrawn.
The advantage of this mooring consists in its cconomy of construction, and its
small amount of resisting surface in driving. In order, however, to afford
greater facility for drawing up the pile when required, I use one formed as at
Figures 26 and 27, in which, by the rotation of the pile, the barbed end is
made to assume the vertical position represented at Figures 26 and 27, when
it may be conveniently drawn. It is also inserted in the ground by first

page_text: driving to the required depth, and then being turned, the barb or blade p
advances through the carth or soil until it assumes the position shewn, at which
time the pile is capable of resisting pressure both above and below. This pile
may be used for the purposes of securing or anchoring the breakwaters or
beacons, or for many other purposes for which anchors or piles are employed.
Having thus described the nature of my Invention, and the mode of carrying
the same into effect, I would have it understood that I do not mean or intend
to confine myself to the precise forms and arrangements of the parts shewn
and described, nor to the particular combinations herein-before set forth,
except so far as they are necessary for embodying the general principles of my
Invention as described. But I claim as of my Invention,―
First, the formation and construction of breakwaters, consisting either of
open frames or gratings, and of structures, for some purposes composed of solid
walls or bulwarks, moving on pivots fixed into the bed of the sea, and rendered
elastic, or alternately yielding and aggressive, as before described. Also, the
mode of forming and connecting the ends of the braces, as represented at
Figures 13 to 17, and described, with their application to other useful
purposes. Also, the application of such structures as described as groynes.
and for the clearing away of shoals, and for other marine works. Also, the
mode described of panelling with slate between the framing or other inaterial,
to economise the material employed in the structure. I also claim the road,
or gangway, or bridge, whether formed and constructed as a girder, as repre-
sented at Figures 6, 7, and 8, and described, or as a tube or tunnel; as
described, or as a bracket bridge, as represented at Figures 18, 19, and 20,
and described.
Secondly, the formation and construction of beacons or lighthouses, supported
or resting upon a standard or standards pivoting on a base fixed in the bed of
the sea, and rendered elastic, or yielding to the degree required, by combina-
tion with a central weight or weights, and braces or moorings, as above
described. Also, the mode described of panelling with slate between the
framing or other material, to economize the material employed in the
structure.
Thirdly, the construction of moorings, consisting of braces of any suitable
material, rendered mechanically elastic by means of a weight or weights
suspended from a link or other suitable attachment, in any situation required
between the two extremities, fixed, the one to the breakwater, beacon,
or vessel connected therewith, and the other to the ground moorings, as
described.
Fourthly, I claim the iron pile, as shewn, with a barbed and jointed T end

page_text: which, on being drawn upwards, assumes the line of greatest bearing and
resistance.
Fifthly, I claim the iron pile represented at Figures 26 and 27, and
described. And,
Lastly, I claim the application of such moorings for all purposes where
moorings are required.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Henry Smith, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Fifth day of December, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and forty-nine.
WILLIAM HENRY (L.s.) SMITH.
AND BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the Fifth day of December, in the
year of our Lord 1849, the aforesaid William Henry Smith came before our said
Lady the Queen in Her Chancery, and acknowledged the Specification afore-
said, and all and every thing therein contained and specified, in form above
written. And also the Specification aforesaid was stamped according to the
tenor of the Statute made for that purpose.
Enrolled the Fifth day of December, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and forty-nine.

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