Improvements in or relating to Structures adapted to Resist certain Strains.
Year: 1892

page_text: Date of Application, 28th Jan., 1892
Complete Specification Left, 27th Oct., 1892-Accepted, 28th Jan., 1893
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or relating to Structures adapted to Resist certain
Strains.
We, MATTHIAS KOENEN, officially appointed Architect and Managing Director
of the Joint Stock Company "Monier-Bauten," late G. A. Wayss & Co., Alt
Moabit 97, and GUSTAY ADOLF WAYSS, Civil Engineer, Equitable-Haus,
Leipzigerstrasse 101/102, both in Berlin in the Empire of Germany, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
Solid constructions such as walls or the like as hitherto built of brick, concrete
or hewn stone, are insufficiently strong to resist tension and not only in cases where
the tensile strains extend over the whole sectional area of the wall (no matter
whether such strains originally exist or manifest themselves in consequence of
compressing strains acting at right angles to the direction of the tension) but, also
and more particularly in those cases where tension is exercised in a direction
parallel to pressure as always happens in those parts of the building which are
subjected to bending strains. The main inconvenience in this latter case is that
the resistance of the material only remains in a safe proportion to the weight
sustained so long as the middle. pressure is exercised within the area of the central
As soon however as the centre of pressure leaves this area, the pressure
strains increase (owing to the deficiency of the material in tensile strength) at a
much more rapid rate than does the load to be sustained and these strains become
theoretically infinite when the centre of pressure only just comes up to the extreme
limit of the transverse sectional area. The result is that the distribution of pressure
to be assumed as a basis of calculation becomes so uncertain that a statistical
computation of the strains can only be made approximately and therefore a
comparatively high degree of safety must exist to provide for all emergencies.
core.
'
Hence the necessity of considerable thicknesses in the construction of arches,
vertical or inclined walls, or the like, which are subjected to strains from the earth,
from water wind or loads of any description, also in the construction of flat pieces,
platforms or the like.
The object of this invention is to remedy these defects by the judicious
combination of two materials one of which is mainly capable of resisting tension and
the other pressure.
The parts made of the two materials are so combined however that they do not
co-operate in separate sections, each resisting strains of one particular kiud and
forming as it were a link in the general structure (as would be the case for example
in a series of girders, stone vaults, domes or counter-walls, all fitted with suitable
ties, braces, cramps and the like), but the whole forms one continuous body
performing a common and uniform action, the inner forces of one material being
constantly transmitted to the other.
The advantages the theory of which has been explained above, are realized by
the following means,
In the present condition of industry iron may perhaps be considered as the only
material of eminent tensile resistance, though the principle of our invention does
not exclude the employment of other materials. A continuous transmission of
forces (as far as practicable) can only be obtained with the co-operation of pushing
strains to which the iron should present as wide a surface of action as possible, or in
other words its superfices should be as large as possible in relation to its sectional
area, the size and shape of the sectional area depending on the nature of the load
to be sustained..

page_text: It is obvious moreover that iron should in preference be embodied in that portion
of the wall which is mostly subjected to tensile strains.
For the transmission of pressure strains the wall made of bricks, concrete,
artificial stone or the like will be sufficient.
To obtain the desired co-operation of the two materials both are brought into
close contact in such a manner that the material resisting tension is surrounded or
enveloped by the material resisting pressure so that the pressure-resisting forces are
directly transmitted to the material resisting tension with the co-operation of
adhesion.
The arrangements employed for this purpose are as follows,-
As a simple instance we may take a concrete pillar, such as is shown in the
accompanying drawings, Fig. 1 being a horizontal and Fig. 2 a vertical section
thereof. Assuming that the centre of pressure m lies outside of the range or
compass of the central core or indeed entirely outside the sectional area, it follows
that at the points a b c of the circumference tensile strains will be exercised, and
taken up by the metal rods or ties d. In addition to the tensile strains acting
at right angles to the sectional area, so called transverse strains will be sustained by
the ties for by rings e e. Where the centre of pressure lies within the area of the
central core, the rods falso sustain the transverse tensile strains.
Fig. 3 represents a strong platform or flooring constructed according to our
invention. The tensile strains developing above the points of support of the
platform are sustained by the bars or beams ab while the bars cd take up the lower
strains.
When a
Fig. 4 represents a pipe laid underground according to this invention.
load, acting at P is opposed by counter-pressure from P¹ tensile strains arise within
the tube at m and n and without at o and p which strains are taken up by the
metal fittings arranged as shown at the respective points.
Figs. 5 and 6 will be readily understood from the foregoing explanations and
need not be further dwelt upon.
The second sheet of drawings serves still further to illustrate the scope and
practical value of the invention, when applied on a somewhat larger scale.
We have before stated that the principle of it will apply equally well to
constructions of any nature or description which it would be unnecessary to
enumerate in the specification of a patent.
Figs. 7 and 8 are sections of a sluice-chamber formed in a wall of concrete or the
like. As regards the bottom it will be seen in the first place that this when built
in masonry should be very thick as it is capable of bearing but very small tensile
strains. As will be seen from Fig. 9 this drawback is obviated by the insertion of
metal rods a b.
"
The side walls are structures composed of links or sections. The front plate is
of a bulk just sufficient to withstand the shocks of vessels or barges. Metal
rods c d and c and d protect the lock-gate when empty, from the strains of the
earth and prevent its bending. Towards the earth the lock chamber is sustained by
counterforts or buttresses, which in their turn are connected at the back with the
sole-plate by means of braces e f. This plate or platform which sustains such
bending strains from the earth as are necessary to maintain the equilibrium of the
whole structure is provided with metal rods whose position changes at the turning
points g h and i k. To check and diminish the load of the earth sustained by the
front platform we propose to erect at about middle height a vaulting which at the
same time will serve to brace up or connect the platform with the buttresses. This
however lies outside the scope of our invention.
The same principle of construction is carried out in the construction of ensilage
chambers, tunnels, water-towers, cisterns etc.
From these examples it will be seen that the metal fittings we introduce in our
improved structures for resisting the various tensile strains do not form one
connected series or combination of parts (such as a fence or lattice) but are
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page_text: separate rods or bars arranged quite independently of each other at the points
where such strains manifest themselves.
The position of these rods will of course change at the turning points in bodies
which are to resist bending strains.
Dated this 28th day of January 1892.
W. P. THOMPSON & BOULT,
Agents for the Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or relating to Structures adapted to Resist certain
Strains.
"
We, MATTHIAS KOENEN, officially appointed Architect and Managing Director
of the Joint-Stock Company
"Monier-Bauten late G. A. Wayss & Co. and
GUSTAV ADOLF WAYSS, Civil Engineer both of Berlin in the Empire of
Germany do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the
same is to be performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement :-
Solid constructions such as walls or the like as hitherto built of brick, concrete or
hewn stone, are insufficiently strong to resist tension and not only in cases where
the tensile strains extend over the whole sectional area of the wall (no matter
whether such strains originally exist or manifest themselves in consequence of
compresssing strains acting at right angles to the direction of the tension) but, also
and more particularly in those cases where tension is exercised in a direction
parallel to pressure, as always happens in those parts of the building which are
subjected to bending strains. The main inconvenience in this latter case is that
the resistance of the material only remains in a safe proportion to the weight
sustained so long as the middle-pressure is exercised within the area of the central
core, As soon, however, as the centre of pressure leaves this area, the pressure-
strains increase (owing to the deficiency of the material in tensile strength) at a
much more rapid rate, than does the load to be sustained, and these strains become
theoretically infinite when the centre of pressure only just comes up to the extreme
limit of the transverse sectional area. The result is that the distribution of
pressure to be assumed as a basis of calculation becomes so uncertain, that a statical
computation of the strains can only be made approximately and therefore a
comparatively high degree of safety must exist to provide for all emergencies.
Hence the necessity of considerable thicknesses in the construction of arches,
vertical or inclined walls, or the like, which are subjected to strains from the earth,
from water, wind, or loads of any description; also in the construction of flat
pieces platforms or the like.
The object of this invention is to remedy these defects by the judicious com-
bination of two materials, one of which is mainly capable of resisting tension and
the other pressure.
The parts made of the two materials are so combined, however that they do not
co-operate in separate sections, each resisting strains of one particular kind, and
forming as it were a link in the general structure (as would be the case for example
in a series of girders, stone vaults, domes, counter-walls, all fitted with suitable ties,
braces, cramps and the like); but the whole forms one continuous body performing
a common and uniform action, the inner forces of one material being constantly
transmitted to the other.
The advantages, the theory of which has been explained above, are realized by
the following means:
In the present condition of industry iron may perhaps be considered as the only
material of eminent tensile resistance, though the principle of our invention does not
exclude the employment of other materials. A continuous transmission of forces

page_text: (as far as practicable) can only be obtained with the co-operation of pushing-strains
to which the iron should present as wide a surface of action as possible; or in other
words its superficies should be as large as possible in relation to its sectional area,
the size and shape of the sectional area depending on the nature of the load to be
sustained.
It is obvious, moreover, that iron should in preference be embodied in that
portion of the wall which is mostly subjected to tensile strains.
For the transmission of pressure-strains, the wall made of bricks, concrete,
artificial stone or the like, will be sufficient.
To obtain the desired co-operation of the two materials both are brought into
close contact in such a manner that that material resisting tension is surrounded or
enveloped by the material resisting pressure so that the pressure-resisting forces
are with the co-operation of adhesion directly transmitted to the material resisting
tension.
The arrangements employed for this purpose are as follows:-
Fig. 1 represents a strong platform, roofing or flooring constructed according to
our invention. The tensile strains developing above the points of support of the
platform are sustained by the bars or beams ab, while the bars cd take up the
lower strains.
Fig. 2 represents a pipe laid underground according to this invention. When a load,
acting at P is opposed by counter-pressure from P, tensile strains arise within the
tube at m and n and without at o and p which strains are taken up by the metal
fittings arranged as shown at the respective points.
Fig: 3 is a cross-section of a canal provided with a walking path. The sole or
bed thereof is for this purpose conveniently flattened, and made thin, which it is
not possible to do in ordinary masonry work, where the bed of such canals must be
thick, in fact the thickness increasing with the flatness.
Fig. 4 is a wide-spanned arch of considerable bearing capacity which could not
possibly be attained by the methods hitherto known considering its height.
In order still further to illustrate the scope and practical value of the invention,
when applied on a somewhat larger scale and its advantages over, say Monier's
building system, we would add the following,-We have before stated that the
principle of it will apply equally well to constructions of any nature or description
which it would be unnecessary to enumerate in the specification of a patent.
Figs. 5 and 6 are sections of a sluice-chamber formed in a wall of concrete or
the like. As regards the bottom it will be seen in the first place that this when,
built in masonry should be very thick, as it is capable of bearing but very small
tensile strains. As will be seen from Figure 7 this drawback is obviated by the
insertion of metal rods a b.
The side walls are structures composed of links or sections. The front plate is
of a bulk just sufficient to withstand the shocks of vessels or barges. Metal
rods c d and c d protect the lock-gate, when empty, from the strains of the earth
and prevent its bending. Towards the earth the lock-chamber is sustained by
counterforts or buttresses which in their turn are connected at the back with the
sole-plate by means of braces ef. This plate or platform which sustains such
bending strains from the earth as are necessary to maintain the equilibrium of the
whole structure, is provided with metal rods whose position changes at the turning
points gk. To check and diminish the load of the earth sustained by the
front platform we propose to erect at about middle-height a vaulting which at the
same time will serve to brace up or connect the platform with the buttresses.
This however, lies outside the scope of our invention.
The same principle of construction is carried out in the construction of ensilage
chambers, tunnels, water-towers, cisterns, etc.
From these examples it will be seen that the metal fittings we introduce in our
improved structures for resisting the various tensile strains do not form one
connected series or combination of parts (such as a fence or lattice) but are separate

page_text: rods or bars arranged quite independently of each other at the points where such
strains manifest themselves. The position of these rods will of course change at
the turning points in bodies which are to resist bending strains.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed we declare that what we
claim is :-
1. The method of erection of solid structures such as pillars walls of any desired
length and other partial or complete constructions consisting in the fitting within
the solid bodies and in intimate contact therewith of metal rods of any suitable
shape in section adapted to act jointly with the material of the structure whereby
the inner tension or traction strains are intercepted or relieved the metal rods not
forming a connected structure (such as a fence or lattice).
2. In constructions such as are mentioned in the preceding claim the employment
of metal with outer surfaces made rough or serrated by any mechanical or chemical
means for the purpose of securing intimate contact between it and the material to
which it is applied unless the natural condition of this material is insufficient to
ensure the required adhesion between these materials.
Dated this 27th day of October 1892
W. P. THOMPSON & BOULT,
Agents for the Applicant.