GB264580A - Method for the construction of concrete blocks for use in subaqueous building operations and floating dock for the performance thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

264,580. M³ller, J. Oct. 20, 1925. Walls; floating docks.-Concrete blocks for subaqueous buildings are constructed upon a submersible floating support of permanent inherent buoyancy, the submersion of which to enable the block to be floated out is controlled by positive mechanical means, preferably the means by which the support is anchored. The support consists of a floating dock, preferably built of wood or otherwise rendered permanently buoyant, and having a flat bottomed hull and elevated decks and bridges. Submersion of the dock is effected by winding up the anchor chains upon windlasses, assisted by the flooding of the hull. The hull of the floating dock is formed by a flat bottom 1, Figs. 1 and 4, sidewalls 2 and a stern 3, with a roofed compartment 6 at the prow communicating with the main deck 1 by means of watertight doors. Astride of each wall 2 of the hull are erected upon two turrets 9 two lower platforms 10<a> and two upper platforms 10. The platforms 10 of each side are connected by a gangway 11. Above the stern 3 is a platform 12 which serves as a terminal for an aerial conveyer 13, Fig. 2. On each of the platforms 10 is mounted a windlass 14, each carrying a chain 17 secured to an anchor 16 consisting of a loaded chest. Sea-cocks 22, 23, Fig. 4, are provided to flood the dock. A skeleton framework for a stage formed by joists and beams 18 supported on uprights 19 is erected as a permanent structure on the bottom of the dock, removable panels 20 being supported thereon to form a platform. Upon this platform is built the concrete shell comprising a bottom A and walls B. Adjustable scaffolding 24, 25, Fig. 2, may be provided. As the construction of the shell proceeds, the draught of the dock increases, and the shell may at the same time be loaded with ballast or concrete. When the water level rises to the point indicated by the line 31, Fig. 4, the sea cocks are opened so that the dock is flooded though still floating. The dock is then submerged, by winding in the chains 17, sufficiently to allow the block shell to be floated out over the submerged stem or prow. During this operation the decks or bridges 10, 11 are still above water. The anchor chains are then unwound from the windlasses 14, and the dock rises to its normal level, the water therein escaping through the still opened sea cocks.