GB361292A - Improvements in or relating to building tubular galleries under water - Google Patents

Abstract

361,292. Submarine subways. PREVOST DE SAINT-CYR, G. P. J., 30, Avenue de Neuilly, Neuilly, Seine, France. May 10, 1930, No. 14467. Convention date, May 11, 1929. Void [Published under Sect. 91 of the Acts]. [Classes 68 (ii) and 85.] A submarine subway for railways or roads consists of a number of tubular elements, preferably of concrete, which are fitted with temporary terminal shields, launched, sunk in alignment, and jointed. Fig. 1 shows such a subway, of which a part 2 lies on the sea bottom, a part 3 is tunnelled, and a part 1 is supported on piers 4. The elements 5, 6, Fig. 2, are connected by sleeves 7, and their ends are fitted with temporary shields S, 9, which may be in the form of manhole covers. In the making of the joint, a sleeve of ice may be formed round the ends of the elements by circulating cold gas or brine through tubes round them : or temporary non-rigid joint sleeves may be used; inside these permanent joints may be made. In a modification, a sleeve joint 7 is rendered temporarily watertight by inflating pneumatic tubes ; a permanent joint is then made inside it. The elements are slung on cables 60, 61, Fig. 12, which are passed through eyes 62, 63 on the elements ; the ends of the ropes are attached to winches on service boats, which gradually lower them into position. To bring them into alignment, caissons 81, Fig. 21, are set on the sea bottom. Its above-water end has a platform 87, with winches 89, by means of which the element 96 is lowered. Chains 92 with tensioning devices 93 facilitate the adjustment. Two caissons 81 are brought into alignment by means of two service anchored boats, anchored rafts 106, Fig. 20, and submerged caissons 102 connected to the rafts by flexible tubes 112 and chains 103. Each part 106, 102 has propellers 107, 108. For building the piers 4 on which the sections are to rest, there is provided a mould box consisting of four sides 114, Fig. 14, on adjustable feet 115 secured by screws 117. To raise or adjust the box, a pressure cylinder 121 is connected to it by links 123, and pressure fluid is admitted by a pipe 122. The cylinder rises on the piston 120, and resets the mould, which is then filled with concrete. Similar devices connected by a beam are used for aligning preformed structures for foundations.