Transactions of the American Society of Civil Engineers, vol. LXX, Dec. 1910 Eugene Klapp Informative Summary

Overview:

This paper recounts the construction of a unique yacht pier near Glen Cove, Long Island, built in 1909. The project, undertaken by Eugene Klapp, presented a number of challenges. Firstly, the owner desired a pier that would complement the aesthetic of the surrounding area, making traditional wooden structures unacceptable. Furthermore, the threat of the teredo, a wood-boring sea creature, made wooden structures less appealing. While a masonry pier was considered, the cost was prohibitive.

To address these concerns, Klapp opted for a novel approach using reinforced concrete caissons. These caissons were constructed on land, offering a controlled environment for creation and curing. They were then launched into the water and carefully positioned to form the pier. The paper delves into the precautions taken to ensure the durability of the concrete in a saline environment, including the use of a special chemical compound known as “Toxement”. Ultimately, the project serves as a testament to the ingenuity and adaptability of civil engineering, showcasing a cost-effective and visually appealing alternative to traditional pier construction.

Key Findings:

The paper explores the challenges of using concrete in a marine environment, specifically its susceptibility to damage from seawater and frost.
The use of reinforced concrete caissons provided a cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional pier construction.
The paper highlights the importance of proper seasoning and the addition of chemicals like Toxement to enhance the durability of concrete in marine environments.
The project’s success showcases the effectiveness of careful planning and execution in overcoming complex engineering challenges.

Learning:

Concrete in Marine Environments: The paper illustrates the challenges of using concrete in marine environments, demonstrating the need for careful consideration of factors like seawater exposure and frost. Readers learn about the potential risks associated with concrete in such environments and the importance of preventative measures like proper seasoning and chemical additions.
Reinforced Concrete Caissons: The paper provides a practical example of the use of reinforced concrete caissons in pier construction. Readers gain insights into the process of constructing and deploying these caissons, understanding their potential advantages over traditional methods.
Toxement: The paper introduces the reader to Toxement, a chemical compound designed to enhance the durability of concrete in saline environments. The paper provides details about the compound’s composition and claimed benefits, offering valuable information for those interested in concrete construction in similar environments.

Historical Context:

The paper is written in 1910, a time when the use of reinforced concrete was gaining popularity as a building material. This period saw the development of new methods and technologies for concrete construction, and this paper reflects the ongoing exploration of the material’s potential in various applications.

Facts:

The pier was constructed on the exposed south shore of Long Island Sound, a location known for its strong currents and potential for rough seas.
The project aimed to create a pier that would complement the aesthetic of the surrounding area, which included an elaborate country residence.
The teredo, a wood-boring sea creature, poses a threat to wooden structures in Long Island Sound, making concrete a more durable alternative.
The mean range of the tide in Long Island Sound is about 8 feet.
The use of reinforced concrete caissons was gaining popularity during this period, with successful applications on the Great Lakes for breakwater construction.
The concrete mixture used for the caissons consisted of one part cement, two parts sand, and four parts gravel.
The caissons were reinforced for both exterior and interior pressures, taking into account the forces they would experience during launching, towing, and at low tide.
The chemical compound “Toxement” was added to the concrete mixture in all caissons except for the first two.
The use of Toxement was intended to create a more stable and indissoluble chemical combination with the free lime in the cement.
The pier was originally designed as an “L” shape but was later modified due to cost considerations.
The trusses connecting the caissons were constructed using 8 by 8-inch chords, 6 by 6-inch posts, and 1-inch rods.
The floor of the pier was made of clear white oak, while the rest of the lumber was clear yellow pine.
The pier was designed to accommodate a loaded coal cart and 100 pounds per foot of additional weight.
The caissons were cast on parallel skids at about mean high-water mark.
The caissons were initially intended to be launched using a marine railroad but were ultimately lifted and towed into position using a derrick scow.
A storm of unusual violence struck the area on December 26th, 1909, but the pier remained intact.
The construction of the pier was completed in the middle of January 1910.
The cost of the entire pier was approximately $14,000.

Statistics:

The pier was 300 feet long.
The pier had a short leg of 36 feet.
The pier head consisted of eight caissons in close contact.
The caissons supporting the trusses were 8 feet wide and 12 feet long.
The caissons in the pier head were 12 feet by 12 feet.
The outer caissons were at least 20 feet high.
The reinforcement in the side walls consisted of 1/2-inch round rods horizontally and 3/8-inch rods vertically.
The trusses were constructed on a radius of 34 feet.
The trusses were set 9 feet 9 inches apart on centers.
The clear opening between the wheel guards under the handrails was 8 feet.
The float was 18 feet long and 12 feet wide.
Toxement was used in all caissons except for the first two.
2 pounds of Toxement were used for every 100 pounds of cement.
The gravel used in the concrete mixture was not larger than 1/2 inch.

Terms:

Caissons: Watertight structures used for foundations or underwater construction.
Teredo: A type of marine wood-boring worm.
Toxement: A patented compound used to enhance the durability of concrete in saline environments.
Rip-rap: A protective layer of stones used to prevent erosion.
Bow-string Truss: A type of truss structure commonly used for bridges and other structures.
Fender Piles: Piles used to protect structures from impact.
Orange-peel Bucket: A type of bucket used for dredging and excavation.
Derrick Scow: A type of scow equipped with a derrick for lifting and moving heavy objects.
Marine Railroad: A type of railroad used for launching and hauling ships and other watercraft.
Creosote: A preservative used to protect wood from rot and insect damage.

Examples:

The paper uses the construction of the yacht pier as a specific example of how reinforced concrete caissons can be used as an alternative to traditional construction methods.
The project’s location on the exposed south shore of Long Island Sound, known for its strong currents and rough seas, serves as an example of a challenging environment for construction.
The use of Toxement in the concrete mixture, excluding the first two caissons, provides a practical example of how chemical additives can be used to improve concrete’s performance in marine environments.
The damage caused by the severe storm on December 26th, 1909, demonstrates the potential impact of extreme weather events on marine structures.
The decision to modify the pier’s design to reduce costs serves as an example of how cost considerations can influence engineering decisions.

Conclusion:

This paper provides a detailed account of the construction of a reinforced concrete yacht pier in Long Island Sound, showcasing the innovative use of reinforced concrete caissons. The project highlights the challenges of using concrete in a marine environment, emphasizing the importance of proper preparation, seasoning, and the use of chemical additives like Toxement to enhance its durability. While the pier itself was relatively small, the project serves as a valuable example of how careful planning and execution can lead to successful and cost-effective solutions in challenging environments. The paper’s focus on the unique challenges posed by marine construction and the innovative solutions employed offers valuable insights for engineers and anyone interested in the development of durable and sustainable structures in coastal areas.

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