What was the primary reason for choosing reinforced concrete over traditional wood for the pier construction?
- The owner wanted a pier that would complement the aesthetics of the surrounding area.
- The cost of wood was significantly higher than the cost of concrete.
- The threat of teredo, a wood-boring sea creature, made wood less desirable.
- Concrete was thought to be more resistant to the effects of weathering.
Correct Answer: The threat of teredo, a wood-boring sea creature, made wood less desirable.
Correct Answer Explanation: Teredo, a type of marine wood-boring worm, poses a serious threat to wooden structures in Long Island Sound. The paper highlights the fact that the owner specifically wanted to avoid using wood because of this threat, making reinforced concrete a more durable and appealing option.
What was the primary method of construction for the pier?
- The pier was constructed entirely on land and then floated into place.
- The pier was built in sections on barges and then connected in the water.
- The pier was built directly on the seabed using underwater concrete pouring techniques.
- The pier was constructed on a series of caissons that were sunk into place.
Correct Answer: The pier was constructed on a series of caissons that were sunk into place.
Correct Answer Explanation: The paper details the construction of the pier using reinforced concrete caissons. These caissons were built on land, launched into the water, and then positioned to form the pier. This method provided a controlled environment for construction and allowed for careful positioning of the pier elements.
What chemical additive was used to improve the durability of the concrete in the marine environment?
- Gypsum
- Portland Cement
- Toxement
- Silica
Correct Answer: Toxement
Correct Answer Explanation: Toxement was a patented chemical compound added to the concrete mixture to enhance its durability in saline environments. The paper specifically mentions the use of Toxement in all caissons except for the first two, highlighting its importance in protecting the concrete from the corrosive effects of seawater.
What was the approximate cost of constructing the pier?
- $10,000
- $14,000
- $18,000
- $22,000
Correct Answer: $14,000
Correct Answer Explanation: The paper states that the total cost of the pier was approximately $14,000. This provides a concrete example of the cost-effectiveness of this approach to pier construction, particularly when compared to traditional methods using wood or masonry.
What was the approximate length of the pier?
- 150 feet
- 200 feet
- 250 feet
- 300 feet
Correct Answer: 300 feet
Correct Answer Explanation: The paper specifies that the pier was 300 feet long. This demonstrates the scale of the project and highlights the engineering challenges involved in constructing such a long structure in a marine environment.
What type of wood was used for the floor of the pier?
- Clear yellow pine
- Clear white oak
- Redwood
- Douglas fir
Correct Answer: Clear white oak
Correct Answer Explanation: The paper details the use of clear white oak for the floor of the pier, while the rest of the lumber used was clear yellow pine. This information provides insights into the specific materials used in the construction, showcasing the importance of selecting appropriate materials for the intended use.
How was the pier designed to accommodate the loading of coal?
- The pier was designed to support a specific weight limit per square foot.
- The pier was built with a reinforced concrete platform specifically for coal loading.
- The pier was equipped with a pulley system for loading and unloading coal.
- The pier was designed to accommodate a loaded coal cart and a specific additional weight per foot.
Correct Answer: The pier was designed to accommodate a loaded coal cart and a specific additional weight per foot.
Correct Answer Explanation: The paper mentions that the pier was designed to support a loaded coal cart and an additional 100 pounds per foot of weight. This illustrates how the pier was specifically designed to meet the functional requirements of the owner, showcasing the importance of considering intended use in engineering design.
What type of structure was used to support the trusses of the pier?
- Reinforced concrete beams
- Steel I-beams
- Bow-string trusses
- Steel cables
Correct Answer: Bow-string trusses
Correct Answer Explanation: The paper states that the trusses connecting the caissons were constructed using bow-string trusses with specific dimensions for chords, posts, and rods. This highlights the use of this common truss structure for bridge and other structural applications.
What was the intended method of launching the caissons into the water?
- They were to be floated on barges and towed to the pier location.
- They were to be lowered into the water using a crane.
- They were to be launched using a marine railroad.
- They were to be built directly in the water.
Correct Answer: They were to be launched using a marine railroad.
Correct Answer Explanation: While the paper initially mentions the intention to use a marine railroad for launching the caissons, it later states that they were ultimately lifted and towed into position using a derrick scow. This change in approach likely resulted from logistical considerations or the availability of equipment.
What was the approximate depth of the water at mean high tide?
- 4 feet
- 8 feet
- 12 feet
- 16 feet
Correct Answer: 8 feet
Correct Answer Explanation: The paper states that the mean range of the tide in Long Island Sound is about 8 feet. This provides a specific context for understanding the construction challenges faced in a location with significant tidal fluctuations.
Which of these was NOT a challenge faced during the construction of the pier?
- Teredo damage to the wooden pilings
- Strong currents and potential for rough seas
- Difficulty in accurately positioning the caissons
- A shortage of skilled labor
Correct Answer: A shortage of skilled labor
Correct Answer Explanation: While the paper doesn’t mention a shortage of skilled labor as a challenge, it does detail the challenges of dealing with the marine environment, the complexity of the construction, and the specific issues encountered with the caissons.
What is the significance of the storm that struck the area on December 26th, 1909?
- The storm caused significant damage to the pier, requiring extensive repairs.
- The storm delayed the completion of the project for several months.
- The storm demonstrated the resilience of the pier to extreme weather events.
- The storm led to the use of a stronger concrete mix in the remaining caissons.
Correct Answer: The storm demonstrated the resilience of the pier to extreme weather events.
Correct Answer Explanation: The paper notes that a severe storm struck the area on December 26th, 1909, but the pier remained intact. This highlights the strength and resilience of the pier design, showcasing the effectiveness of the construction methods and materials used.
What was the primary purpose of the pier?
- To provide a landing dock for passenger boats
- To serve as a recreation pier for the public
- To provide access to a private yacht and a nearby country residence
- To be used as a platform for fishing
Correct Answer: To provide access to a private yacht and a nearby country residence
Correct Answer Explanation: The paper mentions that the pier was constructed near Glen Cove, Long Island, and was intended to provide access to a private yacht and an elaborate country residence. This information emphasizes the specific purpose and intended use of the pier, adding context to the engineering decisions made during its construction.
What was the approximate size of the caissons used to support the trusses?
- 4 feet by 6 feet
- 6 feet by 8 feet
- 8 feet by 12 feet
- 12 feet by 16 feet
Correct Answer: 8 feet by 12 feet
Correct Answer Explanation: The paper details the specific dimensions of the caissons used to support the trusses: 8 feet wide and 12 feet long. This information provides a clear picture of the scale of these individual structural elements and highlights the precision required during construction.
What was the approximate spacing between the trusses?
- 6 feet
- 8 feet
- 9 feet 9 inches
- 12 feet
Correct Answer: 9 feet 9 inches
Correct Answer Explanation: The paper states that the trusses were set 9 feet 9 inches apart on centers. This specific dimension demonstrates the careful planning and attention to detail required in constructing such a complex structure.
What type of reinforcement was used in the side walls of the caissons?
- 1/4-inch round rods horizontally and 1/8-inch rods vertically
- 1/2-inch round rods horizontally and 3/8-inch rods vertically
- 3/4-inch square rods horizontally and 1/2-inch rods vertically
- 1-inch square rods horizontally and 3/4-inch rods vertically
Correct Answer: 1/2-inch round rods horizontally and 3/8-inch rods vertically
Correct Answer Explanation: The paper describes the reinforcement used in the side walls of the caissons, specifying 1/2-inch round rods horizontally and 3/8-inch rods vertically. This highlights the specific materials and techniques used to ensure the structural integrity of the caissons, demonstrating the importance of reinforcement in concrete construction.
What was the primary purpose of the “Toxement” added to the concrete mix?
- To improve the workability of the concrete mix
- To increase the strength of the concrete
- To accelerate the curing process
- To create a more stable and indissoluble chemical combination with the free lime in the cement
Correct Answer: To create a more stable and indissoluble chemical combination with the free lime in the cement
Correct Answer Explanation: The paper explains that the “Toxement” was added to the concrete mixture to create a more stable and indissoluble chemical combination with the free lime in the cement. This was intended to enhance the durability of the concrete and protect it from the corrosive effects of seawater.
What was the approximate size of the gravel used in the concrete mix?
- 1/4 inch
- 1/2 inch
- 3/4 inch
- 1 inch
Correct Answer: 1/2 inch
Correct Answer Explanation: The paper specifies that the gravel used in the concrete mixture was not larger than 1/2 inch. This detail highlights the importance of selecting appropriate aggregate sizes for the desired concrete properties and the importance of consistency in the mixture.
What is the approximate weight of “Toxement” used per 100 pounds of cement?
- 1 pound
- 2 pounds
- 3 pounds
- 4 pounds
Correct Answer: 2 pounds
Correct Answer Explanation: The paper notes that 2 pounds of “Toxement” were used for every 100 pounds of cement. This specific ratio provides a practical example of the chemical proportions used in the concrete mixture to enhance its performance in a marine environment.
Which of these is NOT a benefit of using reinforced concrete caissons for pier construction?
- They are more aesthetically pleasing than traditional wooden piers.
- They are more resistant to teredo damage than wooden piers.
- They are less expensive to construct than masonry piers.
- They require less skilled labor than traditional methods.
Correct Answer: They require less skilled labor than traditional methods.
Correct Answer Explanation: While reinforced concrete caissons offer numerous advantages over traditional methods, they still require skilled labor for their construction and installation. The paper doesn’t suggest that they reduce labor requirements compared to other methods.
What is the name of the type of bucket used for dredging and excavation?
- Orange-peel bucket
- Clamshell bucket
- Dragline bucket
- Backhoe bucket
Correct Answer: Orange-peel bucket
Correct Answer Explanation: The paper uses the term “orange-peel bucket” in the context of dredging and excavation, highlighting its use in removing materials from the seabed or other water bodies.
What is the name of a type of scow equipped with a derrick for lifting and moving heavy objects?
- Derrick scow
- Hopper scow
- Flat scow
- Tugboat
Correct Answer: Derrick scow
Correct Answer Explanation: The paper mentions the use of a derrick scow for lifting and towing the caissons into position, highlighting the functionality of this specialized vessel in construction projects.
What is the name of the type of railroad used for launching and hauling ships and other watercraft?
- Marine railroad
- Railway
- Tramway
- Cable railway
Correct Answer: Marine railroad
Correct Answer Explanation: The paper mentions the initial intention to launch the caissons using a marine railroad, illustrating the functionality of this specialized track system for moving heavy objects in and out of water.
What is the name of the preservative used to protect wood from rot and insect damage?
- Creosote
- Paint
- Varnish
- Stain
Correct Answer: Creosote
Correct Answer Explanation: The paper mentions the use of creosote as a preservative for wood, highlighting its application in protecting wooden structures from deterioration in outdoor environments.
What is the term for a protective layer of stones used to prevent erosion?
- Rip-rap
- Gabion
- Seawall
- Breakwater
Correct Answer: Rip-rap
Correct Answer Explanation: The paper doesn’t mention the use of rip-rap in the construction of the pier, but the term is relevant to the context of marine construction and erosion control. Rip-rap is commonly used to protect shorelines and other structures from erosion caused by waves and currents.
What is the name of the type of truss structure commonly used for bridges and other structures?
- Bow-string truss
- Warren truss
- Pratt truss
- Howe truss
Correct Answer: Bow-string truss
Correct Answer Explanation: The paper describes the use of bow-string trusses in the construction of the pier, highlighting their common application in bridge and other structural engineering.
What is the name of the piles used to protect structures from impact?
- Fender piles
- Anchor piles
- Bearing piles
- Sheet piles
Correct Answer: Fender piles
Correct Answer Explanation: The paper doesn’t explicitly mention fender piles, but they are relevant to the context of pier construction and protection. Fender piles are used to protect structures from impact by boats or other objects, minimizing damage to the structure.
Which of these is NOT a factor that contributed to the success of the pier project?
- The use of innovative construction techniques
- The use of high-quality materials
- The careful planning and execution of the project
- The availability of government funding
Correct Answer: The availability of government funding
Correct Answer Explanation: While the paper doesn’t explicitly mention government funding as a factor in the project’s success, it emphasizes the use of innovative techniques, high-quality materials, and careful planning as key elements in the project’s successful completion.
Which of these is NOT a challenge associated with using concrete in a marine environment?
- Concrete’s susceptibility to damage from seawater
- The need for special additives to enhance durability
- The difficulty of casting concrete underwater
- The potential for freeze-thaw damage
Correct Answer: The difficulty of casting concrete underwater
Correct Answer Explanation: While casting concrete underwater can be challenging, the paper highlights the primary challenges associated with concrete in a marine environment as its susceptibility to damage from seawater, the need for special additives, and the potential for freeze-thaw damage.
What is the name of the type of pier that was originally designed but later modified due to cost considerations?
- T-shaped pier
- L-shaped pier
- U-shaped pier
- Straight pier
Correct Answer: L-shaped pier
Correct Answer Explanation: The paper mentions that the pier was originally designed as an “L” shape but was later modified due to cost considerations. This information provides an insight into the design process and the potential for modifications based on practical factors like cost.
What is the primary takeaway from the paper regarding the use of reinforced concrete in marine environments?
- Reinforced concrete is a superior material for marine construction, offering durability and cost-effectiveness.
- Reinforced concrete requires careful planning and execution to ensure its success in marine environments.
- Reinforced concrete can only be used in specific locations and conditions, making it less versatile than traditional methods.
- Reinforced concrete is a new and promising technology, but more research is needed before it can be widely adopted in marine construction.
Correct Answer: Reinforced concrete requires careful planning and execution to ensure its success in marine environments.
Correct Answer Explanation: The paper emphasizes the importance of careful planning and execution in achieving success with reinforced concrete in a marine environment. It highlights the challenges associated with using concrete in seawater, the need for special additives, and the importance of considering factors like tidal fluctuations and freeze-thaw cycles.
Which of these is NOT a potential benefit of using “Toxement” in concrete construction?
- Increased strength of the concrete
- Enhanced durability in saline environments
- Improved resistance to freeze-thaw cycles
- Reduced cost of construction
Correct Answer: Reduced cost of construction
Correct Answer Explanation: While “Toxement” offers benefits like increased strength, enhanced durability, and improved resistance to freeze-thaw cycles, it’s unlikely to reduce the overall cost of construction. The use of additives typically adds to the overall cost of materials and labor.
What is the significance of the “float” mentioned in the paper?
- The float was used to transport the caissons from the construction site to the pier location.
- The float was used as a platform for working on the pier during construction.
- The float was used to provide temporary access to the pier during construction.
- The float was a decorative element added to the pier to enhance its aesthetics.
Correct Answer: The float was used as a platform for working on the pier during construction.
Correct Answer Explanation: The paper mentions the use of a float that was 18 feet long and 12 feet wide, indicating its use as a platform for working on the pier during construction. This provides a specific example of how practical tools were used to facilitate the construction process.
What is the most important takeaway from the construction of this pier?
- Reinforced concrete caissons are a viable and cost-effective alternative to traditional methods for pier construction.
- The use of special additives like “Toxement” is essential for ensuring the durability of concrete in marine environments.
- The careful planning and execution of the project were crucial to its success in overcoming the challenges of marine construction.
- The project serves as a historical example of the early development of reinforced concrete as a building material.
Correct Answer: The careful planning and execution of the project were crucial to its success in overcoming the challenges of marine construction.
Correct Answer Explanation: While the paper highlights the benefits of using reinforced concrete caissons and the importance of additives like “Toxement,” it emphasizes the crucial role of careful planning and execution in achieving success in this challenging environment. The project’s successful completion despite the complex challenges demonstrates the importance of meticulous engineering design and construction.