GB113476A - Improvements in the Method of and Means for Constructing Ships and analogous Structures. - Google Patents

Abstract

113,476. Bourke, A. M. Feb. 20, 1917. Frames and framing; plating.-Ships and analogous structures are constructed of preferably standardized plates and beams united by interlocking joints secured by autogenous welding. In the form shown in Fig. 8, along each joint line, one plate is provided with an offset rib c adapted to engage with an offset hook portion on the other plate so as to leave a space e into which molten metal may be introduced, or metal may be melted in the space e by the thermit process. In this form, the cross-beams g' have flanged ends g adapted to envelope the ribs a to which they are united by metal h, beads h<1> being formed on the plates to position the beams during the welding operation. In the form shown in Fig. 9, the rib c' nearly fills the hook a<2>, a pouring gate e<5> and soft metal distance-piece e<4> being provided to facilitate the welding operation. In this form, both the beam flanges g<1> and the ends of a strengthening rib a<3> have undercut recesses g<3> at their ends adapted to engage knobs g<5> in the plates. Keel and beam parts may be fitted with interlocking joints as shown in Fig. 15, or they may have half-joints welded together or parts of the adjacent webs may be removed and the joint surrounded by a box into which the welding metal is poured. The plates may be jointed as the keel and stem and stern posts by simple groove joints or interlocking joints may be fitted. The plating may be assembled either in horizontal or vertical rows.