No_5_1956 — Page 70

by divers.

The visibility below the sur- face of the water was not more than 30" at any time so that somewhat elaborate measures had to be taken to simplify the work of the divers, and to ensure ac- curacy.

Tubular scaffolding was erected in 3 sections, in bays of 10 feet by 5 feet, and of such a height that the top hori- zontals were just above average high tide level. Bottom horizontals were provided at a level 6" above the bottom of the wooden pads with which the vertical

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tubes were fitted.

These 3 sections were then lowered into the water to cover the extent of the Pump House base and the divers adjusted the level of the horizontal tubes so that the top of these tubes were exactly at the desired level. Further sand to increase the depth a further 6" was then sent down to the divers by a flexible tremie chute which made the placing of the sand easy. The surface of the sand was screed- ed off by a tamping board sliding on the horizontal tubes. The ultimate result was a perfectly level surface on which to lower the structure.

On the 1st May the floating Pump House was towed out from the wharf by the Kowloon tugs and taken to a point opposite the gap in the sea wall. Steel wire ropes

were then attached to the structure and taken back to hand winches mounted on the land at the back of the excavation. While the structure was being slowly drawn into the gap where the clearance was only 12' on each side the tugs kept it in the proper line. This operation was very carefully, and skill- fully, carried out by the Kowloon Docks Tugmaster, and Chief Shipwright.

酒館

AAA

Top photograph shows the Bottom Section under construction on slipway at Kowloon Docks.

Bottom photograph shows construction completed. 67′ x 40' x 8', weight 400 tons.

Dimensions

The drawing between illustrates the completed section on the slipway before launching.

up

The structure was drawn

against previously erected guides and stops which ensured that it would sink in the exact position it had to occupy.

On the falling tide, and with the help of sea water let in through the valves, the structure settled down on its bed very evenly so that when checked up it was exactly where it should be and 3′′ high to allow for settlement as further building work proceeds on the superstruc- ture.

The whole scheme has proved eminent- ly satisfactory and has shown that there is always a way of overcoming awkward situations however difficult they may be.

These works are being carried out by Messrs. George Wimpey & Co., Ltd. of London who are associated with the Eng- lish Electric Company of London in the building and equipping of the **B** Power Station with Boilers, Turbines and Generators, etc.

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