Patent Department - November 30, 1907

An Improved form of Reinforced Concrete Pipe

Join Our Community of Science Lovers!


On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.


Pictured in the accompanying; engraving is a water pipe consisting of a sheet-iron cylinder provided with an outer and inner lining of concrete. The pipe is made in sections, and the iron cylinders are electrically welded to each other. The concrete is reinforced by circular bands and longitudinal bars. Altogether, the structure is jiarticularly adapted for conducting water under high i)ressure. In our engraving two pipe sec- tions are shown ready to be welded. The inner lining of one of the pipe sections is shown at A within the sheet-iron cylinder H. The outer coating C ends flush with the right-hand end of the cylinder B, while the lining A at this end is inset, forming a recess. It will be noted that at the left-hand end of each pipe section the metal cylinder projects beyond the face of the inner and outer linings, and is adapted to enter the recess formed in the right-hand end of the ad.jacent pipe section. i''itted over the cylinder H are a pair of bands E. which are cut to form straps, under which the reinforcing bars F are secured. In joining up a pipe the adjacent sheet-iron cylinders ? and B' are welded together electrically on the inside, after which the joint is cemented up. Thus the entire pipe consists of a continuous metal cylinder, which is thoroughly protected by a dense coat of concrete on all sides. There is no danger of leakage, and the smooth inner concrete lining will permit a larger flow of water under a given head than a riveted pipe. This concrete lining also insures freedom from "tuberculation," which trouble materially reduces the area and carrying capacity of the ordinary iron pipe. The danger of collapse incident to unbraced steel conduits is obviated by the strength of the concrete arch. The bauds or bars may be increased according to the pressure the pipe is required to sustain. Pipes of this type have been built to stand a 300-foot head of pressure. The improved pipe has been patented by the Reinforced Concrete Pii)e Company, of .Tackson, Mich.

Scientific American Magazine Vol 97 Issue 22This article was published with the title “Patent Department” in Scientific American Magazine Vol. 97 No. 22 (), p. 399
doi:10.1038/scientificamerican11301907-399

It’s Time to Stand Up for Science

If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.

I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.

If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.

In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.

There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.

Thank you,

David M. Ewalt, Editor in Chief, Scientific American

Subscribe