How do you make 5000 tons of reinforced concrete float?

[tirediron]

Shape it like a ship of course! An interesting group of artifacts that I've finally managed to get the time to photograph (purely for their interest, NOT for their artistic merit) is a group of old concrete hulks used to form the booming ground breakwater at the Catalyst paper mill (nee The Powell River Company, Blodel, Stuart & Welch, and Macmillan Bloedell) in Powell River, BC (about 100 miles north of Vancouver). These ships are mainly WWII vintage, but one the ex SS Peralta (#3) was laid down in 1920. The best-preserved is the ex USS Quartz. #4 shows a view of the mill and some of the hulks from the water-side.

This is, I believe the largest colleciton of hulks and of concrete ships in the world.


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[zombiesniper]

The naval version of a lead balloon.

 

[robbins.photo]

Hey, I've got a great idea! Let's build a boat... out of concrete.

Yup, that's got government project written all over it.

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[Trever1t]

I lived on a concrete boat...well we called it a cement boat but it was like those constructions above. Very sea worthy and roomy.

 

[tirediron]

The naval version of a lead balloon.

Which Jamie & Adam (Mythbusters) proved can work!

 

[bribrius]

why do i find this insanely interesting...

 

[weepete]

Unsusual and interesting, nice set!

 

[Ugly's Beauty]

Great photos! I especially like #3 because of the angle you captured showing the mountains, treeline, boat and then water. Thanks for sharing.

 

[astroNikon]

Does a torpedo cause less damage to a concrete boat than a steel hulled one ?
Nice photos

I love 3, 4 7 the best
on #6 is interesting with the rebar still there.

 

[petrochemist]

If you just want it to float the shape of a ship is a long way from optimum.
To make it float is must simply displace more than 5000 tons of water.

Interesting shots though. I've never (knowingly) seen Ferro-cement ships before, just barges (mulberry harbor sections?) & yachts...

 

[Braineack]

no replacement for displacement.

 

[tirediron]

Hey, I've got a great idea! Let's build a boat... out of concrete.

Yup, that's got government project written all over it.

Well... d'uhhh....

I lived on a concrete boat...well we called it a cement boat but it was like those constructions above. Very sea worthy and roomy.

It's actually a good way to build something with compound curves, such as a ship's hull, and quickly, but it's heavy, and the ships aren't nearly as efficient as those made of stell.

why do i find this insanely interesting...

Probably, because like me, you're a little bent.

Unsusual and interesting, nice set!

Thanks!

Great photos! I especially like #3 because of the angle you captured showing the mountains, treeline, boat and then water. Thanks for sharing.

Cheers!

Does a torpedo cause less damage to a concrete boat than a steel hulled one ?
Nice photos

I love 3, 4 7 the best
on #6 is interesting with the rebar still there.

I'm guessing a torpedo hit on a concrete hull would be pretty spectacular; I'm going with more damage. A LOT more.

If you just want it to float the shape of a ship is a long way from optimum.
To make it float is must simply displace more than 5000 tons of water.

Interesting shots though. I've never (knowingly) seen Ferro-cement ships before, just barges (mulberry harbor sections?) & yachts...

There were thousands built during WWII, but almost all were scrapped very shortly after the war ended as they were horribly cost-ineffective to operate.

no replacement for displacement.

'Strewth!

 

[KmH]

Yep. Back in the day when I lived in Coronado there was a sailboat builder down on the Silver Strand that got some serious money building very well appointed cement sail boats.

 

[Nevermore1]

Nice! We have a few out near the Eastern Shore in VA at Kiptopeke State Park which are being used as water breaks and a home for local wildlife.

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