SIDE-LOADED CAUSEWAYS

Causeways, as well as binges, normally are transported to the combat area side-loaded on an LST. To facilitate this, you should weld a hinge rail or shelf bracket on each side of the LST. An LA1 launching angle is bolted to one of the outboard strings of the barge or causeway (fig. 10-34).

The LST is listed far enough to the side being loaded to permit the hinge bar of the pontoon structure to be hoisted onto the shelf bracket. Then the structure is hoisted upright, either by a crane or by the winch(es) on the LST. The hoisting sequence can vary, depending on the gear used and the LST involved.

Regardless of the method use&personnel from an amphibious construction battalion, usually with a SWC or BMC in charge, bring the required gear aboard and do the job. The ship's company make necessary preparations aboard ship and provide whatever assistance is required of them.

FLOATING DRY DOCKS

Floating pontoon dry docks are structures consisting principally of a main wharf-like deck and vertical side towers constructed of P-series pontoon units. Pontoon dry docks are submerged by admitting a controlled amount of water into the deck pontoons and raised by expelling the water with compressed air. The tower pontoons act as stabilizers to keep the dry dock level when the deck is under water. Dry docks require 18' of water in which to submerge the decks 12", the maximum safe submergence, and should be moored in sheltered, quiet water 18' to 20' deep, in an area with a smooth bottom, devoid of large rocks or other obstacles. Two sizes of pontoon dry docks are presently in the ABFC System. This is identified as the 4 x 15 (100-ton capacity) dry dock. Figure 10-35 shows a 6 x 30 pontoon dry dock installation.

The assembly method of erecting pontoon strings for the dry docks is the same as those used for other pontoons structures. Only P1 pontoons are used and

Figure 10-34.-An LA1 launching angle.

Figure 10-35.-6 x30, 400-ton pontoon dry dock.

are made up into strings, launched, and joined in the water the same as with other structures. However, before pontoon string construction, dry dock drawings should be prepared in detail to show the type and the location of parts, together with field erection information. It is important to make available the applicable drawings of the dry dock to be erected at all times during the initial construction stage. This will ensure that parts are properly located, positioned, and secured and will facilitate erection during the final stage.

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