TM 5-273 25 Ton Ponton Bridge Model 1940

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TM 5-273
July 1, 1942
TECHNICAL MANUAL
25 TON PONTON BRIDGE
Generated on 2013-05-06 09:17 GMT / http://hdl.handle.net/2027/uc1.b3241346 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www.hathitrust.org/access_use#pd-google
TM 5-273
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TEC
25-TON PONTON BRI
PONTON BRIDGE
CHANGES
No. 1
DEPARTMENT,
PASHINGTON, May 26, 1948.
TM 5-273, July 1,1942, is changed as follows:
Change title of manual to read: 25-TON PONTON BRIDGE,
MODEL 1940, AND 10-TON PONTON BRIDGE, MODEL 1938.
Paragraphs
CHAPTER 1. 25-ton ponton bridge, model 1940.
*******
Chapter 2. 10-ton ponton bridge, model 1936.
Section I. General 89-92
II. Description of equipage 93-100
HI. Transportation and loading 10,1-102
IV. Construction 103-105
V. List 106
VI. Technical data 107-111
1. Purpose.The normal use * * * light ponton bridge.
Although the normal capacity of the bridge is 25 tons it may be rein-
forced to accommodate tank loads up to 45 tons.
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)
3. (Superseded.) Bridge unit.a. The principal components of
one unit of bridge are four trestles with trestle bracing, twelve pon-
tons, twelve 12-ton pneumatic floats, and the necessary balk and chess
for the floor system. The pneumatic floats are supplied for reinforcing
the bridge.
b. One unit of bridge provides for 210 feet of unreinforced bridge,
or of bridge reinforced with pneumatic floats, if four trestles are used.
Each additional unit provides an added 180 feet of floating span.
c. One unit of equipage is sufficient for 157 feet of bridge reinforced
by extra pontons, provided four trestles are included; each additional
unit gives an added 90 feet of floating span.
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)
52759843-
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Ponton load
Abut-
ment
load
Trestle
load
Item
Total re-
quired
Ito8
inclusive
9 to 12
inclusive
13 and
14
15 and
16
Anchor, Danf orth, 30-lb . _ .
32
Anchor, Kedge, 150-lb
12
12
24
Balk, ponton
168
16
96
12
Balk, transverse _ . _ - _____
24
Balk, trestle _
Boat, assault, M2 with 9 paddles in carry-
ing case
302
16
96
26
32
32
84
96
12
16
1 4, 800
96
16
23
Chess
16
16
32
Chess, half
&. Truck loading.
\ \ \ '\'
2 5-TON AND 10-TON PONTON BRIDGES
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TM 5-273
C1
Transportation and loading Medium (SB-ton) ponton bridge Truck
Item
Pontou load
Abut-
ment
load
Tres-
tle
load
Total
re-
quired
5 to
12 In-
clu-
sive
15
and
16
Bracing, trestle, set, less strut, bracing-.
Bracket, reflector, ponton gunwale type-
Bracket, stern attachment, 22-hp motor.
Buoy, life, ring
78
75
13
14
1/2
24
18
18
18
Carrier, balk
Chain, sling, %-va. x 16-ft. with hook
and eye - _ -
12
48
70
Chest, spare parts and accessories
TECHNICAL MANUAL
TM 5-273
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7. (Superseded.) Summary of loading.a. Ponton load.One
ponton bay with accessories. (See fig. 1.1.)
o.
UJ
0> a
01-
G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)
25-TON AND 10-TON PONTON BRIDGES
TM 5-273
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b. Abutment load. One abutment span, one hinge span, an extra
bay of ponton balk, and one assault boat. (See fig. 2.1.)
en
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CO
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Ul
J.
001-
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)
52759843 2 5
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TECHNICAL MANUAL
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)
c. Trestle load.Two trestle bays with all accessories. (See fig. 3.1.)
25-TON AND 10-TON PONTON B.RIDGES
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18.1 (Added.) Use of trestle bracing.a. General.Trestle
bracing is used to increase the stability of trestle spans subjected to
heavy traffic. When properly installed it increases the capacity of a
trestle span in addition to improving its stability. The manner in
which trestle bracing is used is governed mainly by the stability of the
soil at the site.
FIGURE 7.1.Use of trestle bracingunstable foundation.
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)
(1) On unstable foundations where large settlements of individual
trestles are probable, it is desirable to make an integral unit of each
trestle and its bracing. (See fig. 7.1.) This is called tripod bracing.
It requires two diagonal bracing struts from the top of each trestle
column to the ground at the sides.
(2) On semistable foundations where little settlement is probable,
it is advantageous to connect adjacent trestles with single diagonal
bracing. (See fig. 7.2.)
(3) On stable foundations it is desirable to connect adjacent trestles
with double diagonal bracing. (See fig. 7.3.) Where 4 or more
trestles are used, it is necessary to brace alternate spans only with this
cross bracing, thus forming piers of each pair of trestles.
Generated on 2013-05-06 09:24 GMT (150ppi) / http://hdl.handle.net/2027/uc1.b3241346 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www.hathitrust.org/access_use#pd-google
FIGURE 7.2.Use of trestle bracingsemistable foundation.
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)
FIGURE 7.3.Use of trestle bracingstable foundation.
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)
TM 5-273
25-TON AND 10-TON PONTON BRIDGES C 1
(4) When the trestle transom is near the top of the trestle columns,
transverse bracing must be used in order to provide lateral stability.
In soft ground, this may consist of struts from the top of the trestle
columns directly out to the sides; in hard ground it may consist of
two diagonal struts (X-bracing) or a single diagonal strut between
the two columns beneath the trestle transom.
b. Erection.(1) Bracing the end trestle.The end trestle on any
type of foundation is braced from the shore. Each anchor post is
set in a hole dug with an earth auger. A bracing strut is fastened
to the anchor post near the bottom, and to the trestle column near
the top; the strut is secured by means of trestle-bracing clamps. (See
fig. 7.2.) The anchor post should be anchored securely to other posts
driven into the ground as shown in figure 7.4 or to natural or pre-
fabricated holdfasts.
On unstable foundations the end trestle is further braced in a tripod
manner by running a second bracing strut from the top of each column
to the ground alongside the bridge. (See fig. 7.1.)
(2) Bracing intermediate trestles.(a) Unstable foundation.
When foundation conditions are unstable, each trestle and its bracing
should be made to act as a unit. (See fig. 7.1.) When this type of
bracing is used, the bracing struts form an angle of about 30 with
the center line of the bridge. The first step is the assembly of the
bracing strut and strut shoe. The strut shoe shank is inserted into
the end of the bracing strut and the strut shoe pin inserted and fast-
ened. The strut shoe at the end of the bracing strut is then placed
at the point where it will enter the soil, and the upper end of the
bracing strut is held against the trestle column to determine where
the trestle clamp is to be fastened to the column. A trestle-bracing
clamp is clamped firmly to the column, and the strut portion of the
clamp is fastened loosely about the bracing strut. This permits the
clamp to serve as guide for the strut while the strut is turned by
means of a steel picket, inserted into the hole at the end. The strut
shoe assembly is screwed into the ground until it reaches a firm
footing. (See fig. 7.5.) The column and strut clamps are alternately
loosened and tightened to obtain a firm bearing between column and
strut, and, finally, the trestle-bracing clamps are tightened around
the bracing strut. Under no circumstances is X-bracing used between
adjacent trestles to obtain longitudinal stability when there is a pos-
sibility of either trestle settling more than a foot.
(5) Semistdble foundation.The necessary bracing is provided by
using one diagonal in each span. (See fig. 7.2.)
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TECHNICAL MANUAL
FIGURE 7.4.Anchor post in use.
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)
FIGURE 7.5.Screwing strut shoe and strut into ground.
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)
10
TM 5-273
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(c) Stable foundation.When using longitudinal X-bracing with
a floor system of 25-ton balk and chess, it is necessary to clamp both
ends of the first diagonal strut on the outside of the columns (side
away from roadway) and the opposite ends of the second strut on
FIGURE 7.0.Trestle bracing clamp in use.
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)
the inside and outside of the column respectively. Position of the
floor system with respect to the height of the columns determines
which end of the second strut will be clamped to the outside of the
column and which end will be clamped to the inside. (See fig. 7.3.)
NOTE.For 10-ton trestles both ends of one diagonal brace may be clamped
on the outside and both ends of the second diagonal brace on the inside of the
columns.
c. Trestle-shoe anchor lines.The shoes of the end trestle are pre-
vented from slipping by fastening each shoe of each shoreward trestle
43 3
11
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TECHNICAL MANUAL
by means of wire rope to the anchor posts or to natural or prefabri-
cated holdfasts. If site conditions warrant, all trestle shoes should
be so anchored. Wire rope rather than manila rope should be used,
as it stretches less and may be tightened more readily by means of
a ratchet chain hoist and cable grips.
FICURE 7.7.Use of trestle shoe anchor lines.
[A. G. 002.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)
To attach the anchor cable, pass one end of the cable through the
four rings of the trestle shoe and fasten the free end to the standing
part of the cable using three cable clips, spaced about 3 inches apart.
The grips of the cable clips should bear against, the standing part
of the cable; they are tightened with a special open-end wrench.
Pass the other end of the anchor cable around the holdfast, place
one cable grip on the free end and one on the standing part of the
cable, and connect the two grips with the ratchet chain hoist. Fasten
loosely three cable clips in their approximate position. Tighten cable
with ratchet chain hoist. Tighten cable clips. Remove ratchet chain
hoist and cable grips. (See figs. 7.7 and 7.8.)
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)
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TM 5-273
21.1: (Added.) Construction at night.a. Limitations of equip-
ment.The equipment is not well adapted for a bridge to be thrown
across a stream quickly, without knowledge of the enemy, and before a
bridgehead has been established. Because of the nature of the trans-
portation and equipment, assembly at the bridge site creates consider-
able unavoidable noise.
FIGURE 7.8.Tightening trestle shoe anchor line with ratchet chain hoist.
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)
1). Difficulties imposed by (fer&n^ss.^-Construction of the bridge
under cover of darkness is generally the same as construction in day-
light. It is not particularly difficult to incorporate individual pon-
tons or parts into the bridge during darkness, although the process
is somewhat slower. The chief difficulty arises in getting the equip-
ment to the unloading points, in placing and handling cables and lines,
and in alining the bridge and directing it to the far shore. These diffi-
culties vary greatly with width of stream, force of current, and degree
of darkness. Successful and rapid construction at night depends
on careful planning, good organization, close control, and adequate
training, practice, and rehearsal.
c. Prior rehearsal.Before an important river crossing, construc-
tion of the bridge should be thoroughly rehearsed. Rehearsal should
take place at night and on a stream as similar to the stream to be
crossed as possible. The troops participating in the rehearsal must
be the troops who are to construct the bridge for the actual crossing.
13
TM 5-273
C 1 TECHNICAL MANUAL
Also, during the rehearsal, the bridge must be constructed in a man-
ner similar to that to be used in the actual crossing. The rehearsal
should be as similar to the real construction as possible.
d. Reconnaissance.A detailed reconnaissance of the bridge site
must be made during the hours of daylight by the officers and key
noncommissioned officers who are to supervise the construction at
night. The exact location of the bridge site, each parts site, unload-
ing areas, and line of upstream and downstream anchors are selected.
A definite decision concerning the route of approach and traffic cir-
culation plan must be made. If secrecy permits these points should
be marked with tracing tape or signal cloth. If the bridge or parts
site must be cleared and graded, a small advance crew should be sent
to prepare the site during daylight hours. If this is not possible due
to secrecy, definite arrangements must be made for preparing the
bridge site shortly before construction starts. Members of the recon-
naissance party must memorize the appearance and characteristics of
the bridge site as it looks in daylight and take all possible measures
to avoid confusion during the night construction.
e. Signal communication.During construction at night telephone
communication between the near shore, far shore, construction end of
the bridge, and each parts site is essential. A single flashlight, pro-
viding a shielded weak white light, can be used on the far bank to
assist in securing proper direction and alinement of the bridge. Sim-
ilar lights may be used to show the positions of upstream and down-
stream lines of anchors. Unshielded flashlights to aid in the
assembly should never be used. If available, luminous markers or
paints, white tracing tape, or pieces of cloth are useful in outlining
essential points such as routes of approach to the unloading points,
vehicular parking areas, and the heads of pickets and connecting pins.
/. Maintenance of secrecy.Although actual construction will
usually be started only after the need for secrecy has passed, lights
and sound at the bridge site should be held to a minimum.
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)
14
TM 5-373
34. Abutment section.
*******
e.
*******
(4) Transverse balk are not normally placed at the middle of
floating spans.
*******"
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)
39. Maneuver line section.
*******
c. Subsequent duties as siderail section.
*******
(4) (Added.) All siderail clamps should be placed handle side up.
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-13).] (C 1, May 26, 1043.)
45. General.
*******
J. (Superseded.) Preparation of site.The preparation of a site
to permit building by parts depends upon the location. Every effort
should be made to locate sites, above or below the bridge site, at which
parts may be constructed without prior preparation. From two to
four sites should be selected. Where no suitable natural sites exist,
parts sites may be cleared. Figure 23 is considered typical of the
general arrangements required. It is necessary to provide a cleared
area for the abutment site and each parts building site, proper ap-
proach roads, a turn-around, and road connections to each cleared area.
*******
d. (Superseded.) 8ize of working party required.The working
party that starts the bridge from the abutment should include all
sections necessary for expeditious construction by the method of suc-
cessive pontons. Each working party constructing a part should be
of sufficient size to perform all operations necessary to construct the
part, from unloading of equipment to the dispatch of the completed
part to the bridge. For the usual four-boat three-bay part, an engi-
neer combat platoon is an ideal work group.
e. (Rescinded.)
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1. May 26, 1943.)
46. Assembly of parts and incorporation into the bridge.
a. (Superseded.) (1) Construction of a part.In general, the con-
struction of a part is accomplished in the same manner as that of a
floating portion of the bridge where the method of successive pontons
is used. The necessary balk, chess, siderails, and siderail clamps with
which to make the connection to the bridge are loaded on the part
15
TM 5-273
TECHNICAL MANUAL C 1
before it is moved from the parts site. Material carried on the part
should be used for connecting the next part. The completed part is
moved to the bridge site by an anchor section. The working party
then proceeds to the construction of an additional part.
(2) Incorporation of part into bridge.As parts are completed,
they are taken over by an anchor section and moved to the maneuver
cable with shore lines, power pontons, or power boats. Upstream
anchors are cast and the part is placed in extension of the bridge by
means of the anchor ropes. Necessary downstream anchors are cast
with the aid of power boats. The part is then connected to the bridge
by the working party on the bridge. The location of parts sites
downstream from the bridge facilitates the safe handling of parts.
The rate of construction of the long bridge may be greatly increased
by building concurrently, from both banks and making the junction
near the center by fastening balk with detachable stirrups. In fact,
this procedure should be the rule in constructing any bridge appre-
ciably longer than 300 feet.
*******
47. B/einforced bridges.
*******
&. (Superseded.) (1) General.The bridge reinforced by insert-
ing an extra ponton in each floating span, four extra trestle balk in
each fixed span, and two extra ponton balk in each floating span, as in
a above, will carry tank loads in the neighborhood of 45 tons. In its
construction, there will generally be a problem in closing the gap left
after the last complete reinforced floating span has been put in. The
gap will often be too small to permit insertion of a reinforcing ponton
and yet be of such extent that the unsupported length of ponton balk
across the gap is comparatively great.
NOTE.In the reinforced bridge, the unsupported length of balk between adja-
cent pontons is approximately one foot measured between outside edges of
gunwales of adjacent pontons.
If the unsupported length across the gap is appreciably greater than
one foot, 14 balk should be utilized in closing the gap.
(2) Reinforcing bridge with pneumatic -floats. (a) General.
Another way the bridge may be reinforced is by inserting a 12-ton
pneumatic float under each floating span, and increasing the number
of balk in the fixed and floating spans to 14 and 12 respectively as in &
above. This reinforced bridge will carry tank loads of approxi-
mately 40 tons.
(6) Inflation of floats (see fig. 28.1).The pneumatic float can be
inflated in about 6 minutes by use of the inflation-deflation manifold
16
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(provided with each unit of bridge), attached to an air compressor.
The working pressure should not be greater than iy2 pounds per
square inch, at which point the float firmly resists pressure applied
with the heel of the hand. Additional pressure adds nothing to the
efficiency of the float and may blow out bulkheads or cause leaks.
The effects of changes of temperature should be anticipated; floats in-
flated to the proper pressure become overinflated if the temperature
rises. Valves should be securely closed when the desired pressure is
reached.
FIGURE 28.1.Inflating pneumatic float.
[A, G. 062.11 (4-1O-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)
(c) Assembly of float superstructure.Superstructure is placed
upon the inflated floats to prevent wearing of the float fabric and to
maintain float buoyancy under load. Superstructure for each float
consists of seven float transoms (timber planks 3 by 12 inches by 7
feet) and two float sills (ponton balk) which are placed upon the in-
flated float as shown in figure 28.2. Float sills are strapped into
position with the float straps.
(d) Launching floats.At least 16 men are required to pick up a
float and carry it into the water. It should be carried by the D-rings
and not by the life line. It should be held well off the ground, as
dragging damages the rubberized fabric.
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STRAP
FLOAT
TRANSOM
FLOAT
FLOAT SILL
(PONTON BALK)
BRIDLE LINE
STRAP
FIGURE 28.2.Float assembly.
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)
18
TM 5-273
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(e) Assembling floats in bridge.
1. General.A pneumatic float should be placed under each
floating span, centered, and secured to the bridge deck with
siderail clamps, four per float, as shown in figure 28.3.
The float should be further secured with rope lashings be-
tween the end D-rings of the float and the handrails or
cleats of adjacent pontons. (See fig. 28.4.) A float should
not be used in place of the center ponton of a hinge span
FIGUUK 28.3.Float clamped to bridge deck.
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)
raft. If the span that closes the gap is too small to permit
insertion of a reinforcing float, one or two center tubes
from pneumatic floats may be used under that span. (See
fig. 28.5.)
2. Construction of bridge reinforced.In construction of the
reinforced bridge the floats, fully inflated, are inserted
under the bridge deck balk before the balk are lowered
into place by the balk carriers.
3. Reinforcing existing bridges.In the reinforcement of exist-
ing bridges, float assemblies are prepared as described
above except that float sills are placed on their sides. Upon
arrival at the bridge site, floats are partly deflated so that
19
FIGURE 28.4.Bridge reinforced with pneumatic floats.
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)
FIGURE 28.5.Center tubes from pneumatic floats used under span which closes the gap.
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1043.)
20
TM 5-273
they can be placed under the span. After the floats are
centered under the span, sills are turned up and the floats
are reinflated to the proper pressure with an air compressor.
*******
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.0
53. Useful suggestions.
*******
/. (Added.) After the initial settlement of the trestles, and period-
ically when the bridge is in use, trestle-bracing clamps should be loos-
ened and retightened to release any stresses introduced in the bracing
struts by movements of the trestles.
g. (Added.) If the bridge is reinforced with pneumatic floats, the
floats may have to be removed from under the spans when necessary
to allow floating debris to pass under the bridge. Pressure in floats
should be checked regularly. If necessary the air compressor can be
run out over the bridge to add air to the floats without removing them.
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)
63.1 (Added.) Single float.In an emergency single pneumatic
floats may be used as an expedient for ferrying personnel. The central
tube should be removed and chess laid on the floor of the float. About
40 men (including paddlers) can be carried on one float, 20 men strad-
dling each outer tube of the float. Machine guns and mortars can
be placed on the chess.
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)
64. Raft ferries.a. General.
*******
(4) (Added.) Pneumatic floats may be used to reinforce ponton
rafts, or as flotation for expedient rafts.
*******
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)
69. Outboard motors.a. Included in the organizational equip-
ment of each ponton company are four 22 hp outboard motors
for each unit of ponton equipage. Four attachment brackets
are included in each unit of ponton equipage.
*******
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)
72. Repairs.
*******
h. (Superseded.) Painting.(1) General.Pontons, trestles, tres-
tle bracing parts, balk, chess, sills, and metal fittings must be kept well
painted to prevent corrosion, rusting, or rotting. This is particularly
527598- 43 5 21
TM 5-273
necessary when equipment is stored in the open or used in salty or
brackish water.
(2) Materials required.(a) Paint, olive-drab, lusterless, marked:
"Paint A"Finish coat for repainting marine engineer equipment.
(This is a high water-resistant paint, containing critical materials,
and should be used only for refinishing water-immersible equipment.)
(b) Primer, rust inhibiting, marked: "Paint FI"Priming coat
lor repainting steel and aluminum marine engineer equipment. (This
primer contains critical materials and should be used only for repaint-
ing steel and aluminum water-immersible equipment.)
(c) Primer, phenolic, marked: "Paint F-II"Priming coat for
repainting wooden marine engineer equipment.
(d) Mineral spirits, marked "Paint cleaner and thinner''Mineral
spirits cleaning agent for repainting engineer equipment and thinner
for engineer paints. Furnished in 50-gallon drums.
(e) Phosphoric acid solvent, marked "Paint etcher''H3PO4
Etching agent for repainting aluminum alloy engineer equipment.
Furnished in 1-gallon containers.
NOTE.The "paint etcher" as furnished is 50 percent phosphoric acid and 50
percent hutyl alcohol. Four parts of water are mixed with one part of "paint
etcher" before application.
(/) Wire brush to be used in removing old paint.
(3) Repainting aluminum and steel pontons and trestles.Loose
and cracked paint and other foreign substances should be removed
from all surfaces with a wire brush. Cleaning by sand blasting is the
most satisfactory method if sand blasting equipment is available.
When sand blasting equipment is used, sand remaining on the surfaces
must be removed before the application of the paint, In addition to
cleaning with the wire brush or sand blasting, surfaces should be
washed with mineral spirits (paint cleaner and thinner mentioned in
(2) (d) above) and should then receive a final rinsing in clean, unused,
mineral spirits.
Aluminum surfaces to be painted should next be etched. This etch-
ing should be done with phosphoric acid etching solvent (paint
etcher). This solution should remain in contact with the aluminum
surfaces for 15 minutes and the surfaces should then be washed thor-
oughly in warm water.
The pontons or trestles (steel or aluminum) should be given two
coats of primer (paint F-I). After priming, the surfaces should
receive one finish coat of paint (paint A).
(4) Repainting balk, chess, and other wooden items.All surfaces
to be painted should be thoroughly cleaned of all loose or cracked
22
TM 5-273
paint and other foreign substances with a wire brush. Wooden sur-
faces should be given two coats of primer (paint F-II). After prim-
ing, the surfaces should receive xone finish coat of paint (paint A).
(5) Non/errow metal surfaces.Brass, bronze, and other nonfer-
rous metal surfaces (except aluminum) need not be painted but should
be given a dull finish to reduce reflection of light to a minimum.
(6) General remarks.The first coat of paint should be applied
within 5 hours after completion of cleaning. All paint when applied
should provide a satisfactory film and smooth even surface, suitable
for the proper application and adhesion of subsequent coats. Paint
may be applied by brush or spray, but if applied by spray, each gallon
of paint should be diluted by an additional quart of mineral spirits
(paint cleaner and thinner). No paint should be applied to surfaces
upon which there is frost or moisture condensation, nor during rainy
weather unless the part being painted is amply protected against the
effects of the weather. While any painting is being done, the tempera-
ture of the atmosphere in contact with the paint surface should be
maintained at or above 50 F. Also, all paint, when applied, should
be at approximately the same temperature as the surface on which it
is applied. When painting has been commenced on any portion of the
work, the complete painting operation, including priming coats and
finish coat on that portion of the work, should be completed as soon as
practicable; however, at least 24 hours should be allowed to elapse
between the priming and finish coats.
73. (Superseded.)
Unit No. 1088,
bridge, ponton, 25-ton
Items
Quantity
Anchor, Danforth, 30-lb
Bag, paddle, 9-paddle capacity
Balk, ponton, 25-ton
Balk, transverse, 25-ton
Balk, trestle, 25-ton
Battery, dry cell, 6-volt electric lantern
Boat, assault, M2
Biacing trestle, set containing:
Auger, post hole, 6"
Block, steel, for %-in. manila rope, 7-inch, snatch.
Clamp, column bracing, 25-ton
32
14
168
16
96
32
Clip, wire rope, %" nut
Grip, cable, for %" wire rope
40
23
TECHNICAL MANUAL
TM 5-273
cl
Items
Quantity
Bracing trestle, set containingContinued.
Pin, assembly, strut shoe
Post, anchor, 25-ton
Rope, wire, %", 6 x 19 plow steel, 250'
Shoe, bracing strut
Strut, bracing
Wrench, adjustable, open end, single head, 10" (Crescent)
Bracket, reflector, ponton gunwale type
Bracket, stern attachment, 22 hp. motor, ponton 25-ton
Buoy, life, ring, 24-inch
Carrier, balk, 25-ton
Chain, sling %" x 16', w/hook and eye
Chess, ponton, 25-ton
Chess, ponton, half, 25-ton
Clamp, side rail, 25-ton
Clip, wire rope, %", w/3/4" nut l
Flare, electric emergency
Float, pneumatic, 12-ton, complete with emergency repair kit, and
carrying case
Hanger, hinge sill, 25-ton
Hanger, transverse balk, 25-ton
Hoist, chain ratchet, 1% to 3-ton, 2 hoists in chest set..
Hook, boat, ballpoint, 10-ft
Kit, repair, ponton, with chest
Lamp, electric, flasher .
Lamp, electric debris, patrol
Lantern, electric, dry-cell, 6-volt
Manifold, inflation-deflation, four hose complete
Marker, safety reflector, red
Oar, ponton, 14' long
Oarlock, ponton
Paddle, boat, single blade, 5-ft
Picket, steel
Pole, ranging, 6-ft, two-section
Ponton, 25-ton
Pump, water, bail, ponton
Pump, centrifugal, 2-irich, 55 G. P. M., complete w/25' \%" discharge
hose, 10' 1J4" suction hose and spanner wrench
Rigging, equipment
Rope, manila, ^"1 feet..
Rope, manila, I"1 do -.
Rope, wire, %" diam. 6 x 19 plow steel do _.
Sill, abutment, 25-ton
Stirrup, detachable, for wooden balk, 25-ton
Tape, metallic, 50', in feet and inches
Trestle, complete (w/o hoist)
1 Expendable items.
TM 5-273
74. Ponton.
*******
c. (Added.) Steel pontons.Steel pontons are being manufactured
in lieu of aluminum pontons. These steel pontons have the same gen-
eral characteristics and dimensions as the aluminum ones but weigh
4,200 pounds, 1,500 pounds more than aluminum pontons. Their net
displacement is therefore 1,500 pounds less; this does not materially
affect their load carrying capacity.
74.1. (Added.) Pneumatic float.a. Description of float (see
fig. 38.1).The 12-ton pneumatic float is 25 feet long, T1/^ feet wide,
and 30 inches deep. It is made of rubberized fabric and consists of
an outer tube, a floor, and a removable central tube. Each tube is
FIGURE 38.1.12-ton pneumatic float.
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)
30 inches in diameter and is divided by bulkheads into separately
inflated air chambers. Attachments consist of straps for holding
float sills to the float, straps to hold the central tube in place, D-rings
for carrying the float and for attaching bridle lines, and a life line.
The float weighs approximately 525 pounds. It has a buoyancy of
approximately 17,000 pounds with a 9-inch freeboard, or of approxi-
mately 24,000 pounds when floating with no freeboard. When the
float is submerged and water fills the space between the central and
outer tubes, buoyancy is reduced to approximately 21,000 pounds. The
float is carried in a canvas carrying case with dimensions approximately
4 by 3% by 2% feet. An emergency repair kit is included in each
carrying case.
b. Manifold, inflation-deflation.The float is inflated by use of an
inflation-deflation manifold attached to an air compressor. The mani-
fold has a connection to receive the hose from the air compressor, a
regulating valve, and 4 outlet hoses, each about 6 feet long and each
equipped with an individual valve. To inflate the float, attach the air
compressor hose to the manifold, open air compressor valve to allow
25
TM 5-273
air to flow to the manifold, turn manifold regulating valve to "inflate,"
open valves of four-float compartments by turning them counterclock-
wise, and press the end of each manifold hose to one of these valves.
Four compartments of the pneumatic float can be inflated simulta-
neously. The float is just rounded out at a pressure of about 1 pound
per square inch. The working pressure should be iy2 pounds per
square inch, at which point the float ceases to be soft but continues to
yield slightly under hand pressure. The float can be inflated in about
6 minutes using one manifold. Floats may be deflated by removing
the valve caps of the floats and allowing the air to escape. However,
for best results, all air should be drawn out with the inflation-deflation
manifold. This makes the floats easier to pack in a small space. The
procedure for deflation is the same as for inflation except that the
regulating valve of the manifold is turned to "deflate."
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1. May 26, 1943.)
26
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75.1. (Added.) 25-ton trestle M2.a. GeneralThe 25-ton
trestle M2 is an all-steel trestle similar in general design and dimen-
sions to the aluminum trestle Ml described in paragraph 75. The
weight of the assembled trestle is approximately the same as the weight
of the trestle Ml (1,450 lb.). Following is a description of the parts
of the steel trestle in so far as it differs from the alumimim trestle.
(See fig. 39.1.)
DETACHABLE CHAIN
HOIST SUPPORTING
BRACKET
RATCHET CHAIN HOIST
(CONNECTS TO GIVE
3-TON CAPACITY)
NOTE:
CHAIN HCMST SUPPORTING
BRACKET CAN BE MOUNTED
TO SUIT HEIGHT CONDITIONS
TRESTLE TRANSOM
TUBULAR STEEL
TRESTLE
COLUMN SHOE
FIGURE 39.1.25-ton trestle M2.
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10^13).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)
&. Trestle column M2.The vertical row of holes in the column
extends to the top of the column. The swiveled hangers on top of
the column for attachment of chain hoists is eliminated. In its place
is substituted a detachable chain-hoist supporting bracket which can
be mounted in any of the holes of the trestle column according to
height desired. This bracket is described in / below.
c. Trestle transom M2.This transom consists of a tubular steel
truss section. There is no column well at each end; instead each end
27
TM: 5-273
is open so that the trestle column can be inserted from the side. Two
metal clamps keep the jaws of this opening together (they do not
serve to hold up the column). Two pins are attached to each end of
the transom with chains. There are three sets of pin holes at each end
of the transom. To one pin, inserted in the outermost set of pin holes,
is attached the lower end of the ratchet chain hoist. The second pin
is inserted thru one or the other of the two remaining sets of holes
and thru one of the holes in the trestle column, thus securing the
transom to the column. The latter two sets of holes are 5% inches
apart and since the holes on the trestle column are spaced 3% inches
apart, a 1% inch adjustment can be made as with the trestle Ml.
d. Trestle column shoe M2.These shoes are made of steel and are
30 inches square.
e. Ratchet chain hoists.Two 1%- to 3-ton ratchet chain hoists are
provided with each trestle for adjusting the height of the transom.
This type of hoist supplants the l^-ton differential chain hoist, and
is used with both types of trestles.
The ratchet chain hoist is a commercial type hoist with a 12-foot
chain. (See fig. 39.2.) This chain can be attached so that only a
single strand of chain takes the load (capacity 1% tons) or so that two
strands of chain take the load (capacity 3 tons). The hoist can be
adjusted to raise or to lower. For use with 25-ton trestles, the chain
should be doubled (3 tons) thus giving an effective chain-hoist length
of only 6 feet.
One hook of the ratchet chain hoist is attached to the chain-hoist
supporting bracket described in / below and the other hook to the
stirrup at the end of the transom Ml (or to the pin at the end of the
transom M2). To adjust the height of the transom, sling two hoists
one on each column, remove transom pins, adjust height of transom
to desired level (actuating both hoists at the same time), reinsert the
pins, and remove the hoists. The hoists were not designed to take
the heavy loads of the bridge; it is essential therefore that they be
removed or at least disengaged (with the transom pins in place)
before any load goes on the bridge. Each ratchet chain hoist weighs
about 38 pounds.
/. Chain-hoist supporting bracket.A chain-hoist supporting
bracket is used with each ratchet chain hoist to support the upper
end of the hoist when the hoist is used to adjust the height of the
trestle transom. (See figs. 39.1 and 39.2.) This bracket may be
attached to the trestle columns at any convenient height above the
transom. The bracket is held in place on the trestle column by an
inserted pin that is attached to the bracket with a chain, through
28
IT
uj
UJ
UJ
29
00
>
OO
OO
O ui
UJ -,
TM 5-273
[A. Q. 062.11 (4-10-43).J (C 1, May 1>6. 1943.)
TM 5-273
one of the holes in the trestle column. A boat snap attached to the
end of the pin after it is inserted in the column prevents the pin from
slipping out of the column.
When ratchet chain hoists are used with the trestle Ml, chain-hoist
supporting brackets must be used since the effective length of the
hoist (doubled to give 3-ton capacity) is only 6 feet which is not
long enough to reach the swiveled hanger at the top of the column.
75.2. (Added.) Trestle-bracing equipment.Following is a
description of the components of the trestle-bracing set:
a. Bracing strut (see fig. 39.3).The strut is a 22-foot section of a
21^-inch standard pipe with a ^e-inch hole and a !5/16-inch hole
drilled at each end. The smaller hole permits fastening of the strut
shoe. The larger hole allows the use of an ordinary picket as a handle
when the assembled strut and strut shoe is to be screwed into or out
of the ground as is an auger.
FniOBE 30.3.Trestle-bracing strut.
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)
NOTE.The strut is sufficiently strong for use as bracing. Abuse, excessively
rough handling, or use of the strut for purposes other than the one for which it is
intended can easily damage it. If not handled properly, the strut can be bem
without much difficulty. Each bracing strut weighs about 125 pounds.
5. Strut shoe.The shoe is a steel casting which is fastened to the
bracing strut with the strut shoe pin when it is necessary to screw the
strut into the earth. The shoe is so shaped that it may be screwed into
soft earth. Each strut shoe weighs about 15 pounds. (See fig. 39.4.)
c. Strut shoe pin.The strut shoe pin is used to fasten the bracing
strut to the strut shoe. It is provided with a latch and is fitted with a
boat snap to prevent the latch from working out of the pin. When the
strut shoe is removed from the strut, the strut shoe pin should be re-
placed in the strut shoe with the latch and boat snap inserted in their
proper positions to prevent loss of the strut shoe pin.
d. Trestle-bracing clamp.The clamp consists of two cast steel
clamps connected by a swivel joint. The larger of the two clamps i?
fastened to the trestle column or anchor post, and the smaller one t<>
30
25-TOX AND 10-TON PONTON BRIDGES
TM 5-273
C1
the bracing strut. The clamp weighs about 18 pounds. (See figs.
39.5 and 7.1.)
e. Anchor post (see fig. 39.6).The anchor post is a 5-foot section
of 4^-inch standard pipe which has a spiral flange fastened to one
end. The other end has a l%6-inch hole to permit the use of a steel
picket as a handle for screwing the post into a hole made with the post
FIGURE 39.4.iStrut shoe and strut shoe pin.
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] <C 1, May 26, 1943.)
hole auger. The diameter of the anchor post is such that a bracing
strut can be attached to it with a trestle-bracing clamp. The anchor
post is provided only to permit use of trestle-bracing clamps, and
should be anchored securely to other posts driven into the ground as
shown in figure 7.4. Anchor posts are used to anchor the end trestle,
where the ground is usually too hard to permit use of strut shoes. A
holdfast consisting of a series of stakes may be substituted for the
anchor post. Each anchor post weighs about 100 pounds.
31
TM 5-273
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TECHNICAL MANUAL
FIGURE 39.5.Trestle-bracing clamp.
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)
/. Post hole auger.This is a hand-operated auger provided for
digging the hole in which the anchor post is set. The auger is about
5 feet long and weighs about 15 pounds. (See fig. 39.7.)
g. Trestle shoe anchor line.This is %-inch steel cable, used to pre-
vent the trestle shoes from slipping, particularly when they rest on
FIGURE 39.6.Anchor post.
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)
32
25-TOX AND 10-TOX POXTOX BRIDGES
TM 5-273
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FIGURE 39.7.Post hole and well auger.
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)
sloping foundations. The cable is fastened to the rings of the trestle
shoe and to a natural or prefabricated holdfast on shore (or to the
anchor post). The cable is tightened with a ratchet chain hoist and
cable grips, and made fast with cable clips. (See fig. 39.8.)
FIGURE 39.8.Trestle shoe anchor line.
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)
33
TM 5-273
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TECHNICAL MANUAL
h. Block, snatch.This is an ordinary snatch block for %-inch
manila rope. It is used on the shore end of the trestle shoe anchor cable.
to facilitate tightening the anchor cable. (See figs. 7.7 and 39.9.)
i. Holdfast.This is a metal plate with holes drilled into it for driv-
ing nine steel pickets. Each picket is l1/^ inches in diameter, 40 inches
long with a handle at one end to facilitate removal. This prefabri-
FIGURB SiJ.9.Block, snatch.
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)
cated holdfast is used to anchor the trestle shoe anchor line on the
shore. It is often omitted from trestle bracing sets, reliance being
placed on natural or improvised holdfasts and on the anchor posts to
serve its purpose. The plate weighs about 25 pounds and each picket
weighs about 15 pounds. The entire holdfast weighs about 160 pounds.
(See fig. 39.10.)
FIGURE 30.10.Prefabricated holdfast.
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)
TM 5-273
C1
j. Hatchet chain hoist (see fig. 39.11).This is the hoist used to
adjust the height of the trestle transom. It is used to tighten the
trestle shoe anchor cable. For tightening, it is fastened to the cable
by means of two cable grips, one grip attached to the free end and
one to the standing part of the cable. (See fig. 7.8.) Before tighten-
FIGDEE 39.11.Ratchet chain hoist.
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43),] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)
ing, cable clips should be loosely fastened in place. After the cable
is taut, cable clips are made fast and the ratchet chain hoists and cable
grips are removed.
k. Cable grips (see fig. 39.12).This cable grip (or "come along")
for i^-inch wire has a 3-inch gripping surface and is used to
allow the ratchet chain hoist to be attached to the wire cable for
tightening. Usually two grips are required for this, unless the free
end of the cable ends in an eye, when only one grip is sufficient.
1. Cable clips (see fig. 39.13).Cable clips for i^-inch wire are
used to securely fasten two sections of wire cable together. Two or
three should be used together spaced about 3 inches apart. The grip
of the clip should bear against the standing part of the cable. (See
fig. 7.7.) These clips should be fastened into place loosely before the
cable is tightened. After the cable is taut they-are securely fastened
by means of the crescent wrench.
m. Wrench crescent (see fig. 39.14).This is a commercial type
open-end single-head, adjustable wrench, 10 inches long. It is used
to tighten the nuts of cable clips.
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)
35
TM 5-273
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TECHNICAL MANUAL
FIGURE 39.12.Cable grip.
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)
FIGURE 39.13.Cable clip.
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)
FIGURE 39.14.Wrench crescent, 10-inch.
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)
36
TM 5-273
CHAPTER 2 (ADDED)
10-TON PONTON BRIDGE MODEL 1938
Paragraphs
SECTION I. General 89-92
II. Description of equipage 93-100
III. Transportation and loading 101-102
IV. Construction 103-105
V. List 106
VI. Technical Data 107-111
SECTION I
GENERAL
89. General.Sections XXII to XXVI cover the 10-ton ponton
bridge model 1938. This bridge is similar in design to the 25-ton
bridge, but of a lighter construction. It is discussed here only in so
far as it differs from the 25-ton bridge.
90. Purpose.The normal use of this equipage is to provide a
rapid means of stream crossing for most vehicles of an infantry
division. Although the normal capacity of the bridge is 10 tons, it
may be reinforced to accommodate loads up to 20 tons.
91. General features of design.The 10-ton ponton bridge dif-
fers from the 25-ton ponton bridge as follows: (See fig. 40 and fig. 47.)
Figure 40 is rescinded and the following is substituted therefor:
a. All component parts are lighter.
b. Eight trestle balk stringers are used per fixed and per hinge span,
and eight ponton balk stringers per floating span.
c. Clear width of roadway is 9 feet 10 inches.
d. Transverse balk are not employed.
e. Length of abutment span, trestle span, and hinge span is 15
feet; length of each floating span is 15% feet.
92. Issue.Two units of this bridge equipment may be issued to
light ponton companies as a substitute for the ponton bridge, pneu-
matic M3. with which they are normally equipped. Pontons for this
bridge are no longer being manufactured. Existing equipage is kept
in depots and issued as required.
TM 5-273
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TECHNICAL MANUAL
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)
SECTION II
DESCRIPTION OF EQUIPAGE
93. General.Component parts of 10-ton ponton bridge equipage
are similar to corresponding parts of 25-ton bridge equipage described
in section XXI, Chapter 1. Naturally, these parts have smaller
38
TM 5-273
C1
dimensions since they were designed for a lighter load. 10-ton bridge
parts, so far as they differ from 25-ton equipage, are briefly described
below.
94. Ponton.a. Aluminum ponton.The ponton is 28 feet long,
5 feet 6 inches wide, and 2 feet 8 inches deep. There are no capstans
on the 10-ton ponton. Each ponton is provided with 32 ratchet-type
balk fasteners and 8 turnbuckle-type spare balk fasteners. The pon-
PIGURE 47.10-ton ponton bridge, model 1938.
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)
ton weighs approximately 1,450 pounds and has a total displacement
of 23,000 pounds. When used as a ferry with an outboard motor it
provides space for approximately 50 men with full equipment besides
the boat crew. The following table gives the ponton displacements
for various weights and freeboards:
Draft
Displacement
Freeboard
amidship
Inches
Pounds
Inches
4,000
24
8, 200
14
18
12, 700
20
12
17, 500
26
23, 000
32
39
TM 5-273
b. Ponton accessories.Each ponton is equipped with two anchors,
two anchor cables, two boat hooks, seven oars and oarlocks, and one
bail pump. These are identical with 25-ton ponton accessories except
that anchors weigh 100 pounds and oars are 13 feet long.
95. Pneumatic float.Twelve-ton pneumatic floats are supplied
for use in reinforcing the bridge. These floats are identical to the
ones supplied with the 25-ton ponton bridge. (See par. 74.1.)
96. Trestles.a. General.The 10-ton trestle Ml (aluminum)
and the 10-ton trestle M2 (steel) are similar to the corresponding 25-
ton trestles. (See pars. 75 and 75.1.) The assembled trestle less
chain hoist weighs about 750 pounds. The height of the trestles is 15
feet 3 inches and the width center to center of trestle columns is
13 feet li>2 inches. Metal attachments on the trestle transom tube are
so arranged as to establish the position of the 8 pairs of trestle balk
used in the normal bridge. Two extra balk can fit in the interval
between attachments so that it is possible to fit 15 pairs of trestle
balk on the transom (that is, each trestle span may be reinforced to 15
balk stringers per bay). Ratchet chain hoists are used with both
types of trestles; chain-hoist supporting brackets with the trestle M2
only.
b. Trestle Ml (aluminum).
Diameter of column4% inches.
Dimensions of transom13 feet 10 inches long by 9 inches wide
by 15 inches deep.
Dimensions of shoe24 inches by 24 inches.
c. Trestle N2 (steel).'
Diameter of column4% inches.
Dimensions of transom (tubular type)13 feet 10 inches long
by 19 inches deep,
(diameter of tubing.31/2 inches.)
Dimensions of shoe27 inches by 27 inches.
d. Ratchet chain hoist.For adjusting the height of 10-ton trestle
transoms the hoist should be connected so that a single strand of chain
takes the load (iy2-ton capacitysee fig. 39.2). In this manner the
full 12-foot length of the chain can be utilized.
e. Chain-hoist supporting bracket.This bracket is not necessary
with the 10-ton trestle Ml since the ratchet chain connected singly is
long enough to reach the swiveled hunger at the top of the trestle col-
umn. Brackets are furnished with the 10-ton trestle M2.
97. Trestle bracing.Trestle-bracing parts for the 10-ton trestles
are identical with the trestle-bracing parts furnished with the 25-ton
trestles except:
40
TM 5-273
a. Ten-ton trestle-bracing clamps are slightly smaller so that they
can fit the smaller diameter of the 10-ton trestle column.
b. Ten-ton anchor posts are smaller in diameter so that 10-ton
trestle-bracing clamps will fit them.
98. Superstructure.a. Balk, ponton.Dimensions4 inches by
6 inches by 21 feet 5 inches.
Weight140 pounds (carried by two men).
b. Balk, trestle.Dimensions4 inches by 6 inches by 15 feet 4%
inches. Weight100 pounds (carried by two men).
c. Chess.Dimensions2% inches by 11% inches by 12 feet.
Weight75 pounds (carried by one man).
d. Chess, half.Dimensions2% inches by 5% inches by 12 feet.
Weight35 pounds.
e. Sill.Dimensions5% inches by 7% inches by 13 feet. Weight
135 pounds (carried by two men).
99. Fasteners.a. Siderail clamps.Dimensions14-inch jaw.
Weight91/2 pounds.
b. Hinge sill hangers.Weight, 16 pounds.
c. Stirrups.Weight, 2 pounds.
100. Construction aids.a. Outboard motors.See paragraph
69.
b. Powerboats.See paragraph 70.
c. Cranes.See paragraph 88.
SECTION III
TRANSPORTATION AND LOADING
101. Description of vehicles.a. General.The equipage for
one unit of bridge is transported on six semitrailers drawn by 5- to
6-ton, 4x4 tractor trucks, and four two-wheel ponton-type trailers
drawn by 4-ton, 6 x 6 cargo trucks. (See figs. 48 and 49.) Each unit
consists of six ponton loads, two trestle loads, and two abutment loads.
Two-wheel dollies may be used to convert the semitrailers into four-
wheel trailers. The semitrailers can then be maneuvered over un-
favorable ground by light or medium tractors. For movement over
unfavorable ground, the two-wheel trailers may be detached from
cargo trucks and pulled by the tractors.
b. Semitrailers.In general, the semitrailer used to transport the
10-ton bridge is similar to that used to transport the 25-ton bridge
except that in the 10-ton trailer there is no depression in the trailer
body. Also instead of a compartment at the rear, there is a removable
chest at the front of the trailer which is used for tools and auxiliary
41
TM 5-273
Ci
TECHNICAL MANUAL
bridge materials such as anchors with cables, oarlocks, pumps, and
siderail clamps. Two pontons placed one on top of the other are the
chief load of one semitrailer. The pontons are held securely in place
by 2 steel cables drawn taut by reel-type, ratchet-operated cable tight-
eners. Each cable (load binder) has a protecting sheath of %-inch
steam hose 9 feet long. In addition there are four shorter load binders
which are used to secure the balk and chess of the ponton load in place.
The top ponton is separated from the bottom ponton by six spacer
FIOURE 48.4-tou cargo truck and two-wheel trailer with abutment load (lU-ton ponton
bridge).
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)
blocks secured to the oarlock sockets on the top ponton gunwales, three
per gunwale. A hand-operated pump operates two hydraulic jacks,
one at each rear corner of the semitrailer, which elevate or lower a
2%-inch diameter roller upon which the ponton gunwales rest. The
jacks are used to raise the rear ends of the pontons to facilitate load
ing and unloading the pontons by hand.
c. Two-wheel trailer.The two-wheel trailer has a rectangular-
shaped special cargo body, and an adjustable-length drawbar, suj
ported on pneumatic tires. Auxiliary lashing rings are welded to th<
four corners of the chassis to assist in manhandling the trailer and it
42
TM 5-273
Cl
lowering it down steep grades. These rings also can be used for im-
provised lashings to secure the loads should the mechanical load fas-
tening devices be lost or broken. The drawbar is of a telescopic type,
Dermitting three adjustments in length. A rest is provided for the
drawbar so that the trailer may be supported in a horizontal position
when unhooked from the prime mover. A load is secured to the trailer
by means of clamping beams held into position with hand-operated
screws and chain links. When the trailer is not loaded, the clamping
beams are secured in brackets especially provided for that purpose.
FIGURE 49.Trailer truck and semitrailer with ponton load (10-ton ponton bridge).
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)
The chains that are connected to the clamping screws on the side of the
trailer frame are hooked underneath the trailer and then tightened up
with clamping screws to prevent rattling. Before the trailer can be
loaded, all these items are removed from their keepers and placed in a
convenient location for use as the trailer is loaded. The empty trailer
weighs about 2,100 pounds.
d. Prime mover for semitrailer.This is a 5- to 6-ton, 4x4, tractor
truck, identical to the one used with the 25-ton bridge.
e. Prime mover for 2-wheel trailer.This is a 4-ton, 6x6, cargo
truck with a 12-foot, 3-inch loading bed which will accommodate
standard chess.
43
TM 5-273
Cl
TECHNICAL MANTTAL
/. Dollies.See paragraph 86.
g. Loaded weights.Vehicles when properly loaded weigh as fol-
lows:
Pounds
Tractor truck with semitrailer with ponton load 33, 000
Four-ton cargo truck with two-wheel trailer with
trestle load 31,000
Four-ton cargo truck with two-wheel trailer with abut-
ment load 30,000
These loads are so distributed through three or four axles that the
loaded vehicles can pass over the 10-ton ponton bridge, model 1938;
the ponton bridge pneumatic, M3; and light portable steel bridge.
However, the loads are near the maximum for each of these bridges
and must be passed over with care.
102. Loadings.a. General.There are three types of trailer
loadings: ponton load (semitrailer only), trestle load (two-wheel
trailer), and abutment load (two-wheel trailer).
In general the ponton load consists of equipment for two complete
floating bays, including two pontons; the abutment load consist of
equipment for one abutment span and one trestle span, including
one trestle and one abutment sill; and the trestle load consists of equip-
ment for one trestle span and one hinge span, including one trestle,
one hinge sill, trestle bracing, and an assault boat.
Item
Unit
Total
required
Trailer numbers and equipment
Adapter, towing
Each
24
120
36
20
20
Anchor, Danforth, 30-lb..
Each
Each..
Anchor, Kedgc, 100-lb .
20
20
20
45
C1
TM 5-273
2 5-TON AND 10-TON PONTON BRIDGES
[A. O. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26. 1943.)
C1
TM 5-273
TECHNICAL MANUAL
[A. . 002.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26. 1943.)
. TM 5-273
FIGURE 5:>.Unloading 10-ton ponton with crane.
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)
c. Detailed loading of truck tractor.
Table of contents for tractor truck 10-ton ponton bridge unit
Total
re-
quired
Truck numbers and equipment
Item
Unit
B racket, reflector, ponton gunwale type
Bracket, stern attachment, 22 hp. motor
Each
Each
Each
78
13
13
13
13
13
13
Chest, spare parts and accessories (total
req 8) 1
Each
36
78
18
'6
Flare electric (total req. 60) 1 -- -
Each
K it repair, ponton
Each
Lamp, electric, flasher
TM 5-273
d. Detailed loading of 2-wheel trailers (see also fig. 51).
Table of contents for 2-wheel trailer load
Item
Unit
Total re-
quired
Trestle abutment
Balk trestle
Each
96
24
24
24
24
Boat, assault, M2, with 9-paddle in carry-
ing case
Each . _
Each __
Each _ _
Each . . .
Each . .
12
16
Chess, half
Sill __---_ -____
Strut bracing
Trestle, complete (w/o hoist and shoes)
e. Detailed loading of cargo truck (see also fig. 51).
Table of contents for cargo Iruck load
Item
Unit
Total
required
Trestle abutment
Bracing, trestle, set, less strut bracing
Chess
Each ._
Each
96
42
TM 5-273
25-TON AND 10-TON PONTON BiRIDGES C 1
/. Loading equipage.(1) General.All the equipage of the 10-ton
bridge can be quickly loaded on its trailers by hand. If a crane is
available and if site conditions permit, a crane may be used to load or
unload pontons.
A detail of two noncommissioned officers and 23 men can place a
complete ponton load on a trailer in about 10 minutes, manhandling
all equipage. By using a crane to lift the pontons into place one
noncommissioned officer and 4 men, who stand on top of the trailer
and place material, as handed to them, can load a trailer in about 10
minutes.
(2) Loading the pontons. (a) Loading by hand (see fig. 53).
Twenty-five men are required in loading the pontons by hand, the
first ponton is inverted and placed with the front end resting on the
semitrailer and the rear end resting on the ground. The second
ponton is inverted and slid into position on top of the first (six spacer
blocks should be attached to oarlock sockets of second ponton; use a
chess as a skid in sliding one ponton on top of the other). An auxiliary
roller, designed to roll along the tops of the chess loaded topmost on
the trailer, is placed under the bottom ponton. The roller at the rear
end of the trailer is raised with the hydraulic jacks. The two pontons
are then rolled onto the trailer. The auxiliary roller is removed, the
rear roller is lowered, and the load binders are made secure.
(6) Loading ponton by crane.The pontons are first inverted,
either by crane or by hand. The crane then picks up the pontons one
at a time using previously prepared slings. Guy lines attached to
the pontons guide them into place on the trailer. The top ponton
should have six spacer blocks secured to its gunwales before it is
loaded. (See par. 23.)
g. Unloading ponton. (1) Unloading ponton with crane.See
paragraph 23 and figure 52.
(2) Unloading ponton by hand.Twenty-five men are required to
unload each ponton load. In the process of unloading pontons, the
rear end of the pontons is raised with the hydraulic jacks, the forward
end of the pontons is then raised by hand, and an auxiliary roller is
placed under the bottom ponton. The two pontons are then rolled to
the rear and the rear ends of the pontons lowered- to the ground by
the unloading detail. The men then support the front end of the
two pontons until the semitrailer is pulled forward by its prime
mover from under the load. The front end of the combined load is
then lowered to the ground. The top ponton is then lifted or slid
off the bottom ponton.
49
TM 5-273
C1
TECHNICAL MANUAL
FIGURE 53.1.Loading 10-ton pontons by hand.
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)
FIGURE 53.2.Loading 10-ton pontons by hand.
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)
50
TM 5-273
SECTION IV
CONSTRUCTION
103. General.Construction of the 10-ton ponton bridge is gen-
erally similar to the construction of the 25-ton ponton as described in
sections V, VII, VIII, and IX.
104. Construction by successive pontons.Following is a sug-
gested organziation for construction of the 10-ton bridge by the method
of successive pontons:
Section NCO Men Duties
Abutment (near-
shore) 1
Abutment
shore) _.
(far-
Trestle (using one
near-shore shal-
low-water tres-
tle)
(using two or more
near-shore shal-
low-water tres-
tles) (two sec-
tions)
Install near-shore abutment sill. As-
sist in erection of near-shore trestles.
Install near-shore end dam. Adjust
height of transoms. Place trestle-brac-
ing anchor posts and hold-fasts. Adjust
trestle bracing.
10 Obtain materials needed for far-shore
abutment sill and end dam and take them
to far shore in a pontoon. Cast one up-
stream and one downstream anchor for
use on far-shore hinge-span raft. Assist
in erection of far-shore trestles and all
spans between abutment and hinge sills.
10 Erect near-shore trestle. Complete
loading of far-shore hinge-span raft.
Move raft to far shore and erect abut-
ment, trestle, and hinge spans with the
assistance of the far-shore abutment sec-
tion.
If two shallow-water trestles are used,
first section constructs first near-shore
shallow-water trestle and then moves to
far shore and completes construction of
far-shore abutment, trestle, and hinge
spans as shown above. Second section
erects second near-shore shallow-water
51
TM 5-273
C1
Section
TECHNICAL MANUAL
NCO Men
Balk-fastener 1
Balk-carrier
Chess-carrier.
Cable.
Anchor.
16
..... 2 18
Duties
trestle and then erects trestle bracing.
If three shallow-water trestles are used,
first section erects first and third trestles
and trestle bracing. Second section
erects second trestle and then completes
construction of far-shore abutment,
trestle and hinge spans.
Deliver hinge sill, hinge-sill hangers,
and detachable stirrups to near-shore
hinge-span raft. Construct near-shore
raft. Assemble deep-water trestle on
raft. NCO in charge directs moving
of raft to center line of bridge. Place
deep water trestle, assisted by abutment,
cable, and anchor sections. Secure balk
to pontons on all remaining spans.
Deliver balk to near-shore hinge-span
raft. Deliver balk for each span of
bridge.
Deliver parts for deep-water trestles
to near- and far-shore hinge-span rafts.
Deliver balk to far-shore raft. Pro-
cure, carry, and lay chess on all spans
of bridge.
Aline pontons during construction of
near-shore hinge-span raft. Move raft
to bridge site under direction of balk-
fastener NCO. Hold raft in position
as deep-water trestle is being placed.
After trestle is placed, aline raft and
successive pontons by means of up-
stream and downstream anchor cables.
Cast upstream and downstream an-
chors for near-shore raft. Enter river-
ward ponton of raft and assist in aline-
ment as deep-water trestle is being
placed. Turn over cables to cable sec-
tion. Cast downstream anchors for re-
maining pontons of the bridge.
TM 5-273
C1
Section NCO
Ponton (3 sec-
tions) 3
Men
21
Duties
Siderail
Rescue boat 0
Telephone
14
108
15 110
First section: deliver three pontons
to near-shore raft construction site.
Second section: deliver three pontons
to far-shore raft construction site. As-
sist in construction of far-shore raft.
All sections: cast upstream anchors
and deliver pontons to cable section for
all remaining spans.
Assist in construction of far-shore
hinge-span raft. Place and fasten side-
rails to all spans of bridge. Lash tres-
tle balk to transoms.
Anchor below bridge for safety pur-
poses.
(When needed.) Connect telephones
for communication between construc-
tion end of bridge and near shore.
105. Reinforced bridges.The 10-ton ponton bridge is rein-
forced in a manner similar to that used with the 25-ton ponton bridge
(par. 47).
When the normal bridge is reinforced with two additional balk per
floating bay, one on each side of the roadway, it will carry tank loads
up to 13 tons. When the normal bridge is reinforced by inserting 12-
ton pneumatic floats or extra pontons in each floating bay, by adding
six extra trestle balk in each fixed and in each hinge span (to make a
total of fourteen trestle balk per fixed and per hinge span) and by
adding two extra balk in each floating span, one on each side of the
roadway, the bridge will carry maximum loads of about 20 tons.
53
TM 5-273
SECTION V
EQUIPMENT FOE ONE BRIDGE UNIT
106. List.
Items
Quantity
Adaptor, towing
Anchor, Danforth, 30-lb
Bag paddle, 9-paddle capacity
Balk, ponton
Balk, trestle, 10-ton
Battery, dry cell, 6-bolt, electric lantern
Block, spacer for pontons on semitrailer
Boat, assault, M2
Bracing, trestle, set, containing: 1
Auger, post hole, 6-in. capacity
Block, steel for %-in. manila rope, 7-in., snatch
Clamp, column, -bracing, 10-ton
Clip, wire rope, M-in w/%-in. nut
Grip, cable, for ^-in. wire rope
Pin, assembly, strut shoe
Post, anchor, 10-ton
Rope, wire, }^-in., steel, 250 ft
Shoe, bracing strut
Strut, bracing
Wrench, adjustable, open end, single head 10-in. (crescent)
Bracket, reflector, ponton gunwale type
Bracket, stern attachment, 22 hp. motor, ponton, 10-ton
Buoy, life, ring, 24-in
Chain, sling, % in. by 16 ft., w/hook and eye
Chess, ponton, 10-ton
Chess, ponton half, 10-ton
Clamp, siderail, complete 10-ton
Clip, wire rope, %-in
Flare, electric, emergency
Float, pneumatic, 12-ton, complete with emergency kit and carrying
case
Hanger, hinge sill, 10-ton j
Hoist, chain ratchet, 1J4-3-T, 2 hoists in Chest set._
Hook, boat, ballpoint, 10-ft
Kit, repair, ponton with chest
Lamp, electric, flasher
Lamp, electric, debris, patrol
Lantern, electric, dry cell, 6-volt
TM 5-273
C1
Items
Quantity
Manifold, inflation-deflation, 4-hose complete
Marker, safety, reflector, red
Oar, ponton, 13 ft. long __.
Oarlock, ponton
Paddle, boat, single-blade, 5-ft .
Picket, steel
Pole, ranging, 6-ft., 2-section
Ponton, 10-ton
Pump, water bail ponton
Pump, centrifugal, 2-inch, 55 G. P. M., complete w/25 ft. by 1% in. dis-
charge hose and 10 ft. by 1)4 in. suction hose and spanner wrench
Rigging equipment _
Rope, manila, % in.1 feet-
Rope, manila, 1 in.1 do_
Rope, wire, % in. diam., steel . do_
3ill, abutment, 10-ton
Stirrup, detachable, for balk, 10-ton ponton
Pape, metallic, 50 ft., in feet and inches
Irestle, complete (w/hoist), 10-ton _.
78
84
96
126
64
12
16
4,800
12, 000
500
96
i Expendable items.
SECTION VI
TECHNICAL DATA
107. Capacities.
Type of construction
Rated capacity
Maximum loads
o Bridges. (1) Normal
10 tons
All vehicles with gross weights
onstruction. (8 balk per
ay) .
of 10 tons or less.
4-ton cargo trucks loaded (gross
= 12 tons).
13-ton tanks (under close super-
vision).
6-ton cargo trucks unloaded
(lll/2 tons) (under close super-
vision) .
Tractor trucks and semitrailers
loaded with 10- or 25-ton
ponton equipage (gross=15
tons) (under close supervision).
13-ton tanks.
(2) Reinforced floating
13 tons
'eck. (8 balk per fixed
TM: 5-373
ci
TECHNICAL MAJSTUAL
Type of construction
Rated capacity
Maximum loads
(3) Reinforced with 12-
20 tons. -.
All vehicles with gross weight of
ton pneumatic floats. (14
balk per fixed span, 10
balk per floating span).
(4) Reinforced with extra
20 tons...
20 tons or less.
Light tanks.
Loaded 6-ton cargo trucks.
pontons. (14 balk per
fixed span, 10 balk per
floating span).
(5) Reinforced trestle
25 tons
20 tons or less.
Light tanks.
Loaded 6-ton cargo trucks.
bridge. (15 trestle balk
per span, adequate trestle
bracing) .
6. Ferries. (1) Single
ponton.- (with outboard
motors) .
(2) Single ponton.-
(with oars).
(3) & ponton 1 span _ .
(4) S ponton 2 span
Space governs
25 tons or less.
50 men with full field equipment.
Space governs
25 men with full field equipment.
Space governs
1 0 tons
Light vehicles only.
2J4-ton cargo truck loaded.
(5) 5 ponton 2 span
20 tons
4-ton cargo truck unloaded.
6-ton truck loaded.
(6) 4 ponton span
10 tons
Light tank.
Truck-drawn guns with gross
(7) 5 ponton 4 span
10 tons ..
weights less than 10 tons.
Truck tractors with semitrailers
loaded with 10- or 25-ton
bridge.
NOTE.Number of balk given do not include siderails. Capacities must
be reduced in currents exceeding 4 mph.
108. Allowable crossing speeds on bridge.
m. p.
Light vehicles
Cargo trucks (2%-ton loaded) 5J
Loads near the maximum capacity of bridge 2
109. Interval between vehicles when crossing bridge.Di
tance from front bumper to front bumper30-37 ft. (2 floating
TM 5-273
110. Lengths of bridge.
1 unit of bridge provides 214 ft. of bridge (90 ft. fixed+ 124 ft.
floating).
2 units of bridge provide 460 ft. of bridge (150 ft. fixed+ 310
ft. floating).
ft. floating).
ft. floating).
With ya of equipment kept as a reserve:
4 units provide 629 ft. of bridge (195 ft. fixed+ 434 ft. floating).
NOTES
Each bridge unit consists of 4 trestles and 12 pontons.
Each fixed span=15 ft.
Each floating span=15% ft.
The above lengths apply to
1. Normal bridge (10 tons).
2. Normal bridge with reinforced deck (13 tons).
3. Bridge reinforced with pneumatic floats (20 tons).
111. Time and labor requirements.a. The table which fol-
lows shows the time and labor requirements for constructing the
bridge. The figures given are to serve as guides only. They apply
to work in daylight with personnel fairly well trained in their duties,
familiar with the equipment, and in good physical condition. Esti-
mates include time for unloading equipment but not for preparing
approaches. For a ponton bridge whose construction will require
more than 5 to 6 hours, plans should be made to provide reliefs for
the working parties in order to avoid exhaustion.
b. General time and labor requirements.(1) Construction of
bridge. (a) Time required (hours).
150ft. 300ft. 500ft. 1.000ft.
Daylight 2347
Night 4 5 7 12
(b) Construction personnel required.
1 Light ponton company.
1 General engineer company.
(2) Construction of ferry. (Two rafts and two landing stages).
(a) Time required.Daylightiy2 hrs., night2% hrs.
57
TM 5-273
(b) Construction personnel required.
1 Bridge platoon of light ponton company.
2 General engineer platoons.
[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)
BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR:
G. C. MARSHALL,
Chief of Staff.
OFFICIAL:
J. A. ULIO,
Major General,
The Adjutant General.
58
TM 5-273
C2
^TECHNICAL MANUAL
25-TON PONTON BRIDGE, MODEL 1940, AND 10-TON
PONTON BRIDGE, MODEL 1938
vM
SHINGTON 25, D. C./J. July 1943.
CHANGES ]
No. 2 I
TM 5-273, 1 July 1942, is chan,
64. Raft ferries.
***
e. Landing stages.
(4) (Added.) Special trestle type landm^ATdye^(a) Purpose.
Whenever stream banks are such that metallic and pneumatic ponton
rafts cannot be loaded directly from them, a landing stage can be
constructed using 10- or 25-ton ponton trestle equipment.
FIGUBE 31.1.Landing stage.
(b) General design.The landing stage is always built with a hinge
span and sometimes with one or more fixed spans (fig. 31.1). The
hinge span is supported by a trestle placed so the balk protrude 6 to 7
feet beyond it. This trestle carries no live load; it is used only to raise
and lower the hinge span. Each balk is secured to the transom by a
detachable stirrup and a lashing. The shoreward ends of the balk are
attached to the transom of the adjacent trestle in the normal manner.
They should be approximately level with the top of the raft. The
number and position of the balk in the landing stage match those of
the rafts. Chess and siderails are placed on the hinge span in the
53852043
TM 5-273
C 2 25-TON AND 10-TON PONTON BRIDGES
usual manner. Two siderail clamps are placed on each siderail on the
shoreward side of the supporting trestle. Either guy lines or trestle
bracing may be used to brace this trestle. Chain hoists are used to
raise and lower the transom.
(<?) Construction of raft.Balk should not project beyond the sides
of the raft. Decking must be stripped off far enough back to allow
the trestle balk of the landing stage to engage the riverward gunwale of
the shoreward ponton on metallic rafts, and the riverward float sill of
the shoreward float on pneumatic rafts.
FIGURE 31.2.Truck being loaded from landing stage to metallic ponton raft.
(d) Operation of landing stage.When the raft approaches, the
transom is raised enough to allow the shoreward end of the raft to
come into position beneath the hinge span. In loading or unloading a
metallic ponton raft (fig. 31.2), the transom is lowered until the balk-
rest on the gunwales of the shoreward ponton, with the riverward
gunwale between the metal fittings of the balk. The pneumatic ponton
raft is loaded in a similar manner. The hooks of the chain hoists
are disengaged from the transoms, and the hinge span is free to move
up and down as the load moves onto the raft. After the raft is loaded,
the chain hoist hooks are engaged and the transom is raised enough for
the balk to clear the raft and allow it to float free (fig. 31.3).
(e) Loading and unloading rafts.The approaching raft is guided
into loading position and held in place by guy lines to the shore from
both ends of the shoreward and riverward pontons. Guy lines should
TM 5-273
C2
form an angle of approximately 45 with the raft. While vehicles
are moving on and off the raft, the guy lines are anchored to suitable
holdfasts. In a swift current, anchors may supplement the guy lines
to hold the raft. When the raft is of reinforced rather than normal
construction, the reduced clearance between the balk requires addi-
tional care in guiding the raft into position. This can be done easily
by men assisting from alongside the raft.
flH
FIGURE 31.3.Loaded raft being floated free of landing stage.
(/) Time and labor requirements.
1. The hinge span of the landing stage can be erected in about 20
minutes by experienced personnel with equipment stacked
at the site. One noncommissioned officer and fourteen men
are required as a working party.
2. Rafts can be placed and loaded at the landing stage in about
5 minutes.
[A. G. 300.7 (2 Jun 43).] (C 2, 1 Jul 43.)
BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR:
OFFICIAL:
J. A. ULIO,
Major General,
The Adjutant General.
G. C. MARSHALL,
Chief of Staff.
U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1943
TM 5-273
TECHNICAL, MANUAL
MANUAL FOR
25 TON PONTON BRIDGE
MODEL 194O
Prepared under the direction of the
Chief of Engineers
WAR DEPARTMENT
Washington, July 1, 1942.
MANUAL FOR 25 TON PONTON BRIDGE MODEL 1940
Table of Contents
Paragraphs
Section: I Purpose, Composition and
Assignment of Equipage 1-4
II Trailer Loadings 5-8
III Road Movement 9-12
IV Selection of Bridge Site 13-16
V Construction Methods and
General Consideration Thereof 17-21
VI Unloading of Equipment 22-24
VII Construction by Successive Pontons 25-29
VIII Duties of Sections 30-44
IX Construction by Parts 45-46
X Reinforced Bridges and
Lightened Bridges 47-48
XI Drawspan in Bridge 49-50
XII Maintenance of Bridge in Use 51-54
XIII Dismantling Bridge 55-58
XIV Reloading Equipage at Bridge Site 59-62
XV Ferrying 63-64
XVI Time and Labor Requirements .. 65
XVII Rowing Drill 66-68
XVIII Outboard Motors and Power Boats 69-70
XIX Maintenance of Equipment 71-72
XX List of Equipment for One Unit 73
XXI Description of Equipage 74-88
Appendix I Form for Technical Reconnaissance Data
II Technical and Logistical Data
III Standing Operating Procedure
Section I
PURPOSE, COMPOSITION AND ASSIGNMENT
OF EQUIPAGE
1. PURPOSE. The normal use of this equipage is to
provide a rapid means of stream crossing for military vehicles
and particularly those incapable of passing over a light pon-
ton bridge. Although the normal capacity of the bridge is
25 tons it may be reinforced to accommodate tank loads up
to 35-40 tons.
2. GENERAL FEATURES OF DESIGN. The 25-ton
ponton bridge is identical in general design with the 10-ton
ponton bridge. The 25-ton bridge, however, has provisions
for placing a transverse balk at mid-span which increases the
load capacity of the decking particularly in trestle bays. As
described in Section X, the bridge may be reinforced to handle
loads heavier than the rated 25 tons. It may occasionally be
advantageous to employ the lightened construction (see para-
graph 48) A detailed description of parts of the equipage
will be found in Section XXI.
3. BRIDGE UNIT. The principal components of one
unit of bridge are 4 trestles, 12 pontons, and the necessary
balk and chess for the floor system, which equipage is trans-
ported on 16 semi-trailers. One unit of equipage provides
about 210 feet of 25-ton bridge providing all 4 trestles can
be employed. Each additional unit provides an added 180
feet of floating span. By inserting pontons in the floating
spans, one unit of equipage is sufficient for about 157 feet of
reinforced bridge, again providing 4 trestles can be employed.
Each additional unit provides an added 90 feet of floating
span (reinforced). Each bridge unit contains 16 4 x 4
tractor trucks, for use with the semi-trailers, in addition to
cargo trucks for personnel and miscellaneous equipment. It
also includes a power boat and outboard motors for maneu-
vering pontons in the water. The power boat is carried on a
two wheeled trailer towed behind a 2V2-ton cargo truck.
4. ISSUE. Two units of equipage are assigned to each
heavy ponton lettered company thus providing four units
for each heavy ponton battalion. Two heavy ponton bat-
talions are assigned to each Field Army, with additional bat-
talions held under GHQ control for assignment as the situa-
tion demands.
Section II
TRAILER LOADINGS
5. GENERAL. a. The equipage for one unit of
bridge is transported on 16 semi-trailers. Each unit consists
of 12 ponton loads, 2 trestle loads, and 2 abutment loads.
b. For moving trailers over considerable distances the
semi-trailers are connected to and drawn by 4 x 4 tractor
trucks especially designed for the purpose. For maneuvering
semi-trailers at the bridge site, if additional mobility beyond
that of the tractor truck, semi-trailer, hookup is desired, the
forward end of the semi-trailers may be supported on two-
wheel dollies, thus converting the vehicle into a four-wheel
trailer. As such it can be conveniently handled by the tractor,
by connecting the dolly draw bar to the tractor pintle. When
no backing is involved the trailer loads, when supported on
dollies, can be connected to and towed behind any prime mover
provided with a rear pintle.
6. TRAILER LOADS. There are three types of trailer
loads:
a. The ponton load (See Figure 1) consists of one pon-
ton, 16 chess, 12 ponton balk, and one transverse balk loaded
on the trailer deck. Two anchors with anchor lines, 4 siderail
clamps, 2 transverse balk hangers, one picket, 8 oarlocks,
one bail pump, and one fifty ft. W hand line, are carried in
the anchor compartment and the recessed box on the trailer.
Seven oars are carried in the under carriage of the trailer,
and two boat hooks are carried in the stirrups of the two out-
side ponton balk or are secured below the stirrups if they will
not fit in them.
6. One outboard motor is carried in the short cargo
body of each of the first four ponton tractor trucks. One out-
board motor bracket is carried on the trailer deck in rear of
the balk on each of the first four ponton trailers. The trans-
verse balk and hangers are omitted from the last two ponton
loads and carried instead on the two trestle loads.
c. The abutment load (see Figure 2) consists of 23
chess, 8 half chess, 24 trestle balk, 1 transverse balk, 2 abut-
'"piaw&ifi
ponton trailer.
abutment load trailer.
Figure 2. Tractor truck and
Figure 1. Tractor truck and
ment sills and one assault boat loaded
on the deck of the trailer. Two anchors
(spare) with anchor lines and 1 bail
pump are carried in the anchor com-
partment. Twelve siderail clamps, 13
hinge sill hangers, 2 transverse balk
hangers, 16 steel pickets, 24 detach-
able stirrups, four 1" x 100' guy ropes
and 7 assault boat paddles are carried
in the short cargo body of the truck
tractor. Two boat hooks are carried
lashed on either side of the oar carry-
ing racks.
d. The trestle load consists of 32
chess, 24 trestle balk, 2 transverse
balk, 2 transoms, 4 columns and 4 col-
umn shoes carried on the trailer deck.
Two anchors (spare) with anchor lines,
and 1 bail pump are carried in the
anchor compartment. Two chain hoist
chests with chain hoists, 12 siderail
clamps, 4 transverse balk hangers, 24
detachable stirrups, 16 steel pickets,
40 rope lashings y2" x 20' and 4 guy
ropes 1" x 100' are carried in the short
cargo body of the tractor trucks. Two
boat hooks are carried as on the abut-
ment load.
7. SUMMARY OF LOADINGS.- -
a. Ponton Trailer.1 complete pon-
ton bay with accessories.
b. Abutment Trailer.1 complete
abutment bay with all accessories in-
cluding 1 hinge sill with hangers, plus
one extra bay of balk and chess and
8 half chess.
c. Trestle Trailer. 2 complete
trestle bays with all accessories.
8. ANGLEDOZER AND POWER-
BOAT TRAILERS. In addition to
the trailer loads of ponton equipage
proper, angle dozers (see Figure 4),
tractors, and power boats (see Fig-
ure 5) are transported on trailers.
Figure 8. Tractor truck
and trestle load trailer.
Figure 5. Trailer with Powerboat.
Figure 4. Trailer with angledozer.
Section III
ROAD MOVEMENT
9. GENERAL. Road movement will normally be con-
ducted as prescribed in FM 25-10 with such modifications as
special vehicles may require.
Markers and traffic guides are very essential and should
be used extensively. Sustained high speeds during long
movements should neither be permitted nor required.
10. ORGANIZATION OF COLUMN. a. For long
marches, the vehicles of the organization should.be separated
into separate march units, each such unit being composed of
similar type vehicles. For instance, it is generally advan-
tageous to group tractor trucks and semi-trailers together
into a march unit of 16 vehicles; to group the cargo trucks
with tractor, angledozer and powerboat trailers together in
another march unit; and to group personnel carrrying cargo
trucks in still another march unit.
6. For movement to the bridge site, the vehicles should
be arranged in column in the order of employment on arrival
at the site. As a general rule, angledozers, truck cranes, and
personnel carriers should head the column.
11. ROAD PROCEDURE. Hills of any kind will slow
down this type of convoy much more than a lighter one and
allowance should be made for this in march time tables and
speeds of leading vehicles. In travelling through hilly country
if the heavy vehicles are allowed to increase speed above the
normal convoy speed when going down hill the additional mo-
mentum will carry them well up the next hill and materially
increase the rate of march without excessively increasing the
speed of the individual vehicles. In this respect a maximum
allowable road speed should be prescribed. Sharp turns
should be avoided where possible but when unavoidable, a
guide should be stationed to make sure that the trailers swing
wide enough so that the trailers have sufficient clearance.
This sometimes involves swinging out into the opposite lane,
a dangerous move unless properly guarded. Before attempt-
ing to move a column of vehicles of this type through a com-
munity of any great size, contact should be made with state
agencies and local police. Underpasses should be checked for
clearances as the height of the cabs, ponton or crane may be
critical.
12. NIGHT MOVEMENT. Movements of ponton con-
voys will often be made under cover of darkness with only
blackout lights available. Here again the column must be
slowed down so that drivers may have time enough to see
the road ahead and make allowance for the cutting in of the
trailers on all turns.
Section IV
SELECTION OF BRIDGE SITE
13. GENERAL. The selection of a bridge site is gov-
erned by both tactical and technical requirements. Selection
should be preceded by a thorough study of the tactical plan.
If practicable, the entire stretch of the river involved should
be photographed from the air and studied under the stereo-
scope. A ground reconnaissance is essential. Observation
from the air is desirable. The engineer must be prepared to
make recommendations on the best site and possible alterna-
tives. Tactical requirements will normally fix the general area
in which the bridge will be built. Technical requirements will
usually fix the exact location and may, in some cases, be of
such importance as to eliminate the sites considered best
from the tactical point of view. Final decision rests with the
tactical commander of the unit the bridge will serve.
14. TACTICAL REQUIREMENTS. See FM 5-5.
15. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS.The following
factors influence the selection of a bridge site from a technical
point of view:
a. Approaches. Short, easily constructed approach
roads from the site to the existing road net on both sides are
of primary importance. Within 150 feet of the bridge, ap-
proaches should be straight and without excessive grades,
particularly on the far shore. The prior construction of the
near approach is often essential in order to get the ponton
equipment to the river. The time required to construct ap-
proaches is often the controlling factor in the selection of the
site. In extreme cases, such as when the approach roads are
long and narrow causeways over swamps, the most feasible
scheme may be to unload at water perhaps miles away and
boat the equipment to the site.
b. Current. The current should be steady, parallel
to the bank and moderate. A location in a straight reach or
gentle bend is favorable.
c. Bed. The bed of the river should be free from snags,
rocks, shoals, and other obstructions which would interfere
with the movement of the pontons. It should be sufficiently
firm to hold the anchors and support the trestles. Before con-
struction a careful under-water examination should be made,
particularly in the area to be occupied by trestles, so that ob-
structions such as stumps and snags may be located and re-
moved if necessary.
d. Banks. Banks should be firm enough to support the
sill and approach. They should not be so high or steep as to
require excessive grading for the approach. They should not
be so low that normal rises will overflow the site or unneces-
sarily increase the required length of bridge.
e. Launching pontons. A 15-foot stretch of bank hav-
ing a gentle slope to the water either at the site or convenient
to it is needed for launching pontons. In a swift current, a
point well upstream is desirable.
/. Mooring pontons. A place for mooring pontons
along the bank is necessary about 250 feet from the site.
Mooring points may be upstream or downstream of the site,
or both, depending upon the plan for casting anchors or for
using the anchor cable. Easy access from the land side, deep
water, free from snags or other obstructions, and suitable
anchorages along the bank are desirable.
g. Stacking balk and chess. A cleared area on the near
shore at the site is needed for unloading and stacking balk,
chess, and other equipment.
h. Transportation park. Provision must be made for
moving trucks and empty semi-trailers completely away from
the site or parking them nearby under cover.
i Holdfasts. The presence of large trees or other hold-
fasts near the bank is desirable for fastening the maneuver
cable.
j. Rise and fall of water surface. Selection of the site
must consider the effect of normal changes in the water sur-
face on the construction and operation of the bridge. Tides,
floods, drought, and the manipulation of dams may change the
level many feet.
k. Existing ponton ferries. If ponton equipment in
existing ponton ferries is to be used in the construction and
maintenance of the bridge, a site downstream from the ferry
favors the movement of this equipment.
I. Demolished bridge sites. The ponton bridge should
be located far enough away from a demolished bridge site
so that there will be,no interference with the reconstruction
of the fixed bridge.
m. Tributary stream. A site just below the mouth of
a tributary stream favors launching boats and constructing
parts or rafts in the tributary under cover and floating them
down into position when needed.
16. RECONNAISSANCE. Reconnaissance must be
made well in advance of construction, having in mind both
tactical and technical requirements. If practicable, the tacti-
cal commander and the engineer, or their assistants, and an
officer of the ponton battalion, should make a joint reconnais-
sance to insure that all factors are considered on the ground.
The engineer, or his assistant, and the officer from the ponton
battalion, must make a careful technical reconnaissance in
any case. The following technical data should be obtained as
far as the need for secrecy will permit.
a. Width of stream. This must be obtained with suffi-
cient accuracy to determine the amount of equipment to be
used. If the needs of secrecy do not preclude sending a small
party by boat to the far bank, the width of a narrow stream
can best be measured by stretching a line across and the
width of a wide stream can be easily obtained by transit and
stadia (if available). Otherwise, the width can be measured
by one of the following methods:
(1) 45 or 30-60 right triangle method. This
method utilizes the known properties of the 45 or 30-60
right triangle with the width of the river representing one
leg of the triangle.
(2) Planetable method. With any piece of card-
board such as the back of an ordinary writing pad, the width
of a stream can easily be obtained with satisfactory accuracy
by ordinary planetable methods.
CARDBOARD PLANETABLE
Figure 6. Planetable method of measuring width of stream.
The point B is any easily recognizable object on the far
shore, such as a tree. A stake is driven at A on the near bank
directly opposite B and a second stake at point C from which
both A and B can be seen. The distance AC is measured by
taping or by pacing. The cardboard planetable is set up over
stake A on any sort of improvised rest. A sight is taken
along the edge of a ruler from A' to B and a line is drawn
from A' as shown representing the direction AB. Without
disturbing the orientation of the cardboard, a sight is then
taken on the stake C and A'C' is laid off to scale and in the
proper direction AC. The cardboard planetable is then moved
to stake C and set up with point C' directly above the stake.
The cardboard is oriented by sighting in line C'A' on stake A.
A sight is then taken from C' to the object B on the far bank
and a line is drawn from C' in the direction CB as shown. Its
intersection at B' with the line representing the direction AB
locates the object B. The length of A'B' converted by the
scale utilized in laying off A'C' directly gives the distance AB.
For maximum accuracy the distance AC should be as
large as practicable.
(3) Natural tangent method. This method neces-
sitates an angle measuring means such as a prismatic com-
pass or a pocket sextant and makes use of the fact that for
angles not greater than 25, the natural tangent is approxi-
mately 18/1000 times the number of degrees in the angle.
Figure 7. Natural tangent method.
Assume in Figure 7, that AB is the width from stake
A to point B on the far bank. Lay out the base line AC at
right angles to AB, picking the point C on the line so that
angle ACB is somewhere between 75 and 65. This will make
angle ABC somewhere between 15 and 25. Measure the
distance AC.
AC
Tan angle ABC
ber of degrees in Angle ACB.
1000 AC
18 (90-C)
where C num-
10
b. Velocity. A satisfactory approximation can be
made by timing the speed of a floating object over a short
course. Eddies should be noted.
c. Depth. Depth is of importance near the bank or
near shoals to determine boat movements and the number of
trestles needed. Sounding poles or lines are useful. The
character of the bed and the necessity of snagging or dragging
should be noted.
d. Banks. The character and shape of the bank should
be determined with sufficient accuracy to establish where
the sills must be placed to avoid being submerged by high
water, because this affects the amount of equipment needed.
e. Rise and fall below present water level. These data
can be obtained by noting drift and marks on trees or struc-
tures, by questioning local inhabitants and consulting tide
tables and flood records.
/. Determination of amount of equipage. Sufficient
equipage should be made available to not only construct the
bridge but also to provide a reserve of at least one third. The
accuracy of determination depends greatly upon whether or
not the needs of secrecy allow the obtaining of an accurate
cross section of the stream. If such a cross section is avail-
able, the basic amount of equipage is easily determined. Scale
the distance in feet from the 30-inch depth line at the near
shore to the 30-inch depth line at the far shore, both based on
the lowest river stage expected during the period of current
operations.
The first unit of equipage provides approximately 141
feet of floating span (two hinge span rafts each approxi-
mately 18 feet long from shore gunwale of shore ponton to
centerline of riverward ponton plus seven floating spans of
15 feet each).
Each additional unit of equipage provides 180 feet of
floating span. (12 spans of 15 feet each).
From the foregoing, determine the number of units re-
quired to furnish the floating span between the lines of 30-
inch depth. Add one-third for reserve to obtain the total
number of units required. Next make a check as to whether
sufficient trestles are available in this number of units to pro-
vide fixed spans at each bank from the hinge sill to above the
high water mark. It has been found by experience that the
11
fixed spans are almost invariably well in excess of the number
required, including reserve. However this should always be
checked.
If a cross section is not available, it must be assumed,
for safety in estimation, that the entire width of the river
must be spanned with floating spans.
g. Approaches. The length should be paced off and an
estimate prepared of the men, materials, and transportation
needed for construction.
h. Tributary streams. The location, approach, and
stream characteristics should be noted, if tributary streams
are to be used for launching equipment.
i. Location of main current.The thread of the current
generally occupies a deep channel meandering from bank to
bank and occupying relatively a small portion of the width
of the stream bed. In planning the location and construction
of any bridge, it is of prime importance to locate and delimit
this line since the force of its greater current has a prepond-
erent effect upon the maneuvering of pontons during con-
struction as well as upon the stability of the completed struc-
tures.
j. Maneuver cable. In streams with a current in ex-
cess of one m.p.h. it will usually be desirable to place a ma-
neuver cable of %" or %" wire cable across the stream about
5-10 feet below the line of upstream anchors. This cable can
be made fast to trees, stumps or an emplaced "deadman" or
holdfast. The selection of the best location of the cable should
be included in the initial reconnaissance.
k. Character of bottom. The character of the footing
under the trestle shoes should be carefully determined in this
reconnaissance so that preparations may be made to intro-
duce a spread footing under the shoe if necessary. The nature
of the stream bed especially in the swiftest current should be
determined to estimate the holding power and number of
anchors needed.
1. Data from reconnaissance. A form for use in re-
cording the data from the reconnaissance is shown in Appen-
dix I.
12
Section V
CONSTRUCTION METHODS
AND GENERAL CONSIDERATION THEREOF
17. GENERAL. a. The two recommended methods
of construction of the 25-ton ponton bridge are: (1) by suc-
cessive pontons, and (2) by parts.
b. Construction by successive pontons is particularly
advantageous for bridging narrow streams.
c. The method of construction by parts is advisable in
bridging wide streams, and will be particularly applicable if
a tributary stream, which provides concealment and defilade,
is available in friendly territory. In such a situation it might
be possible to construct all of the floating parts of the bridge
during the earlier phases of the river crossing operation and
float them into place very quickly after the construction of
the ponton bridge is authorized. Except under the most
favorable conditions some form of power boat must be avail-
able for maneuvering the parts into their final position.
18. TRESTLES. If more than one trestle is needed,
succeeding trestles may be added by means of the truck crane.
By backing the crane onto the fixed spans additional trestles
may be placed with the crane until desired depth is reached
in which to float the hinge span. If the crane is not available
the trestles may be placed as outlined in Par. 35.
19. ANCHORS. a. The normal method of securing
the bridge against current and wind action is by anchors with
1-inch rope anchor lines. The spacing of the anchors on the
line of upstream anchors will vary according to the velocity
of the current. The downstream line of anchors is necessary
to provide cables for the manipulation of pontons, maintain
the alignment of the bridge during construction, and prevent
pontons from weaving in the current. The downstream an-
chors are usually cast from every third ponton. These an-
chors also provide security against the action of high winds.
b. In tidal estuaries where the current may flow in both
directions, the anchors should be spaced on each side of the
bridge as required by the maximum currents which are to be
expected.
c. The distance of the lines of anchor from the center
line of the bridge will vary depending upon the maximum
depth of water to be encountered on the lines. The distance
13
of the line of upstream or downstream anchors from the
center line of the bridge should never be less than ten times
this maximum depth. This distance should be increased if
the nature of the river bottom is such as to allow consider-
able dragging of the anchors before they finally take hold.
d. The line of upstream anchors and the line of down-
stream anchors should be located by reconnaissance prior to
the construction of the bridge. For the convenience of the
anchor sections the location of the lines of anchors should be
marked by ranges of signal cloth on one side of the river or
by stretching a light line well above the water so as not to
interfere with traffic.
e. Unless the anchor cables generally follow the direc-
tions of the current, there is a tendency to move the floating
part of the bridge longitudinally. Anchors therefore should
be dropped directly upstream from the final positions of the
pontons to which they are to be affixed. Small deviations of
an anchor cable from the direction of the current will do no
harm. Every effort should be made to avoid crossing of an-
chor lines in order to avoid difficulty in raising the anchors.
It is not necessary that the anchors be exactly spaced on the
line of anchors.
/. Where good holding ground is not available in streams
of appreciable current, special measures must be taken to se-
cure the bridge. This may be done by casting additional an-
chors for each ponton or group of pontons, or by attaching
more than one anchor, each with a separate lead, to each an-
chor cable. If the width of the stream will permit, long
cables may be made fast at several points along the bridge
and their other ends attached to trees or suitable holdfasts
on both banks upstream of the abutments.
g. Panniers of stone, picks lashed together, cribs filled
with stone and similar expedients may be used as a substitute
for anchors. A rail bent in the form of a V makes a powerful
anchor. It may sometimes be advisable to use piling for an
anchorage. In this case either single piles or clusters of piles
are driven and the cable is attached as near the bottom as
practicable. Anchorages out of the water are preferable as
they are more readily inspected and made secure. An island
or a bridge pier makes an excellent anchorage.
20. UPSTREAM AND DOWNSTREAM BALK. a.
Balk (stringers) are laid parallel to the center line of the
14
bridge. Since all balk except those in the two abutment spans
lap over the balk of adjacent spans at both ends, it is neces-
sary that they be laid either upstream or downstream of some
reference point on the trestles or the pontons. On the tres-
tles the points of attachment are arranged in pairs which
automatically fix the position of the trestle balk if laid paral-
lel to the bridge center line. On each gunwale of the ponton
are ten balk fastener retainers for the ten pairs of balk fast-
eners. An imaginary line drawn parallel to the axis of the
bridge through the center of these retainers results in a ref-
erence line for the up and downstream balk positions. In
the first floating span and all odd numbered floating spans,
the balk should always be laid so that the downstream edge
is directly above the reference line. In the second floating
span and all even numbered floating spans, the balk are laid
so that the upstream edge is against the downstream edge
of the balk of the odd numbered spans and directly above the
reference lines. The balk in the odd numbered spans are re-
ferred to as "upstream" balk since they lie entirely upstream
of the reference lines, and the balk in the even numbered
spans are referred to as "downstream" balk for a similar
reason. (See Figure 40.) It follows that the trestle balk of
the hinge span will be downstream balk and that the next
fixed span shoreward will be upstream balk, whether it is
laid between two trestles or between a trestle and the abut-
ment sill. Where one or more trestles are used in th shore
connection, the construction parties building the shore con-
nection must exercise care in placing the balk of the abut-
ment span in order to insure the placement of downstream
balk in the hinge span.
b. An exception to the rules for upstream and down-
stream balk must be made in closing the gap (See par. 41 e),
if the floating bay on one side of the gap has upstream balk
and the floating bay on the other side of the gap has down-
stream balk. Generally, it will be possible by manipulation
of anchor ropes to so adjust the line of the bridge that the
closing balk can be placed without difficulty as an upstream
balk on one side of the gap and as a downstream balk on the
other side of the gap. For a very short gap, it may be neces-
sary that the deviation from normal placement of balk be
accomplished in either one of the full floating spans adjacent
to the gap. The operation consists simply of shifting the
balk on the gunwales of the river ponton of the floating span
from upstream to downstream (or vice versa).
15
21. THE MANEUVER CABLE. The normal con-
struction of the 25-ton ponton bridge can often be aided by
the use of a V," or %" steel cable. This cable sp"ans the river
5 to 10 feet below the line of anchors and upstream of the
center line of the bridge. The far shore end is carried across
by means of the power boat. The spool end is unrolled from
a stand constructed of short balk. The purpose of the ma-
neuver cable is twofold. By means of this cable pontons may
be put into their final positions without the use of oarsmen.
Three crews of five men each can supply enough boats, in the
successive ponton method, to keep the rest of the construction
crew working hard. During night construction luminous rib-
bons may be tied on the cable marking the places above which
to cast anchors. The maneuver cable may be used in construc-
tion by parts to maneuver the parts into their proper place
on the line of anchors, or to move the far shore raft to the far
shore by employing the trail ferry principle.
Section VI
UNLOADING OF EQUIPMENT
22. METHODS. Two situations will govern the un-
loading of the ponton equipage.
a. Where the equipage is to be unloaded and placed in
such a position that it is convenient for drill purposes.
6. Where the bridge is to be constructed under simu-
lated or actual war conditions with a minimum of material
handling.
23. DRILL PROCEDURE. a. Under the conditions
of the first situation it is assumed that the bridge site has
been selected far in advance and prepared to such an extent
that the equipage can be unloaded from the trailers and
placed conveniently near by. Under these circumstances the
truck crane is usually available for unloading ponton and
trestle loads. However, if the crane is not available, at least
fourteen men are needed to unload a single trailer expedi-
tiously.
b. Where the crane is available the ponton trailer is
brought near the position where the ponton is to be placed in
the water. One of the crane crew then places four slings,
two on each side of the ponton opposite the 6th carrying rail
bracket from each end. The crane hook is dropped in place
16
above the ponton and engaged in the four sling loops. While
this is being done the binders holding the ponton on the
trailer are undamped and removed, and guy lines are fas-
tened to the carrying rail at opposite ends and on opposite
sides of the ponton to facilitate guiding the ponton to the
ground. The crane then picks the ponton up off the trailer
and places it on the ground. The ponton can be turned over
either by crane or by hand. A convenient and speedy method
of turning over the ponton by crane has been worked out as
follows. As the ponton is lowered and just before it touches
the ground it is pulled inward toward the base of the boom
of the crane by the crew on the guy lines. As soon as the pon-
ton is rested on the ground, the two slings to the far side
carrying rail, i.e., the rail farthest away from the crane, are
released. The crane then lifts the two slings attached to the
near side carrying rail and, in the process, rolls the ponton
almost completely over so that it is balanced on edge by the
pull of the crane hook on the slings. The crane then grad-
ually lowers the hook and allows the ponton to come to rest
with bottom down. All guy ropes and slings are removed and
replaced on the crane. An efficient layout and system for
unloading pontons and moving them into the water is shown
in Figure 8. The loaded ponton semitrailers are brought up
successively to position for unloading, as shown. The ponton
is lifted off the semitrailer, is placed on the ground, and is
Figure 8. Unloading pontons.
17
then turned over, so as to be right side up and perpendicular
to the shore line as shown. Meanwhile the first semitrailer
is moved away and a second loaded semitrailer is moved into
position for unloading. Immediately thereafter an angle-
dozer or tractor, equipped with snubbing logs to protect the
pontons, pushes the unloaded ponton into the water. This
system of unloading operates swiftly, smoothly and efficiently.
The balk and chess are unloaded and placed in piles con-
venient to the bridge site. The balk should be stacked close
to but clear of the axis of the bridge to minimize the carry.
c. Where the crane is not available 30 men can easily
unload the ponton. There are two rollers with each trailer,
one in the rear and one attached along side of the trailer
bed. The roller in the rear is placed in the brackets provided
for this purpose at the rear of the bed of the trailer, while 14
men raise the rear of the ponton up clear of the trailer. The
ponton is then lowered until it is in contact with the rear
roller. The three rearmost loadbinders over the balk are then
removed. The other roller is then placed between the ponton
and the balk about midway of the load. The unloading detail
then rolls the ponton off over the rear of the trailer or allows
the prime mover to pull the trailer out as the ponton is being
rolled off. In either case the ponton is lowered easily to the
ground and turned right side up, after which it is launched
and moored to the bank.
d. It is also practicable to unload pontons from the side.
For this purpose, one end of the boat is raised and a ponton
balk inserted under it, so that it just extends beyond the op-
posite gunwale. The operation is repeated under the other
end. The outer ends of the two balk are then depressed and
the boat slid off. It can be turned over particularly readily
just at it reaches the ground. A crew of 14 men is large
enough to lift one end of the ponton at a time and unload it
by this method.
e. The trestle and abutment loads are unloaded by hand
and the equipment is placed in convenient positions. The
crane can with slings facilitate unloading the trestle load by
picking up the transoms and placing them on the ground
where they can be ready for use. If the crane is not avail-
able 16 men can easily handle the transoms by unloading
over the sides of the trailer.
18
24. SERVICE METHOD. a. Under service condi-
tions, there may be occasions where time will not permit
elaborate preparation of the bridge site. In this case the
cleared space may limit the unloading to one or two trailers
at a time. In this case the trailers stand by and are unloaded
when the equipage is called for. The equipage is unloaded as
in paragraph 23 above. As soon as the abutment trestle and
hinge span are completed and successive pontons have been
unloaded from the ponton loads, the trailers are backed to
within 20 feet of the last boat of the hinge span and the balk
removed from the trailer. The trailer is then backed to a
position just clear of the bridge, at which point it is stopped
and the chess are removed and stacked.
b. In case the site is of such a nature that pontons can-
not be unloaded any place other than along the axis of the
bridge, it is desirable to load the pontons right side up on the
trailer before the convoy leaves its bivouac. To facilitate this
the top layer of balk is removed from the trailer and the balk
spacer withdrawn from its position above the transverse
balk. The six balk removed from the trailer are loaded in
the ponton so as to rest on the bulkheads and are lashed in
place. While the balk on the trailer are being lashed down
with the load binders, the crane picks up the ponton (with
balk) and places it upon the trailer right side up. The pon-
ton is then secured with the clamps engaging the carrying
rail in the usual manner. In order to unload the ponton at
the end of the bridge it is necessary to lay chess to the river
gunwale of the last ponton in the bridge. For safety reasons
siderails are then placed and clamped to hold this extra chess
in place. The trailer is backed on the bridge by means of the
track-laying tractor and dolly until the rear of the trailer is
within 10 feet of the last chess. The six balk are removed
and placed along the side of the bridge. After the ponton
hold-down clamps have been removed, a detail of 14 men
lifts up the ponton and places the roller between the ponton
and its supporting layer of balk. The rear roller is then
placed in its brackets and the ponton rolled off into the water.
Guy ropes should be tied to the forward end of the ponton to
guide it during the launching.
c. When the ponton has been loaded on its trailer right
side up as described above it is feasible to catapult the ponton
over the rear of the trailer directly into the stream from the
ponton launching site. In this case the rear roller is seated
19
as before, but the intermediate roller is not required. The^ ^Q-
six balk lashed inside the ponton should be removed before
the ponton is launched. Before releasing the ponton holding
clamps, a half-inch line is made fast to the forward end of
the carrying rail and passed through one of the rings on the
front of the trailer frame and there secured by a quick-release
knot. This procedure is necessary to prevent the ponton from
moving backward on the trailer before the proper time. Best
results will be attained if the ponton is held well back on the
load with the bottom resting on the rear roller. A minimum
number of load binders should be left in place over the balk,
particularly on the rear half of the load. The trailer is then
backed down to the water's edge (using either a truck or
tractor). If the brakes are applied suddenly just as the
quick-release knot is pulled, the ponton will roll over the end
of the trailer and slide into the water. A suitable hand line
should be attached to the ponton before launching to control
its course after entering the water. The method just dis-
cussed obviously involves certain risks to the ponton partic-
ularly if not carefully executed. The procedure is well suited
for launching pontons where speed is a vital consideration
and where the river bank has a reasonably gentle slope to the
water's edge.
Section VII
CONSTRUCTION BY SUCCESSIVE PONTONS
25. GENERAL.Construction by successive pontons
from one bank constitutes the formal, precise, method of
building the 25-ton ponton bridge. It can be done as a drill,
and when men have mastered this drill, they are in a position
to build the bridge by other, less formal, ways; or by combi-
nations thereof. Personnel should therefore be first trained
in this method when being instructed in heavy ponton work.
26. CONDITIONS SUITED TO USE. Apart from its
value as a drill, the method of successive pontons is advan-
tageously employed at sites which have the following charac-
teristics:
a. Stream width not in excess of 300 feet.
b. Swift current.
c. Lack of bank areas suitable for building parts.
d. Limited spaces for the storage of material.
For the purpose of prescribing a drill and preparing an
organization therefore, the following conditions are assumed
20
PON1
at each
raft at
; banks
ible out
3d near
landing
railable.
The
e under
T party
ions to
! in the
mewhat
Ige ap-
he part
.imiting
contin-
bers in
TOTAL
11
11
42
36
12
19
22
il chess
butment
.me and
eat for
:ieat for
I hinge
ly chess
iy tele-
as need
an lead-
ry tool
ir higher
as befo
six ball
the pon
clamps,
the car]
front oi
knot. 1
moving
results
load wi
number
particul
backed
tractor'
quick-ri
of the 1
should
its cou:
cussed
ularly i
for lau
and wh
water's
25.
from o
buildinj
and wh
to builc
nations
in this
26.
value a
tageous
teristic
a.
6.
c.
d.
Fa
organi:
in the following discussions: One trestle to be set at each
end of the bridge; bridge to be closed on hinge span raft at
far shore; a current in excess of one mile per hour; banks
high enough to keep a properly secured maneuver cable out
of the water; all boats in the water; equipment piled near
the bridge site; a truck crane available; material handing
dollies not employed; and adequate working space available.
27. BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION PERSONNEL. The
following table shows the required party for the bridge under
the conditions listed in paragraph 26 above. A smaller party
can construct the bridge by assigning men or sections to
duties not normally theirs. A corresponding increase in the
time of construction will take place. Depending somewhat
on the physical conditions of the men, as the bridge ap-
proaches a total length of about 300 feet, fatigue on the part
of the balk and chess carrying details will become a limiting
factor. Under greater conditions of length to insure contin-
uation of construction at maximum speed the numbers in
these details should be increased.
OFFICERS. 1, in charge, where needed.
1, far shore abutment, trestle and raft.
1, near shore or head of bridge.
NAME OF SECTIONS. NCO's PRIVATES TOTAL
Abutment Section. 167
(later becomes transverse
balk section.)
Near Trestle Section. *2 9 11
(3 of whom are crane crew)
(later becomes cable section)
Hinge Span Section. 1 10 11
(become balk fasteners)
Balk Carrier Section. 2 40 42
Chess Carrier Section. 2 34 36
Maneuver Line Section. *2 10 12
(Later side rail section)
Anchor Section. *4 15 19
Far Shore Section.
(1 trestle) *2 20 22
Telephone Section. 123
Rescue Boat Section. 145
TOTAL. One Trestle. *18 150 168
* Of the 18 (or 20) NCO's, at least 4 should be Sergeants, or higher
distributed 1 each in sections marked with asterisk.
21
28. FORMATION OF SECTIONS FOR CONSTRUC-
TION. The detail is formed in three ranks in line, and is
then divided into sections. Non-commissioned officers in
charge of sections take post in front thereof, other non-com-
missioned officers take post in a fourth rank behind their
proper sections.
If the detail and the non-commissioned officer (s) come
from different organizations, it is desirable to give the latter
an opportunity to learn and write down the individual names.
In any event, the non-commissioned officers should check
that they have the correct number of men, and the men should
understand to which section they belong and know who is
their section leader.
If a report is desired at this time, section reports should
be successively made in the form "Abutment section ready,"
etc. at the command "Report."
29. CONSTRUCTION. The actual building of the
bridge is initiated at the command "Construct the bridge"
given by the officer in charge. Thereafter the procedure
should be automatic, each section leader seeing to it that
his section performs its operations in sequence at the prop-
er time. A fundamental requirement for the rapid construc-
tion of the bridge is that boats, balk, and other material be
ready at the point needed when the time comes to place them
in the bridge. At the same time every effort consistent with
the above should be made to keep the bridge always free of
unneeded men and material.
Section
DUTIES OF SECTIONS
30. GENERAL. In this section the detailed duties of
personnel in construction by successive pontons are shown in
two ways:
a. In a diagram showing the chronological sequence.
b. By a detailed description of the duties of each section.
31. CHRONOLOGICAL SEQUENCE FOR CONSTRUC-
TION. See Table, "Duties of Sections in Erection of the 25-
ton Ponton Bridge by Successive Pontons."
22
32. DUTIES OF OFFICERS. a. The officer in charge
supervises the entire construction of the bridge. Before
construction is begun he has suitable range poles set. He is
directly in charge of the alignment of the bridge.
b. The head of bridge officer directly supervises the
setting of the abutment, the placing of the trestles, the set-
ting of the hinge span raft, and all activity at the near end
of the bridge as construction progresses.
c. The far shore officer supervises the construction of
the far shore raft, its loading with necessary materials, its
movement to the far shore, and all construction thereon prior
to the connection with the main bridge.
d. Other officers may be assigned if available; if there
is only one he should be assigned to the anchor section. In
night construction the number of officers should be increased.
33. ALIGNMENT OF THE BRIDGE. a. In the simp-
lest case, where the banks rise fairly abruptly, range poles
may be used to mark the center line of the bridge. Two may
be set on the near shore; or one on the near shore and one on
the far; or two on the near shore and one (or two) on the
far. It is essential that the near shore poles be set so as to
be clear of the flow of traffic to and from the bridge as well as
of the movement of the truck crane.
b. An auxiliary range consisting of two poles should be
set 7' 9 Mi" to one side of the main range on the near shore.
This is used to line up the near shore trestle (or trestles)
by sighting along the sides until the individual column is in
line. This range can be removed as soon as the near shore
trestles are set. A similar range may be used on the far
shore.
c. An additional auxiliary range lined on any convenient
point on each boat, such as the upstream end, is often con-
venient.
d. It is particularly important that the near shore tres-
tles and hinge span raft be accurately located, in order to
assure good alignment. The bridge is sufficiently rigid hori-
zontally to make it very difficult to correct later any sub-
stantial error in alignment at this point.
e. Vertical alignment of the bridge is discussed in sub-
sequent paragraphs, particularly in paragraph 35.
23
/. The actual work of alignment is performed by the
cable (near shore trestle) section. (See par. 35 j. (3).)
34. ABUTMENT SECTION (1 NCO and 6 Privates).
a. The abutment section obtains the following and moves
them to a convenient place, close to the location of the near
shore abutment.
1 Sill
4 Chess
16 Pickets, steel
2 Mauls
4 Shovels
2 Picks
1 Tape, 50'
2 Poles, range (if not previously set)
b. The range poles are set as directed by the officer in
charge.
c. The sill is set on the ground as nearly correctly as
can be judged by eye and then squared exactly by swinging
a tape from a point on the bridge center line to the ends of
the sill. The position of the sill is then outlined with a pick
on the ground, the sill set to one side, and excavation made
for the sill. The excavation for the end dam chess may be
done at the same time, or may be deferred till later.
Figure 9. Abutment, with trestle balk resting on sill and
chess used as end dam.
24
Excavation is held to the minimum necessary to pro-
vide a secure footing and space for the sill (and end dam).
A number of pickets are then driven along the river
side of the sill, up to a total of eleven if considered necessary.
Two pickets are then placed against the shore side. Care
should be taken to drive pickets midway between score marks
(balk points) of abutment sill to avoid interference with
trestle balk. As soon as the ten underbalk of the abutment
span have been placed, the end dam chess is secured against
the ends of the balk with two pickets against its shore side.
The whole abutment is then backfilled and carefully tamped.
The excavation for the end dam chess should allow for
the fact that the balk end irons cause the ends of the balk
to extend 5l/z" beyond the shore side of the sill. The end
dam chess is placed so that its upper edge is level with the
top surface of the first chess.
d. Upon the completion of the abutment, the section
assists the near trestle section as the officer at the head of the
bridge may direct. They will usually construct the holdfasts
to which the trestle is guyed.
e. When relieved from duty assisting with the trestle,
the section becomes the transverse balk section.
(1) The tools needed for this work are two pickets,
and two 16' lashings with an eye splice in one end of each.
-~, '\
r-. i \
,' ^' H!
Figure 10. Transverse balk in place.
25
(2) Each transverse balk placed requires one trans-
verse balk and two transverse balk hangers.
(3) One transverse balk is placed in each trestle to
abutment or trestle to trestle span at the chess opening near-
est to the center of the span. (See Figure 10). A trans-
verse balk is not placed in the hinge span because of inter-
ference with the shore ponton.
(4) Transverse balk are placed at the middle of each
ponton span, if so directed by the officer in charge.
(5) To place a transverse balk, the transverse balk
hangers are put in place with the stirrup hooks lowered and
turned outward so as to pass through the center opening of
the transverse balk. The eye end of the lashings are then
connected thru and at the ends of the transverse balk. The
balk is then passed under the bridge by dropping it off the
upstream side and holding on to one lashing; or it may be
accomplished by men wading, or from an assault boat. The
balk is then raised, using both the lashings, threaded thru
the stirrup hooks and the latter engaged on the metal bear-
ing plates of the balk. The lashings are then cast free and
the transverse balk hangers tightened in place with pickets.
Care should be taken not to get the hangers too tight.
/. The officer in charge should observe the progress
of the personnel in the section and supplement them with ad-
ditional personnel if they appear to be falling behind the
general progress of the bridge.
35. NEAR TRESTLE SECTION. (2 NCO's and 9
Pvts.). a. Crane. (1) If the truck crane is available,
its crew of three are included in the personnel for this sec-
tion. This crew consists of:
1 Crane operator
1 Truck driver
1 Ground man
The driver and operator take signals from the ground man
only, and all instructions to them while operating should be
transmitted thru him. The crane is equipped with previous-
ly prepared slings of suitable length for handling a trestle.
(2) The crane crew are used only for the crane's
work, and the term "section" does not hereafter include them
except in their functional capacity.
26
(3) The crane when directed picks up the assembled
trestle, moves it to the bridge site, (final delivery being made
with the crane moving backwards toward the bridge), and
then sets the trestle as directed by the head of bridge officer.
b. Trestle erectioncrane method. (1) The section
assembles the trestle with the transom lying on its side on
balk or sills. If necessary to move the transom by hand, per-
sonnel are borrowed from the balk or chess sections for this
purpose. If convenient, this assembly may take place with
the transom parallel to and approximately 18' off the center
line of the bridge, shoes on the center line side.
(2) The transom pins are not inserted, the trestle
being held by pickets placed thru the columns a short distance
above center thereof, and above the transom. The shoes
are placed and hooked on by their chains.
(3) Slings are then attached to the transom, and
guy and tag lines to the columns. The guy lines consist of
a double one-inch line to the top of the column for a shore guy
and a single one-inch line to the top for a guy in the direc-
tion of the bridge. The tag line is a one-inch line passed
around the column thru the loops of the shoe teeth, and then
returned to shore. The shore guys are made double so that
they may be readily windlassed tight upon being secured to
picket holdfasts or other suitable anchorages.
c. When directed by the head-of-bridge officer, the crane
picks up the trestle, which is steadied by the guy and tag
lines, each of which is manned by one man from the section.
Waders are provided for the two men who hold the river guy
lines. The trestle is then set upright approximately in posi-
tion. The crane lowers the transom into approximately its
final position, the columns being steadied by the guy lines
while this is done. The transom pins are inserted. Any
minor adjustments is made by moving the transom with the
crane or rotating the columns with a picket. Never place
fingers in holes of columns to check adjustment.
Keeping trestles vertical is of the greatest importance
in the bridge. With a sloping bottom, manila lines cannot be
drawn up tight enough to hold the columns vertical under the
most severe loadings and trestle shoes may slide outward or
sideways.
27
Wire cable, such as may be found on the winch of the
tractor or truck tractor of the battalion, will hold the trestles
and shoes if securely fastened.
If severe loadings and unfavorable bottom conditions are
encountered two wire cables should be placed around the
bottom of each column and made fast after tightening on
two appropriate anchorages on shore; or one end may be left
attached to tractor if space or other considerations permit.
d. The end irons of two trestle balk are then engaged
on the transom, one near each end. Under the assumed con-
ditions, i.e. one trestle only employed, they are both upstream
balk and are so located.
e. The trestle is then set in its final position, the exact
spacing from the abutment being measured horizontally by
engaging the two balk mentioned above on the sill. Care
should be taken to align the trestle columns vertically. This
may be done by having a man stand some distance up or down
stream and signal when both are vertical as viewed from his
location. The alignment of the trestle with respect to the
center line of the bridge is determined by siting along the
auxiliary range poles, (See paragraph 33 b) and the trestle
columns.
/. (1) If bottom conditions indicate the necessity of
spread footings, these may take the form of logs about five
feet long which may be staked down prior to the setting of
the trestle, or may be lashed to the trestle shoe prior to
setting. In extreme cases an additional trestle transom may
be set with pins in the lowest holes. The lower surface of
this transom will greatly increase the bearing area, which
may be further increased by logs or planks under the transom
like mudsills under a trestle bent. 3" x 12" x 5' planks make
excellent footings. Eight (two for each shoe) should be
carried in the short cargo body of each truck towing a trestle
load.
(2) In emergency, chess or half chess, or balk, may
be used to spread the footings.
(3) If the ground at the site of the footing has con-
siderable slope or is of soft material, it should be dug out
when water depths do not prohibit, until approximately level,
or firm material is reached.
g. Any necessary final adjustments are made in the
trestle, the transom slings disengaged, and the crane moved
28
away. Eight additional balk are then placed in the bay by
the balk section. The trestle shoe lines are then tightened
with rack sticks. The shore guy lines are removed unless
footing conditions are unfavorable or unless the transom
is adjusted more than halfway up the columns.
h. The chain hoists are rigged, and the transom height
adjusted. The hoists are then disengaged from the transom,
and habitually left so, except while ajustments are actually
being made. (See Figure 11) The correct adjustment is
achieved when it provides a smooth entryway onto the
bridge. The transom should be high enough to avoid the
hinge span trestle balk bearing on the shore gunwhale of the
shore ponton. It should be low enough to avoid a decided
hump at the trestle itself. This generally results in an ad-
justment so that after the trestles are settled the balk are
four to six inches off the shore gunwale of the shore ponton.
The transom is later raised or lowered with changes in the
water level to keep this adjustment.
Figure 11. Trestle erected and trestle balk installed.
i. To install additional trestles, if required, proceed as
described for the first trestle. The crane is run out on the
last completed bay in order to place the succeeding trestle in
place. Figure 12 shows a second trestle in place with trestle
balk laid for the trestle span.
29
f^-M ;,.-:
Figure 12. Second trestle erected and trestle balk installed.
j. Subsequent duties. (1) CranemenAfter setting
the trestle or trestles the crane moves off to other work.
(2) (a) Two privates lash the trestle balk on both
sides of the trestle transom to the transom lashing bars,
using 16' lashings with an eye splice at one end for this pur-
pose. The number of balk lashed is as directed by the officer
in charge. Those on the shore side may be lashed tight,
(provided no great footing settlement is anticipated), but
those on the river side should allow for some play in the
hinge span. Too tight lashings here may result in the lash-
ing stirrups of the trestle balk pulling out.
(b) Except in emergency this lashing should not
be tied while vehicles are passing on the deck.
(c) Upon completion of these duties, all men re-
port to the section leader for instructions.
(3) Balance of section. The remaining two non-
commissioned officers and four privates become the CABLE
SECTION. As such they are responsible for the proper
alignment of the bridge.
(a) The senior NCO takes post on the main
range line as set on the near shore (see paragraph 33, a and c
subparagraphs). The remaining men move out onto the
30
bridge, where the junior NCO takes post at the marker point
of the far boat of the hinge span raft. Two men take station
at the downstream anchor cable capstans, and two at the
upstream ones of the first and third pontons. The hinge span
raft is then aligned, and this alignment verified from the
near boat marker point.
(b) Upon completion of this alignment, the men
step into the fourth boat (for the next span) which should
be lying alongside the hinge span raft at this time. They
remain at the same relative ends of the boat. At the com-
mand "Shove Off" they slack off the lashings which hold the
boat to the bridge proper. As soon as the boat has been
pushed out, and the first series of five balk dropped in place,
the alignment procedure is repeated. Unless directed other-
wise the downstream anchor men take the nearest available
downstream anchor cable and place it on the capstan as
soon as they enter the boat. Upon completion of alignment
this cable may be returned to its original location, or left
in the boat, or placed in its ultimate location as may be di-
rected by the officer in charge.
(c) As soon as this boat is aligned, the section
steps into the next boat, if alongside, and at the proper
time repeats the procedure. This is continued until com-
pletion of the bridge.
j. If the crane is not available the trestle may be
placed by either the shallow water or deep water methods.
(1) Trestle erectionshallow water method. The
trestle is assembled as described in paragraph 35 b except
that the transom pins are engaged in the columns, usually in
the lowest practicable set of holes, allowing for a difference
in the elevation of the footings on which the column shoes
are to rest.
At the proper time the trestle is lifted by the trestle
section, with such additional help from the balk carrier sec-
tion as is required, and carried to its proper place. Guy and
tag lines are placed and manned as described in paragraph
35 6.
(2) Trestle erectiondeep water method. After
erecting the shallow water trestle, the near shore trestle sec-
tion takes charge of the hinge span raft upon which the deep
water trestle has been floated to the centerline of the bridge.
The deep water trestle is plumbed and steadied with the guy
31
lines as described for the shallow water trestle and spaced
with balk Nos. 1 and 10. These balk are carried and placed
by four men of the balk carrier section as directed by the
noncommissioned officer in charge of the near shore trestle
section. As soon as the center of the transom is on the cen-
terline of the bridge the columns are dropped by pulling on
the slip knots holding up the columns. Balk are placed as
previously discussed.
36. HINGE SPAN RAFT SECTION. (1 NCO and 10
Pvts). a. Initial duties. This section constructs the
hinge span raft at such a location as may be designated by
the Officer in Charge. If bank conditions permit, a desirable
location is a short distance upstream from the bridge and
below the maneuver line. When a trestle is to be erected by
the deep water method, the balk fastener section assembles
the trestle on this raft.
(1) The following materials are required to con-
struct and equip this raft:
3 Pontons
10 Ponton balk
1 Sill
10 Hinge Sill Hangers
2 Boat Hooks
3 50', y2" Lines
6 Anchor Cables
4 Detachable Balk Stirrups
(2) The three pontons are placed in position along-
side each other parallel to the bank and temporarily lashed.
The hinge sill is placed across the bulkheads in the middle
of the center ponton. The ten ponton balk are placed across
the gunwales of the three pontons and secured in place to
the far ponton gunwales. They are always located as up-
stream balk. The far ponton is then pushed off and the ten
ponton balk secured in place on the near ponton gunwales.
The center ponton is then secured in place by using detach-
able stirrups on balk numbered one and ten at each gunwale.
This firmly secures the center ponton to the raft at four
points.
(3) Two hinge sill hangers are then dropped in
place and their tie bars engaged under the sill. The balance
of the hangers are then installed. Care should be taken to
insure that all bars are level and bear firmly along the sill.
32
(4) The raft is now ready to drop into the bridge on
signal from the head of bridge officer. Prior to so doing
two upstream anchors should be cast, either directly or from
an assault boat, depending on the situation. Two shore lines
or long lashings should be attached, one upstream and one
downstream. Four men, two to each line, remain ashore to
handle the lines; the others board the raft.
(5) When required, the raft is brought approximate-
ly on the center line after dropping a downstream anchor,
and at least two trestle balk are engaged on the hinge sill.
Figure 13. Hinge sill, hinge sill hangers, and engagement
of trestle balk on hinge sill.
33
The raft is then pushed out by the balk carriers, and the balk
engaged on the trestle transom.
(6) The raft is now aligned by the cable section.
Great care should be exercised to make the alignment as
accurate as possible.
(7) The section now receives the balance of the
trestle balk as passed out and engages them on the hinge sill.
(See Figure 13) Upon completion of this duty, five transfer
to the first boat beyond the raft, (fourth boat from shore),
which by now should be lying alongside. The men who
handled the shore lines join the section. When the bridge is
completed, the relation of the hinge span raft to the trestle
is as shown in Figure 14.
Figure 14. Hinge span raft and trestle in completed bridge.
b. Subsequent duties. The section now becomes the
BALK FASTENER SECTION. (1) The privates are num-
bered from upstream down, 1 to 10, and Nos. 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9
take station close to the point in the boat where the similarly
numbered balk come in, while even-numbered men Nos. 2,
4, 6, 8, and 10 remain in the river boat of the raft.
(2) The balk are received in two groups, the first
being Nos. 1-3-5-7- and 9, likewise numbered from upstream
down.
34
(3) Upon receiving the first group of balk, No. 1 places
No. 1 balk at the correct point on the river gunwale, with
the balk stop clip outside the gunwale, and engages the hook
of the balk fastener in the lashing hook eye on the balk. (See
Figure 15) Once engaged the hook is not tightened until
later.
Figure 15. Odd numbered balk attached.
(a) The first bay engaged will be downstream
balk; thereafter bays will be alternately upstream and down-
stream. A balk is correctly placed for downstream if the
balk lashing hook eye is directly over the downstream end
of the balk fastener retainer rod and over the upstream end
for upstream balk.
(b) Nos. 3, 5, 7, and 9 place their balk similarly
at the same time.
(4) As soon as the first five balk are engaged, the
boat is shoved off, and the balk engaged in the shoreward
boat by the balk carriers under supervision of the head-of-
bridge officer. (See Figure 16)
(5) The second series of balk Nos. 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10
are brought up and similarly engaged, after having been
pushed across, stirrup side up, on the balk already in place.
(6) The balk fasteners now proceed to make all
balk fast, (see Figure 17)
35
(7) Upon completion of making fast, all balk fasten-
ers move out one boat, and the operation is repeated.
Figure 16. Ponton shoved off and odd numbered balk
attached to shoreward ponton.
Figure 17. All balk installed.
(8) As an alternate to (7) above, Nos. 1, 3, 5, 7, and
9 can stand fast, and Nos. 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 move two boats
that is, to where they will receive balk for the next bay.
36
Either method is satisfactory. The first leads to less con-
fusion, the second more evenly divides the work.
c. If a trestle is to be placed by the deep water method
the following procedure is used. The hinge sill hangers are
now placed on balk Nos. 2, and 9 and these two balk are ex-
tended shoreward the width of a ponton and lashed in place
by the balk lashing hooks. The transom is placed on its side,
parallel to the ponton, with its bottom toward the shore and
its top directly over the shore gunwale of the shore ponton.
The trestle columns are then handed onto the raft with their
upper ends riverward and are run through the wells in the
ends of the transom so that about 2 feet of the trestle
columns project shoreward beyond the bottom of the transom.
The trestle shoes are assembled to the columns and secured
in place with the hooks chained to the shoes. Guy and tag
lines are fastened as prescribed in par. 35 b. The transom
pins are not inserted but the columns are kept from dropping
when the trestle is in a vertical position by short lashings
tied from the column shoe to the D ring of the transom in a
slip knot.
The raft is then maneuvered into position where the
near shore trestle section takes charge of it.
d. Type of men detailed. The work of the hinge span
and balk fasteners section requires quickness, strength and
intelligence, and the men detailed should be carefully selected.
37. BALK CARRIER SECTION. (2 Non-Com-
missioned Officers and 40 Pvts).
a. This section is organized in two groups, each con-
sisting of one non-commissioned officer and five carrying
parties of four men each. The first group consists of the
carrying parties for the odd balk Nos. 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9; and
the second group, for the even Nos. 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10. The
senior noncommissioned officer takes direct charge of the
first group; the other noncommissioned officer of the second.
It is desirable to have all men in any one carrying party of
about the same height.
b. After organization, and until its services are needed
in its prescribed work, the section assists as directed by the
officer in charge. This assistance may consist of moving
trestle transoms, abutment sills, delivery of balk to the hinge
span raft, etc. If not required for such additional duties,
the section stands by in the vicinity of its material piles.
37
c. Carrying of balk. (1) The ten balk required per
bay are removed from the material stacks and laid out on
the ground two or three feet apart, in two ranks of five balk
each. If it does not interfere with other operations, a con-
venient place is on the approach to the bridge, with the long
axis of each balk approximately parallel to the bridge center
line thereof.
(2) Ten trestle balk are originally laid out, and de-
livered as required by the near trestle section . Two men can
carry a trestle balk, and only half the section is therefore
needed. The balk are delivered as called for by the head of
bridge officer.
(3) An additional 10 trestle balk for the hinge span
are then laid out and delivered.
(4) The section now prepares to deliver ponton balk.
(a) The balk are laid on the ground as described
above, stirrup side up. Personnel stand beside their balk
close to the point where they are going to grasp it. If using
balk carrier hooks two men stand on either side of each balk.
(b) At the command "Lay Hold, Raise," given
by the noncommissioned officer with the section, the balk
carriers of the first rank raise their balk off the ground and
at the command "Forward March" move out on the bridge.
The balk may be carried with balk carrier hooks, or entirely
by hand. Though physically possible, it is not usual to
shoulder the balk, owing to the hazard this offers to others,
particularly when lowering the balk. The 5 balk are advanced
approximately abreast but the width of the bridge may not
permit them to do so exactly, particularly when balk carrier
hooks are used.
(c) Upon arriving at the head of construction
the five balk are passed out to the balk fastener personnel
(See par. 36 & (3) supra), and on their signal are turned over
on the far gunwale of the far boat, and engaged there. This
is not necessarily done simultaneously.
Two men from each party clear the bridge, moving on
the downstream side (as do all construction personnel leaving
the bridge). The remaining two in each party remain and
manipulate the shore end of the balk as directed.
As soon as all five balk are engaged, the Head of Bridge
Officer commands "Lay Hold, Push Off." At the latter
38
command the two men remaining on each balk push the
ponton off and drop the near end of their balk in position
on the near gunwale of the near boat. When the respective
balk fastener personnel have been helped with the location
of their balk each pair leaves the bridge without further
command.
(d) As soon as the first group of balk carriers
start on the bridge, the second group similarly pick up even
balk Nos. 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 and move out on the bridge. The
non-commissioned officer with this group should have his
balk ready when needed, and yet not interfere with the con-
struction of the bridge. The second group deliver their balk
as did the first, except that the balk are slid out bottom side
up, along the balk already in place to the balk fastener per-
sonnel, and then rotated into place.
(e) The entire operation is then repeated for
each bay of bridge.
(f) Safety Precautions. (1) While the balk
carrier groups run no particular risk themselves, they should
be particularly careful to avoid hurting others when lower-
ing and placing their balk, such as shoving a balk against
someone, pinching a hand when rotating it, or rotating it
on balk fastener personnel working under the near boat.
(2) A ponton balk should not be carried by fewer
than 4 men, nor a trestle balk by fewer than 2 men.
(g) The work of the balk carriers is fatiguing,
especially on a long bridge. Under many conditions it may
be desirable to add a third group of five balk carrying parties,
thus giving any given party a rest every third bay of bridge.
38. CHESS SECTION. (2 Non-Commissioned Officers
and 34 Pvts). a. This section is organized as follows:
1 Non-commissioned officer in charge
1 Non-commissioned officer assistant on bank
16 Chess carrying parties of 2 men each
2 Chess layers
6. After organization and prior to the beginning of
their duties, the section either stands by or assists as directed
by the officer in charge. Assistance may be rendered the
near trestle section or other sections. Under certain condi-
tions chess may be carried for the far shore raft.
39
c. (1) When chess laying is about to begin, the two
chess layers take their places standing on balk Nos. 1 and 2
and Nos. 9 and 10, respectively, facing toward the near shore.
(2) Each pair of chess carriers picks up a chess,
the men carrying it under their right arms, one man near
each end of the chess, and keep on the upstream side of the
bridge. A few feet short of where the chess is to be laid, the
leading chess carrier swings over to the downstream side
of the bridge. The carriers then hand the chess to the layers,
and move off keeping on the downstream side of the bridge,
and return to the chess pile on shore.
(3) The chess layers lay the chess firmly against the
last chess laid (or the end dam). It is aligned laterally by
placing the score marks vertically over the downstream edge
of No. 1 balk, if an upstream balk or the upstream edge of
No. 1, if. a downstream balk.
(4) Chess laying ceases approximately one chess
short of the shore gunwale of the river boat, or of the trestle
transom. This space or gap is necessary to permit the plac-
ing of the shore ends of the next bay of balk.
The dispatch of the proper number of chess to maintain
this gap, and at the same time have no chess left over or leave
too wide a gap, is one of the most important duties of the two
non-commissioned officers in this section. The shore non-com-
missioned officer should count carefully the number of chess
he sends out, and stop sending at the correct number.
The chess are theoretically 11-%" wide, and unless
shrinking or warping upsets their placement close to each
other, 15 of them will be required in every bay with a 16th
about every 6th bay. In practice the shore non-commissioned
officer sends out 15 chess every time unless otherwise in-
structed by the chief of section.
The equipment of this bridge includes half chess 5-%"
wide, which are useful at joints, and at places where the
bridge changes slope. The shore non-commissioned officer
should assure himself of the location of these half chess so
that he can supply them promptly on call.
Orders from the chief of section to the shore non-com-
missioned officer may be transmitted verbally, by pre-arranged
signal, or by telephone. As the bridge grows in length, the
telephone becomes more desirable.
40
d. Upon completion of the work in each bay, the chess
layers and non-commissioned officer in charge step into the
nearest boat, out of the way of other work. The balance of
the section usually draws fifteen chess from the material pile
and stands by at the most convenient place.
e. When working in a limited space which prohibits
removal of the chess from the material pile prior to use, two
men may be added to the section (or the sixteenth pair of
chess layers used) to slide chess off the material pile into the
hands of the chess carriers.
39. MANEUVER LINE SECTION. (2 Non-commis-
sioned officers and 10 Pvts). a. (1) The general duty of
this section is to pass a maneuver line from the near to the
far shore and secure it. The cable is located at a suitable dis-
tance upstream from the bridge. It serves as a line under
which to move the far shore raft as a trail ferry, and as an
aid to maneuver successive pontons into place.
(2) After securing the maneuver line, the section be-
comes the siderail section.
(3) The maneuver line may be omitted if the Officer
in Charge elects to use power boats or outboard motors for
the purpose. It is of little value in still water.
&. Passing the maneuver line. The section procures
the following items and places them at a convenient location:
1 reel of y>" wire rope sufficiently long to span
the stream
1 wire rope sling with eye in one end and a self-
mousing hook at the other
1 come-along or Buffalo grip for Va" wire rope
4 wire rope clips for y2" wire rope
1 socket wrench for wire rope clips
1 power boat
1 winch truck
It is assumed that trees or other suitable anchorages are
available. If not, a "dead man" must be placed on the far
shore. If none is available on the near shore the truck itself
will furnish a satisfactory substitute.
(1) (a) The reel of wire rope is set up on the im-
provised stand as shown in Figure 18.
41
One noncommissioned officer and five men enter the
power boat taking with them the wire rope sling and the end
of the ]/2 inch wire rope which has been spliced to form an
nL ^5 PICKET
TRESTLE
BALK
TWO
TRESTLE
BALK
RIGHT SIDE VIEW
TOP VIEW
Figure 18. Stand for maneuver Hne.
eye. Sufficient extra wire rope to reach from the boat to the
anchorage where the boat has been grounded is kept coiled
in the power boat. The wire rope is made fast to the snubb-
ing posts of the power boat. The boat heads for the far shore.
The crew remaining on the near shore pay out the wire rope
from the reel as needed.
(b) Upon reaching the far shore one member of
the detail carries the sling to the anchorage, passes the end
around the anchor, leads the hook through the eye and holds
the hook ready for the eye in the lead end of the maneuver
line itself which the other members have brought from the
power boat. The eye of the maneuver line is placed in the
hook, and the cable is thus quickly made fast at the far shore.
When the current is strong the line should not be turned loose
from the power boat until the end is made fast.
(c) Upon the signal from the far shore that the
line is fast the detail at the near shore fastens to it the winch
line from a truck. The come-along or Buffalo grip used for
this purpose is set well out so that when the line is pulled in
the grip will be riverward of the anchorage. The winch hauls
in on the maneuver line, the line is made fast to the anchor-
42
age and the winch line is cast off. The maneuver line should
hang so that its lowest point is about four feet above the
water.
(2) (a) If a winch truck is not available or if the
terrain prevents utilization of mechanical power a block and
tackle may be used to haul in the line.
(b) A power ponton or power driven assault
boat may be employed in place of the power boat but care
should be taken to prevent fouling the line in the motor. In
the event that no power is available and the current is swift
the line may be readily passed by first taking across in an
assault boat the bight of a Mj-inch manila rope. The bight
is placed in a snatch block that has been made fast to the an-
chorage and the maneuver line is pulled from the near shore.
The line is then drawn up as before.
c. Subsequent duties as siderail section. The section
now divides into two sub-sections, of 1 noncommissioned offi-
cer and 5 privates each. Each section places the side rails
on one side of the bridge.
(1) Each subsection requires the following equip-
ment:
(a) Per floating span
1 ponton balk;
3 siderail clamps (when transverse balk are
used, omit 1 siderail clamp).
(b) Per fixed span
1 trestle balk;
2 siderail clamps (since transverse balk are
always placed in fixed bays).
(c) Per hinge span
1 trestle balk;
1 siderail clamp;
1 V2" lashing 18' long;
1 picket or rackstick.
(2) As soon as construction of the bridge deck has
advanced to a point where siderails may be placed without
interference to other sections, the siderail section brings up
the balk and necessary clamps. The balk is placed over the
No. 1 (or No. 10) balk of the span, stirrups up. Two siderail
43
clamps are placed at the nearest chess opening to the quarter
points, and made fast. The third clamp is then placed at the
center point unless transverse balk hangers are used. The
correct adjustment of clamps is to tighten them securely by
hand, and then slack off half a turn. Clamp handles should
point downward off the bridge so as not to interfere with
traffic or men walking outside the siderails. (See Figure
19) A rope lashing tightened by means of a rack stick should
be used near the hinge on the upstream side instead of a side-
rail clamp.
Figure 19. Siderail clamp in place.
(3) Trestle balk are used as siderails on abutment
spans, trestle spans, hinge spans, and on hinge span rafts.
All other siderails are ponton balk. (Caution: It is import-
ant that the siderails of the hinge span be placed with the
riverward end an inch or so short of reaching the break in
grade. Similarly, the shore end of the siderails of the hinge
span raft should be located just short of the break in grade.)
40. ANCHOR SECTION. (4 Noncommissioned offi-
cers and 15 Pvts). a. General. This section delivers suc-
cessive pontons to the bridge as required.
b. Organization. The section is organized with one
noncommissioned officer in charge into three boat crews
numbered 1, 2, and 3 (each of one noncommissioned officer
and 5 privates).
44
c. Under many conditions, the section is organized as
above, and operates as will presently be explained. Under
different conditions there may be wide variations in this sec-
tion's employment, as may be directed by the Officer in Charge.
d. Detailed duties. (1) The section has no duties in
connection with the hinge span raft.
(2) Assuming the boats are in the water above the
maneuver line, each boat crew enters a boat carrying with it
the following equipment:
5 oars
5 oarlocks
2 i/2" lashings, 50' long
2 boat hooks
The boat is immediately checked to see that it already
contains:
2 anchors (one at each end)
2 anchor cables, neatly coiled, each cable secured
to an anchor and the near cleat of the ponton.
(3) (a) On signal from the chief of section on the
near bank, approximately at the intended line of upstream
anchors, crew No. 1 drop their boat down with the current
close to the shore, using a shore line as necessary for control,
under the maneuver cable. They then work out along this
cable, using a lashing around the cable if necessary, to a point
directly above their final position in the bridge. Then, on sig-
nal from the shore noncommissioned officer, they cast loose,
dropping downstream with the current, and casting anchor
as directed by the chief of section. Once the anchor is cast
they drop downstream and control their movement by pay-
ing out the anchor cable. The anchor cable must not be tan-
gled. They continue to drop downstream below the bridge,
until over the line of downstream anchors, where they cast
a downstream anchor. It may be necessary to join upstream
and downstream cables to each other temporarily to secure
enough rope for this purpose. Use should be made of the caps-
tan for taking in or paying out the anchor cable.
(b) The boat is then pulled back to the line of
the bridge, where it is drawn in against the outer boat, and
secured to it with two short lashings, one at the upstream
and one at the downstream cleat.
45
(c) At this point the boat is turned over to the
cable section. The anchor section crew gathers up their oars,
oarlocks, and boat hooks, and leave the boat by way of the
downstream side of the bridge at the earliest opportunity.
They return to the area of boats, where they repeat the pro-
cess when directed.
(d) Upon entering the boat the section will usu-
ally find that the balk fasteners have not been loosened. Prior
to leaving the boat these fasteners should be freed and al-
lowed to hang loose. This may be done at any convenient
time at the direction of the non-commissioned officer in
charge of the boat crew.
(4) Boat crews Nos. 2 and 3 follow the same cycle
of operations as boat crew No. 1, except that they omit the
downstream anchor unless otherwise directed.
(5) The objective of the section is to have successive
boats in position and ready when needed. As one boat is
dropping its anchor, the next crew should be coming out along
the maneuver line, and the third should be preparing their
boat. As the first crew leave their boat in the bridge, the
second boat should cast off their anchor, and the third boat
head for the line. It should be remembered that 25-ton pon
ton boats are difficult to row and maneuver, and that they
should be kept under complete control at all times.
e. The above organization and duties should be modi-
fied as directed by the officer in charge to suit local conditions.
41. FAR SHORE SECTION. (One officer, 2 NCO's,
and 20 Pvts). a. General. The far shore section builds
the far shore hinge span raft, loads it with the necessary
materials for the construction of its shore connection, moves
it to the far shore, places the raft, and erects the connection.
b. Detailed duties. (1) (a) At a convenient place,
usually slightly upstream from the maneuver line, the section
spots three ponton boats, and on them builds the far shore
hinge span raft. This raft is identical with that for the near
shore (par. 36) except that it is initially chessed from the far
shore gunwale of the far shore boat to the far shore gunwale
of the near shore boat.
46
(b) The list of materials used to construct the
raft are as follows:
6 anchors
6 anchor cables
15 chess
4 detachable stirrups
1 hinge sill
10 hinge sill hangers
10 ponton balk
3 ponton boats
(2) On this raft are loaded the following items:
Figure 20
Drawing
Name
Number
Required
Number
of Item
1 Trestle
2 Trestles
Chess
Abutment Sill
Ponton Balk
Transom
Column
Trestle Shoe
Chain Hoist
Steel Picket
16
Shovel
10
Pick
10-A
Maul
11
yz" Lashing
22
42
12
1" Rope, 50' long
13
1" Rope, 100' long
14
Transverse Balk Hanger
up on the far shore approximately on line with the bridge, and
as close to the bank as it can be pulled.
Figure 20. Far shore hinge span raft loading.
(4) The five chess on pile 1 (Figure 20) are now un-
loaded to form a walk-way to shore. The abutment sill (pile
2) is unloaded. The two ponton balk (pile 3) are placed over
the gunwales of the boat and on the shore at about the same
level. The trestle transom is slid out on the balk until over
its designed location. It is turned on its side and columns
and shoes placed. A lashing is tied from the mud shoe to the
clevis of the transom with a slip knot. The transom is then
turned vertical and the slip knots pulled out, which releases
the columns to fall to bearing. Chain hoists are now rigged
and guy ropes secured. The transom is raised off the balk, the
balk removed, and the transom set at the desired elevation.
In the meanwhile the abutment sill excavation has been under
48
way, and the trestle and abutment are lined up as decribed
for the near shore (par. 35).
(5) The abutment span is now filled out with balk
and chess from the raft. As an alternate method, the abut-
ment balk and chess may be unloaded to the shore when the
raft lands and built from shore. This method will require an
appropriate modification in the loading of the raft.
(6) The raft is now shoved off, accurately aligned,
and the hinge span balk and chess placed.
(7) Transverse balk are inserted in the abutment
and trestle spans.
c. The section now stands by until the arrival of the
head of bridge, where it assists as directed by the head of
bridge officer.
d. If the bridge is less than 300' long, or if the far shore
presents time-consuming difficulties on the abutment, ap-
proaches, or trestles, progress at the far shore will probably
govern the time of construction of the bridge. In this case
it will save time if the fourth ponton placed in the water is
converted to a power ponton, using an outboard motor, and
the abutment sill, pickets, range poles, and pioneer tools to-
gether with the officer in charge of the far shore construction,
1 noncommissioned officer and 6 privates ferried to the far
shore as soon as possible to start placing the abutment. Ad-
ditional time may be saved when the pontons are slow in ar-
riving by using the power ponton on its next trip to carry to
the far shore a transom, two columns and shoes, four 100
foot 1 inch guy ropes, and two trestle balk for use as spacers.
Additional men should be carried so that the far shore trestle
can be raised by the shallow water method. If more than
400' long, the bridge itself will determine the time of con-
struction.
e. The final closing of the bridge is made as follows:
Since the far shore abutment was placed because of its
location with respect to the water level and bank character-
istics, and the hinge sill is always in the center of the center
boat of the hinge span raft, it follows that the distance be-
tween the hinge raft and the last boat to go into the bridge
will seldom be such as to allow a ponton balk to fit exactly
in place. The last gap to be spanned must be less than 8'6".
If this is not the case an additional ponton must be used. In
order to span the short gap place ten balk in their normal
position in the off shore boat of the hinge span raft, letting
them extend as they will over the gunwale of the last boat in
the main portion of the bridge. The balk are fitted in their
proper intervals between the balk already in position. If
the last balk in the main portion of the bridge is downstream,
however, it may be necessary to adjust the alignment by the
use of the anchor lines. After the balk are in place the de-
tachable stirrups are placed over the balk at both gunwales
and the balk lashing hooks engaged and secured. (See Fig-
ure 21) Chess is then laid over the gap. It is well to have a
half chess available in case the last chess interval is greater
than six and less than twelve inches. It sometimes happens
that the gap to be spanned is such that the fixed stirrup on
the ponton balk rest squarely on the gunwale of the last pon-
ton in the main portion of the bridge. In this case it is neces-
sary to disengage the balk from the gunwales of the off shore
ponton of the hinge span raft, slide the ponton shoreward
about six inches, and make the connection using detachable
stirrups in both boats.
/. If conditions at the far shore require two trestles
the section should be increased in strength to 4 noncommis-
sioned officers and 32 privates, or a total of 36 men.
g. The officer in charge of the far shore construction
should be specially selected for his ready familiarity with
Figure 21. Closure of gap utilizing detachable balk stirrups.
50
heavy ponton equipage and ponton bridge construction. Suc-
cess or failure in the time of 25-ton ponton bridge construc-
tion often depends upon this officer and the far shore section.
h. The procedure outlined may be modified to suit local
conditions.
42. TELEPHONE SECTION. (1 Noncommissioned
Officer and 2 Privates).
a. This section procures two field telephones and a suit-
able amount of wire. One telephone operator remains at a
convenient place on the near shore, usually in the vicinity
of the balk and chess piles. The other operator takes station
at the construction end of the bridge, moving out as construc-
tion progresses.
&. The operators transmit all directions and orders from
the head of bridge.
c. The noncommissioned officer supervises generally,
and in particular makes sure that the wire is secured, is not
damaged by construction work, and can be readily fed out as
needed.
d. The wire is most conveniently strung on the down-
stream side of the bridge and is placed outside the number
ten balk. It is readily laid by setting up the reel on shore. The
shore operator feeds out sufficient slack for the bridgehead
operator to pull as needed.
43. RESCUE BOAT SECTION. (1 Noncommissioned
officer and 4 Privates).
a. This section enters an assault boat, taking with it
5 paddles, 2 short lashings, a boat hook, and a ring life pre-
server. The boat is then moved out to the head of construc-
tion where it ties up on the downstream side with an easily-
freed lashing. The boat is moved out as construction progres-
ses, the section remaining therein.
b. The duties of the section are self-explanatory. All
members should wear life jackets and be strong swimmers.
Not less than two should be trained in rescue of drowning
persons and resuscitation to the extent of qualifying for the
Red Cross life saving certificate.
c. It is well to use the power boat, if available, for an ad-
ditional rescue boat section. The power boat may be engaged
in general water operations in the vicinity of the head of
construction, or by casting downstream anchors. In any
event, it may be called upon to assist in rescue operations.
51
44. ALTERNATE PROCEDURE IN CONSTRUCTION
BY SUCCESSIVE PONTONS. Under field conditions, it
is often advisable to erect trestles by hand by the shallow
water method or deep water method so as to leave the truck
cranes free for unloading pontons. For erecting a trestle by
the deep water method, it is advantageous to construct a two-
bay hinge span raft with four pontons as shown in Figure 22
in order to have more working space available.
Figure 22. Hinge span raft (two-bay) with deep water trestle.
Section IX
CONSTRUCTION BY PARTS
45. GENERAL. a. In this method the bridge is
started as in the method of successive pontons. Simultane-
ously, at other points on the near shore or in a tributary
stream, other floating parts of the bridge are constructed.
These parts are built by the method of successive pontons
generally as in the normal case.
b. Preparation of site. The preparation of a site to
permit building by parts will differ at every individual loca-
tion. However, the sketch in Figure 23 is considered typical
of the general arrangement required. It is necessary to pro-
vide a cleared area for the abutment site and each parts
building site, proper approach roads, a turn around, and road
connections to each cleared area.
52
Figure 23. Layout of site.
c. The floating part of the bridge built out from the
abutment and all parts constructed separately should begin
and end with upstream balk in order to prevent confusion in
joining successive parts of the bridge. It follows that each
part and the part built out from the abutment must consist
of an odd number of spans made up of an even number of
pontons. Figure 24 shows a part under construction.
Figure 24. Four boat 3 bay part under construction.
53
d. Each working party constructing a part should have
its full complement of balk fasteners, balk carriers, chess
carriers, siderail carriers and fasteners, cable men, and the
necessary anchor sections to provide the requisite number
of pontons and to deliver the pontons successively to the
head of the part. In addition to the foregoing, the working
party which starts the bridge from the abutment should in-
clude all of the sections which are necessary for expeditious
construction by the method of successive pontons.
e. Any appreciable decrease in the number of men as-
signed to the construction of a part will materially decrease
Figure 25. Construction by parts.
54
the speed of construction and defeat the ends to be gained
by the use of this method.
46. ASSEMBLY OF PARTS AND INCORPORATION
INTO THE BRIDGE. a. As the parts are constructed they
Figure 26. Completed four boat-three bay part.
Figure 27. Part in position to be moved into bridge.
are maneuvered to the maneuver cable with shore lines, power
pontons, or power boats. (See Figure 25) The construction
55
crew moves the part the desired distance into the stream,
casts anchors upstream of the cable and by means of the
anchor ropes moves the part to its position in the bridge.
Downstream anchors are cast either with the aid of the power
boats or by allowing the part to drift downstream far enough
to cast downstream anchors. The construction crew may then
revert to additional parts construction if more are needed.
The necessary balk, chess, siderails, transverse balk, and
metal parts with which to make the connection to the ex-
tended bridge are loaded on the part before it is moved to
the maneuver cable. (See Figures 26 and 27) The rate of
construction of a long bridge may be greatly increased by
building simultaneously from both banks and making the
junction near the center by using balk with detachable stir-
rups. In fact, this method of procedure should be the rule in
the construction of any bridge appreciably longer than 300
feet.
b. Maneuvering Parts with Power Equipment. A care-
ful reconnaissance of the river should be made, with the power
boat if available, to locate piling, logs, cables, weeds, shoals,
or other obstructions to the raft and the propellers of the
power equipment. These obstructions should be marked. Op-
erators must be cautioned to beach rafts only while moving
upstream. In emergency if outboard motors cannot be re-
versed or motors cut out and the raft is floating free in the
current, anchors may be dropped. Loss of control of a large
raft near a ponton bridge under construction may prove fatal
to the operation. The maneuver line, if installed, should al-
ways be used for final control of large rafts near the bridge.
Noncommissioned officers in charge of rafts should remem-
ber to utilize the current to gain one bank or the other by
turning the raft across the current in accordance with the
trail ferry principle.
Section X
REINFORCED BRIDGES AND LIGHTENED BRIDGES
47. a. The normal bridge can be reinforced to carry
the 30-ton medium tank by adding 2 balk in each floating
span, one additional balk being placed on each side of the
roadway. (See Figure 28) These balk are fastened in place
with the spare balk fasteners. If the weight of the medium
tank is increased in future apppreciably above 30 tons, the
bridge should be reinforced by inserting an extra ponton in
each floating span and four extra trestle balk in each fixed
span.
56
Figure 28. Method of placing one additional balk
on each side of the roadway.
b. The bridge reinforced by inserting an extra ponton
in each floating span and 4 extra trestle balk in each fixed
span (between balk 2-3, 3-4, 7-8, and 8-9) will carry a tank load
in the neighborhood of 35 to 40 tons. In its construction,
there will generally be a problem in closing the gap left after
the last complete reinforced floating span has been put in.
The gap will often be too small to permit insertion of a rein-
forcing ponton and yet be of such extent that the unsupported
length of ponton balk across the gap is comparatively great.
(NOTE: in the reinforced bridge, the unsupported length
of balk between adjacent pontons is approximately one foot
measured between outside edges of gunwales of adjacent pon-
tons.) If the unsupported length across the gap is appreci-
ably greater than one foot, 14 balk should be utilized in clos-
ing the gap.
When practicable, the best method for the construction
of this type of bridge is that of a combination of "By parts"
and "By successive pontons". The floating spans of a normal
bridge can be reinforced with additional pontons by submerg-
ing them partially by using loads of men or water and remov-
ing the loads after the pontons are inserted in the bridge.
c. The stability of the trestle should be assured by us-
ing rough timber or constructed timber footings on prepared
earth for the shoe assemblies to bear upon. Tight shoe lines
57
of wire cable should be employed to keep the shoes from slid-
ing off the footings and to keep the trestle erect. If neces-
sary, the cables should be kept tightened by the winches of
trucks placed perpendicular to the stream and at a practi-
cable distance from the water's edge. For soft footings, two
transoms per trestle can be used with the lower transom
engaged in the lowest holes of the column. This provides ad-
ditional bearing surface in the event the trestle footing proves
inadequate. The employment of the two transoms also pre-
vents the possible bending of the columns in compression.
48. LIGHTENED BRIDGES. a. The normal bridge
may be constructed with more than the normal interval be-
tween pontons, thereby obtaining a greater length per unit
of bridge with a corresponding decrease in capacity.
b. When the bridge is to serve only light loads or there
exists a shortage of pontons, the following methods can be
used as valuable expedients:
(1) Partially extend the normal bridge span so that
the span between boats is 15' instead of 8' 6" by placing pon-
ton balk across three gunwales of each two successive pon-
tons. The 10 ponton balk per bay of bridge are staggered so
that any two adjoining balk do not cover the same three gun-
wales. Transverse balk are always placed to add rigidity to
the floor system. The lightened bridge is capable of carrying
15 tons with an effective length per span of 21 feet.
(2) Fully extend the normal bridge so that the span
between boats is 21' 6" instead of 8' 6" by placing ponton balk
across two gunwales of each two successive pontons. The
10 ponton balk per bay of bridge are used. The gaps across
the gunwales of each boat are bridged with available short
balk from the extra bay carried on each abutment load, by
available extra transverse balk, available extra chess, or
logs, improvising from available materials found by engineer
reconnaissance. Five balk or substitutes are sufficient to
bridge the gap between gunwales. These extra balk preserve
the rigidity of the bridge and eliminate excessive hinge action
at the boats. Transverse balk are always placed to add rigid-
ity to the floor system. The light bridge is capable of carry-
ing 10-tons with an effective length per span of 27 feet. The
light bridge is extremely flexible and difficult to keep aligned.
(3) (a) The hinge span raft for both lightened and
light bridges are built with 2 pontons at normal interval with
10 balk across four gunwales. The hinge sill is hung in the
58
8' 6" span between the two boats permitting some flexibility
in the length of the bridge.
(b) Abutment and trestle spans are normal 15'
bays fitted with transverse balk and guyed.
c. When so weakened below its normal strength the
bridge must be conspicuously marked with a sign to indicate
its maximum allowable loading. A well-instructed bridge
guard should be on duty to prevent overloading.
d. It should be noted that in the lightened bridges, there
may be a shortage of chess when all of the trestles are em-
ployed. In these rare cases it will be necessary to improvise
further by laying some of the chess tread style and moving
the side rails toward the bridge axis to assist vehicles in stay-
ing on the tread roadway.
e. Either lightened bridge type may be reinforced to
double its loading capacity by placing additional pontons in
the intervals between pontons although the necessity of light-
ened construction will usually not exist if sufficient pontons
are available. It may happen, however, that in the initial
crossing, a lightened type will be built to cross the bulk of
the light traffic, while the heavy loads are ferried. In the
meantime additional equipment may become available from
supply sources. It then may satisfy the immediate bridging
needs to reinforce the lightened bridge rather than build a
new bridge. When the situation permits, if sufficient mater-
ial is available, the normal bridge should always be built
to replace the reinforced lightened type and save equipage.
/. The trestle bridge may be extended from the normal
15' span to a span of 21' if ponton balk are used instead of
trestle balk type. Ponton balk are not fitted with balk end
irons of trestle balk type, but are fitted with balk stop clips
and lashing hook eyes near each end. These two metal fittings
are far enough apart to permit the balk to rest squarely on the
transom tube with about 2" of play. While the wood ends of
the ponton balk will bear directly on the metal balk support-
ing tube the traffic to be passed will consist of light vehicles
not exceeding 10 tons and the damage suffered by the ponton
balk in bearing will be negligible. Transverse balk are al-
ways placed in each bay to add rigidity to the floor system.
The lightened trestle bridge is capable of carrying 10-tons
with an effective length per span of 21 feet. It is extremely
rigid.
59
Section XI
DRAWSPAN IN BRIDGE
49. GENERAL. It will sometimes be necessary to
remove a part of the bridge to provide an opening for the pas-
sage of navigation or large floating objects likely to damage
the bridge. To do this, one end of a swing line is attached
to the upstream end of the center ponton of the part to be
removed, and the other end to the downstream end of that
ponton behind which the part will be swung. To open the
draw, remove the bays of siderails, balk, and chess, which
connect the part to be removed to the rest of the bridge and
ease off on the upstream anchor cables of the part. When
the part has dropped down clear of the bridge, the swing
line is tightened and the anchor cables are loosened. The
part will then swing over behind the ponton to which the
swing line is attached. To replace the part, the slack is taken
out of the anchor lines and the swing line is loosened. When
the part has swung out below its place in the bridge, it is
pulled upstream to the axis of the bridge by means of the
anchor cables and reconnected. Special connections may be
devised to facilitate this operation if it occurs frequently.
50. USEFUL SUGGESTIONS. a. Where the re-
moved section of bridge involves a considerable number of
ponton bays, the power boat will be found useful in maneu-
vering the part into its open as well as its closed position. This
is particularly true in streams having a swift current.
b. When the necsssity for providing a drawspan in a 25-
ton ponton bridge can be anticipated, one end of the proposed
removeable section should be constructed with a connecting
span approximately three feet shorter than the normal. This
can be done readily by employing detachable stirrups to con-
nect the balk to the balk fasteners. The purpose of this spe-
cial feature is to make allowance for apparent stretching or
shrinking of the bridge length resulting from maneuvering
the drawspan. The construction here described will permit
ready replacement of the drawspan which might otherwise
prove difficult if the bridge opening varied by as little as one
inch.
c. During hours of darkness appropriate lights should
be installed to mark the navigable opening in the bridge while
positive means (barriers, or gates on approaches) should be
taken to keep bridge traffic off the bridge while the drawspan
is open.
60
Section XII
MAINTENANCE OF BRIDGE
51. GENERAL. a. An engineer officer with a suit-
able detail of engineer troops is assigned to the supervision,
maintenance, and guard of each completed bridge. This offi-
cer is responsible for the safe and speedy passage of traffic
and his orders and those given by the bridge guard, pursuant
to his instructions, must be strictly complied with by all per-
sons using the bridge.
b. A bridge guard is detailed from the engineer detach-
ment assigned to the bridge. The bridge guard posts a sen-
tinel in an observation post near each end of the bridge to
give warning of the approach of columns and one or more
sentinels should be stationed on the floating part of the bridge
to watch for floating objects likely to cause damage. These
sentinels give warning when the bridge is in danger from any
cause and see that the regulations for passage are complied
with.
c. To prevent damage to the bridge from floating ob-
jects a detachment in boats or pontons is stationed about
1,000 yards above the bridge. The detachment is provided
with cables, anchors, grapnels, hammers, axes, explosives,
and other materials and equipment which conditions may
suggest. Dangerous floating objects should be towed ashore
well above the bridge if possible. If this cannot be done an
anchor line should be made fast to the object which will pre-
vent its movement downstream until it can be broken up with
explosive or towed ashore and made fast.
d. Patrols should be sent well upstream to watch for
dangerous floating objects whenever this appears desirable
for the safety of the bridge.
e. The work of the bridge guard may be lightened by
constructing a boom above the bridge composed of timbers
or logs, united by chains and forming a continuous barrier
to floating objects. It should form an angle of about 20
with the current, which will require the length to be about
two and three-quarter times the width of the river. If con-
structed in this manner large floating objects will slide along
the boom and be forced to the shore at the point where the
downstream end is made fast.
61
/. A strong fish net, or wire screen attached to the boom
and weighted along the bottom edge so that it hangs down-
ward at least 3 feet below the surface, will provide further
protection against partially submerged mines or other objects.
g. The engineer unit furnishing the bridge will also
supply as many weapons as possible to safeguard the bridge.
h. The maintenance detail should maintain a constant
inspection of the bridge to adjust anchor cables and the ele-
vation of trestle transoms, to tighten loose siderail clamps,
and to generally maintain the bridge in proper operating con-
dition.
52. TRAFFIC CONTROL. a. At a ponton bridge
which must be utilized for two-way traffic, the ponton unit
commander should set up the following traffic control agen-
cies:
(1) Two-way traffic control detail.
(2) Detail to enforce requirements of speed and
spacing on the bridge proper.
b. Two-way operation of a ponton bridge is best hand-
led by an alternate one-way dispatch system. A traffic park
should be established some distance from the bridge on the
approach road on both sides of the stream. A traffic post
will be located at each traffic park and the posts should be
connected by telephone with each other and with the bridge
proper. The traffic park should be located at the best avail-
able spot so as to provide cover and concealment for halted
columns of vehicles waiting their turn to cross. While ve-
hicles are halted, careful instructions should be given to the
drivers as to speed and vehicle spacing when crossing the
bridge. It is the responsibility of the traffic posts to prevent
traffic from entering the controlled lane unless it is free of
traffic coming from the opposite direction. It is also their
responsibility to turn away any vehicles of weights beyond
the capacity of the bridge. Traffic is sent forward in the form
of a march unit or column. A distinctive object such as a sign,
flag, or baton must be carried by the last vehicle in each
group of vehicles using the lane. No group of vehicles is al-
lowed to move on the controlled lane until this object has
been retrieved from the last vehicle of the column clearing
the lane from the other direction.
c. The detail charged with enforcing the requirements
of speed and spacing is of great importance not only in safe-
guarding the bridge, but also in promoting the flow of traffic.
62
A guard should be posted at the head of the bridge to again
caution the driver of each vehicle in the column to maintain
the proper speed and spacing. Additional guards should be
stationed in the pontons in order to maintain continuous con-
trol of the spacing and speed of vehicles.
d. The traffic priority schedule for the use of the bridge
is established by proper authority, usually by the division or
higher commander. Priority as to direction is especially im-
portant. Questions of priority not covered by standing in-
structions from higher authority should be decided by the
officer in command of the bridge detail.
e. Poor approach roads often decrease the flow of traffic
far below that which the ponton bridge could easily handle.
Advance planning should provide for necessary improvement
and maintenance of approach roads by general engineer
troops.
/. That portion of the chess which lies outside of the
siderails forms a walkway on each side of the bridge which is
reserved for the use of the bridge detachment.
53. USEFUL SUGGESTIONS. a. Since the siderails
of the bridge overlap, the inside surface of the siderails is
not continuous. If heavy vehicles, especially track layers,
ride up on the exposed ends, the siderails will be damaged
and there is danger that the vehicle will be thrown from the
bridge. The maintenance detail can render the bridge much
safer for wheeled and track laying traffic if they fill up the
spaces between the inside line of siderail balk with 6 by 8
inch material. The inside surface of the siderails then be-
comes smooth and unbroken and it is much more feasible to
run traffic at fairly high speed. When the 6 by 8 inch mate-
rial has been cut to the proper length and fitted in the open-
ings between the inside row of siderails, holes should be bored
vertically in at least two places which coincide with the open-
ings between the ends of the chess. Half inch rope can then
be placed through these holes and made fast to the outer row
of siderails.
b. A screen of brush or branches placed between the
ends of the chess outside of the siderails on both sides of the
bridge gives confidence to animals and aids in keeping them
quiet while crossing the bridge. This is especially important
for crossing cattle and loose animals.
c. The officer in charge of the bridge will frequently in-
spect the cables to see that they are not chafing and that the
63
anchors are not dragging. He will cause the mechanical balk
and siderail fasteners to be tightened if they work loose and
the pontons to be bailed out when they leak or ship water.
d. There should be collected near one abutment a supply
of spare balk, chess, cordage, and other materials with which
to repair any damage to the bridge. The supply of spare parts
should be equivalent to at least % of the total number of the
same parts actually in the bridge if the installation is liable
to be subjected to artillery or aerial bombardment or other
destructive operations on the part of enemy forces.
e. In case of severe damage to a portion of the bridge,
removal of the damaged parts may be facilitated by severing
the damaged section by sawing siderails and balk at the gun-
wales of the nearest undamaged boats. The section of bridge
thus removed may then be replaced by complete parts of new
bridge material. When damaged sections are sawed away
from the bridge, shore lines should be attached to them so
they may later be pulled ashore below the bridge and any
salvagable parts reclaimed when time permits.
54. CAPACITY.a. The safe capacity of this bridge
is limited to 25 ton vehicles. This rating of 25 tons provides
a small factor of safety to cover certain contingencies such
as an accumulation of water in pontons, defective balk, failure
to engage all balk fasteners, broken balk fasteners, current
and wave actions and improper spacing of successive loads.
b. 25 ton loads should be exceeded only when all con-
cerned are fully cognizant of the risks involved. The load
limit should not be exceeded unless conditions are favorable
and the officers and noncommissioned officers in charge of
the bridge detail are thoroughly familiar with every precau-
tion which must be taken when heavy loads are carried on
the bridge.
c. When it becomes essential that loads exceeding 25
tons be allowed to cross the unreinforced bridge, the follow-
ing precautions must be taken:
(1) All boats must be bailed dry.
(2) All balk must be sound. This is best indicated by
a record of previous use with heavy loads.
(3) All balk fasteners must be secure.
(4) All siderail clamps must be properly placed and
tightened.
(5) The speed of vehicles must not exceed 2 miles
per hour.
64
(6) Last, and most important, vehicles must be prop-
erly spaced in column. (See paragraph d below).
d. When a concentrated load is placed near the middle
of the bridge, well denned vertical waves will appear in the
balk. The distance from crest to crest or from trough to
trough of these waves is from 60 to 75 feet. Balk stresses
are a maximum and ponton free boards are a minimum when
the centers of gravity of the successive vehicles are spaced at
this distance. Balk stresses are a minimum and ponton free
boards are a maximum when the centers of gravity of the
same vehicles are spaced at approximately one-half this dis-
tance. The correct spacing can be insured by having drivers
maintain a distance of exactly two spans from the preceding
vehicle, measured from head to head of vehicles.
e. The magnitude of the vertical wave action in the
bridge deck is a function of vehicle speed as well as weight.
Slow speeds lessen the amplitude of the waves.
/. The bridge officer should carefully observe the action
of the bridge under the action of a succession of vehicles
and require drivers to observe the speeds and vehicle spacings
which place the least strain on the bridge structure. Tank
drivers, unless especially trained, will tend to maintain too
great an interval between vehicles in order that they may ob-
tain a better view of the roadway ahead.
65
Section XIII
DISMANTLING BRIDGE
55. GENERAL. The bridge may be dismantled and
the equipment reloaded on trailers in the reverse order of the
operations prescribed for the construction of the bridge.
56. PERSONNEL. The following table shows the
composition of the minimum working party necessary for
smooth and continuous dismantling of the bridge by succes-
sive pontons:
Number of Name of Section Non-Commissioned
Sections Officers Privates Total
Par shore section
20
22
Siderail section
10
12
Anchor section *(1)
Balk fastener section
10
11
Balk and chess section
54
55
Power boat section
Crane section
Trailer loading section
10
Hinge span raft section*(2)
Maneuver cable section*(3)
Rescue boat section
TOTAL
11
115
126
*(1) When power boat is not used, two anchor sections consisting of one
non-commissioned officer and six privates (oarsmen) should be used.
*(2) The hinge span raft section, consisting of one non-commissioned
officer and six privates, is organized from the balk and chess section,
when the hinge span raft is reached.
*(3) The maneuver cable section consisting of one non-commissioned
officer and six privates is organized from the balk and chess section after
pontons along the near shore. When available, a power boat is
used to propel the pontons to the near shore. Otherwise, the
maneuver line is used for this purpose. The anchor section
lends any necessary assistance to the crane section in loading
pontons on trailers.
(4) The balk fastener section disengages the fasten-
ers of all balk other than the ten balk in the deck of the far
shore hinge span raft, beginning with the third ponton from
the far shore, and works successively, as the bridge is dis-
mantled, towards the near shore. After all balk have been
disengaged, the balk fastener section joins the balk and chess
carrying section.
(5) The balk and chess carrying section forms in
single file along the right hand side of the bridge and carries
balk and chess off on the left hand side of the bridge. No
distinction is made between balk or chess carriers, i. e. these
men may carry off either a balk or a chess depending upon
which piece is to be removed when they reach the front of
the line.
The first two men in line become chess lifters. They
stand on the far end of the end bay remaining after removal
of the hinge span raft and hand a chess to every two carriers
as they pass by, beginning with the end chess. After the chess
have been removed from the end bay of the bridge and the
balk fasteners have been disengaged, the next ten men in line
stand by the near shore ends of the ten balk. At the command
of the non-commissioned officer in charge of the section,
these men simultaneously raise the near shore ends of the
ten balk and pull them towards the near shore, drawing the
far shore ponton in until its gunwale is touching the gunwale
of the near shore ponton. The next 30 men in line join the
first ten men and carry the ten balk off the bridge in two or
more groups. Similarly, chess and balk are removed from
the end of the bridge successively until the near hinge span
raft is reached.
Balk carrier hooks when not in use are laid on the deck
near the far end of the bridge.
When the hinge span raft is reached, a section of one
non-commissioned officer and ten privates is organized from
the balk and chess carrying section to dismantle the hinge
span raft.
67
At the same time, a section of one non-commissioned offi-
cer and six men is organized from the balk and chess section
to remove the maneuver cable.
The balance of the balk and chess section dismantles the
abutment span and lends necessary assistance to the crane
section in removing and dismantling the near shore trestle.
(6) The power boat section operates the power boat,
propels the far shore raft back to the near shore, and helps
the anchor crew bring pontons to the near shore.
(7) The crane section loads pontons onto the trailers
and removes the near shore trestle so that it can be disman-
tled on dry land. When the crane is not available, an addition-
al section of one noncommissioned officer and twenty-five men
should be provided to load pontons and transoms on the trail-
ers.
(8) The four privates in the trailer loading section
stand on top of the trailers, receive bridge parts from balk
and chess carriers, and load them on the trailers in their
proper places. The noncommissioned officer in charge of
the trailer loading section checks the number of pieces on
each trailer and is responsible for the proper loading thereof.
&. The rescue boat section remains in an assault boat
near the end of the bridge in a position of readiness.
c. The dismantling procedure described in paragraph
a is not recommended for general use other than as a drill for
initial training of inexperienced personnel. For general use,
the following described procedure is recommended both for
speed in dismantling and for lessening the physical demands
on the working parties. The latter consideration is of great
importance in promoting high morale in the ponton units.
The hinge span raft and fixed spans are dismantled as
described in paragraph 57 a (1).
In removing the decking from the remainder of the
bridge, four or more 2V<>-ton cargo trucks are used in rota-
tion. The truck is backed out on the bridge and loaded with
a complete bay of decking, including chess, balk, transverse
balk, siderail clamps, and transverse balk hangers. The truck
is immediately run off the bridge and is backed up rear to rear
to a previously spotted semitrailer. The component parts of
the bay are transferred to the semitrailer. An important item
in the labor saving of this method lies in utilizing the rear rol-
68
ler of the semitrailer to transfer the balk and chess by roll-
ing them onto the semitrailer. The semitrailer, with its deck-
load, is then moved to the ponton loading site. Meanwhile,
the next 21/o-ton cargo truck has been backed out on the
bridge and loaded in a similar manner.
As the pontons are disconnected from the bridge, they
are brought to shore and pulled from the water by tractors or
bulldozers and are placed by cranes on the semitrailers wait-
ing in readiness.
For maximum speed in removing the decking, it is ad-
vantageous that chess be stripped one bay ahead of the pon-
ton balk. In order to set up this arrangement, the chess,
transverse balk and its hangers, siderails, and siderail clamps
of the 1st bay riverward of the far shore hinge span raft
should be removed and laid on the hinge span raft to be
brought to shore therewith. The first 2^2 ton truck will take
the 10 ponton balk of the 1st riverward bay, and the two side-
rails, the siderail clamps, the transverse balk, transverse balk
hangers and the 15 chess of the 2d riverward bay. During
the time of moving off the 1st truck and the backing on of
the 2d truck, the ten balk of the 2d riverward bay have been
removed as described in paragraph 57a (5) and laid on the
deck of the 3d riverward bay. Meanwhile the siderails and
clamps and the transverse balk with its hangers have also
been laid on the deck of the 3d riverward span awaiting the
arrival of the 2d truck. The process is repeated for each truck
load of decking removed.
58. For a very long bridge, it will often be advantageous
to accomplish the dismantling by a combination of the previ-
ous method and the method of dismantling by parts. Under
this arrangement, the far portion of the bridge should be
dismantled by parts; the near portion by use of cargo trucks.
The process of dismantling by parts is approximately the re-
verse of construction by parts. The original parts building
sites will often be utilized for parts dismantling. On the
other hand, the situation may demand that parts dismantling
sites be prepared on the far bank. The ponton commander
should plan in advance for efficient dismantling of the bridge.
He should have the access roads to each parts dismantling site
improved to permit, if possible, backing the trailer to the
water's edge to allow easy loading of balk and chess directly
from the parts as dismantled.
69
Section XIV
RELOADING EQUIPAGE AT BRIDGE SITE
59. PONTON LOADS. a. A detail of 25 men and two
non-commissioned officers can place a complete ponton load
on a trailer in about ten minutes, manhandling all the equi-
page. By using a crane to lift the ponton into place one non-
commissioned officer and 4 men who stay on top of the trailer
and place the material as it is handed to them by balk and
chess carriers can load a trailer in seven minutes.
b. To load the trailer, the transverse balk is first placed
centrally in the well of the trailer between the retaining
brackets installed to hold the member in position. Chess are
then placed on either side of the transverse balk, in the well
section, four chess to a stack, two stacks on either side of the
transverse balk. The two "U" shaped spacers are next seated
in the sockets provided in the trailer cross-members. Twelve
ponton balk are placed on top of the chess six on each side
of the central spacers, forming two layers. Ponton balk are
laid on their sides. The balk should be so placed that the balk
fittings extend uniformly towards the outside of the trailer,
except for the two balk in the central pile on each side which
are reversed in order to permit the fittings of these balk to
dovetail with the corresponding fittings of the balk in the
inner stacks. As soon as the ponton balk are in position, the
load binders are passed over the tops of the balk and tight-
ened with the aid of the ratchet devices. While the decking
is being placed the anchors and cables may be placed and se-
cured in the space provided immediately in rear of the central
well of the trailer. Siderail clamps and transverse balk hang-
ers may be stowed in the covered chest at the rear of the
trailer either before or after the ponton has been placed over
the deck load.
c. To load the ponton by hand, it is turned bottom side
up, with its long axis in prolongation of the long axis of the
trailer. The front end of the ponton is then lifted sufficiently
to clear the roller at the rear of the trailer, and the trailer is
backed under the ponton until the ponton rests on the roller.
The men are then gathered around the rear of the ponton to
prevent its sliding backward. The trailer is backed up until
the front end of the ponton almost touches the balk on the
trailer. The auxiliary roller is placed on top of the balk and
the front of the ponton is lifted and placed on this roller.
70
The men are again stationed around the rear of the ponton,
the trailer is backed up until the ponton is over-balanced and
lies on top of the trailer, the ponton is then pushed into its
proper position and the auxiliary roller removed.
d. To reload the ponton with the crane, the process is
the reverse of unloading as described in Section VI.
60. ABUTMENT LOADS. a. One transverse balk,
16 chess, 2 spare anchors, and anchor cables are stowed as
prescribed for ponton loads. The remainder of the equipment
is stowed in the short cargo body of the tractor because the
loaded balk prevents access to the covered well in the rear of
the trailer before the trailer is unloaded.
b. The spacing bar is not used in the abutment load.
Instead two sills resting on their edges are placed end to end
in the center of the trailer over the transverse balk.
c. The 24 trestle balk are loaded in the same general
manner as the balk on the ponton loads except that each of
the two complete bays of balk are placed end to end, abutting
over the center of the trailer. Two spacer blocks 6 x 12 are
placed at each end of the trailer to support the ends of the
trestle balk.
d. One extra bay of ponton balk is placed on top of the
forward bay of trestle balk. Seven chess and 8 half chess
are placed on top of the ponton balk.
e. Load binders are passed over the entire load and se-
cured as soon as the last chess is in place.
/. The assault boat is placed over the rear portion of
the trailer bottom side up and securely lashed with rope
lashings.
61. TRESTLE LOADS. a. One transverse balk, 16
chess, 2 spare anchors, anchor cables, siderail clamps, trans-
verse balk hangers, and oarlocks are stowed as prescribed
for the abutment load.
&. The deck load is divided into a forward and rear sec-
tion, the two sections abutting over the approximate center
of the trailer. The equipment and arrangement of the two
sections differ so that each will be described in turn:
(1) The front half of the deck load contains 12 tres-
tle balk, 2 transoms, 1 transverse balk, and 4 column shoes.
The balk are stowed as in the abutment load, except that the
transverse balk is inserted where the sill is placed in the
abutment load. Both transoms are placed on their side on
71
top of the balk. When a crane is available it can be advanta-
geously employed to swing the transoms into position on the
trailer. After the transoms are in place the four column shoes
are placed on top of the transoms, cleats down, and load bind-
ers secured, care being taken that a load binder holds each
shoe.
(2) On the rear half of the deck load two trestle col-
umns are laid along the center with their brackets on the for-
ward end of the column. Two trestle balk are next placed
in each side of these columns with their fittings dovetailing.
The balk should be moved to the rear sufficiently far to per-
mit the hoist brackets on the column, when rotated to a hori-
zontal position, to clear the forward end of the balk and thus
prevent any rearward movement of the columns. The re-
mainder of the balk are placed as on the abutment load ex-
cept that the columns take the place of the sill. Sixteen chess
in piles of four each are stacked on top of this portion of the
load and the whole section secured by the load binders.
62. GENERAL. a. On all trailer loads two anchors
with anchor lines are placed and secured in the space immedi-
ately in rear of the central well of the trailer. On all ponton
trailer loads seven oars are placed in the rack provided on
the undercarriage of the trailer and held in position by an
eccentric roller. Two boat hooks are carried on each trailer
load, being secured at convenient points beside the balk, or
alongside the oar carrying rack.
b. The non-commissioned officer in charge of reloading
a trailer is responsible that the trailer is loaded with all equi-
page composing its standard load and that the load binders are
made fast before the trailer is allowed to move. He is the
only person who should give signals to the tractor driver,
when it is necessary to manipulate the trailer in loading.
Section XV
FERRYING
63. SINGLE PONTON. a. General. (1) Single
pontons of the equipage may be used for the ferrying of per-
sonnel with their combat equipment and such other loads as
the pontons will accommodate. The pontons are heavy and
clumsy; carrying, launching, loading, and rowing them are
noisy operations. Carrying pontons by hand for any consider-
able distance is a slow and exhausting job. The pontons are
required for raft ferries and bridges and scattering them and
72
exposing them to damage and loss before the construction of
bridges and ferries is undesirable. The assault boats are de-
signed specifically for ferrying personnel and light equipment
during the early stages of a river crossing, when the need for
secrecy is paramount. Therefore, pontons should be used for
this purpose only when it is unavoidable.
(2) The 25-ton ponton fully loaded cannot be pro-
pelled satisfactorily by oars. It may be propelled by an out-
board motor, a power boat, or by pulling along a previously
placed maneuver cable.
(3) Each ponton should be equipped with at least one
anchor and its cable, two light hand lines 50 feet long, seven
oars and oarlocks for emergency use in event of danger.
(4) The crew of each ponton consists of one non-com-
missioned officer in charge, two anchor men, and an outboard
motor operator if the outboard motor is used.
b. Capacity. (1) A ponton with an outboard motor
will carry 100 men with full equipment, in addition to the pon-
ton crew. No special provisions need be made for the 60 mm
mortars and the light machine guns. In general two of the
infantry heavy weapons and a supply of ammunition will dis-
place 3 men. If oars are used, the safe capacity is materially
reduced.
c. Embarking. (1) A landing stage generally will
not be required, the passengers wading from the shore direct-
ly to the boat and the materiel being handed in by wading
men. In some cases chess laid from the shore to the gunwale
of the boat will facilitate loading.
(2) At each embarkation point there should be an
engineer officer or a non-commissioned officer to see that the
personnel are properly formed for embarking and to super-
vise the actual embarking. It is advantageous to have at
least two men standing by to secure the ponton to the shore,
place the chess gangplank, if used, and to cast off the ponton
when it is loaded. When the water is deep quite close to the
shore it may be necessary to use chess gangplanks.
(3) The ponton is moored parallel or perpendicular
to the shore in water deep enough to float the ponton after
it has been fully loaded. The crew takes its post prior to the
loading. When chess gangplanks are provided, they should
be placed by the shore detail. At the command "Embark,"
given by the officer or the non-commissioned officer in charge
73
at the embarkation point, the men enter their respective
compartments and seat themselves as directed. Rifles are
carried at the trail during embarkation. The rifles and com-
ponent parts of the 60-mm mortar and the light machine gun
are stowed away in convenient spaces after the passengers
are seated.
d. Conduct during crossing. While the passengers are
in the boat, they will promptly carry out the instructions of
the engineer non-commissioned officer in charge of the boat
and will remain steady in the ponton under all conditions.
There will be no firing during the crossing. The passengers
will maintain silence. They will avoid interfering with the
oarsmen. Passenger officers and non-commissioned officers
will assist the engineer non-commissioned officer in charge
of the ponton and see that his orders and instruction are
promptly carried out.
e. Disembarking. (1) The ponton should be moored
to the far shore perpendicular or parallel thereto as conditions
may indicate. It is desirable to have two men stationed at
the unloading point to secure the ponton to the shore during
the unloading operation and cast it off after the unloading
operation is complete.
(2) When the unloading point is reached and the pon-
ton is secured against the shore, the passengers will debark
under the instructions from the engineer non-commissioned
officer in charge of the boat. In general, it will be necessary
for the passengers to debark in water which is about 18 inches
deep since this is the draft of the boat when fully loaded with
personnel and light equipment.
64. RAFT FERRIES. a. General (1) Rafts may
be constructed with the equipage which are suitable for all
loads which do not exceed the capacity of the normal or rein-
forced bridges. In general, the freeboard of the individual
pontons in the raft should be at least 9 inches, after the load
has been placed in its final position. This is the amount of
freeboard available when each ponton has a live load of 15
tons. Often available floor space will govern the loading
rather than the flotation capacity of the raft. Rafts are
usually of the same construction as one or more ponton spans
of the normally constructed bridge, reinforced if necessary.
(2) In general, a uniformly distributed load on the
deck of the raft will cause the center pontons to show less
free board than the end pontons. The same is true of a single
74
heavy vehicle. When several vehicles are loaded or when the
raft is loaded with personnel, judicious distribution and spac-
ing of the load will give a uniform freeboard on all pontons
and reduce balk stresses to a minumum. When loading per-
sonnel in column of sixes (double column), this can best be
accomplished by dividing the load into two columns of sixes,
each closed up and placed as close to the ends of the raft as
possible. This should leave an open space in the middle of the
raft.
(3) When vehicles are carried on rafts, the full length
of the raft cannot be occupied by the load. When vehicles are
being loaded, the landing stage is first lower than the raft,
and then higher as the load leaves the stage and passes onto
the raft. The reverse action occurs during unloading. Ac-
cordingly, the junction between landing stage and raft must
be bridged by chess or planks and space must be provided on
the raft for placing them. When the trestle type (See e (3)
below) of landing stage is used, the chess must be removed
from the shore end of the raft to at least one foot beyond
the hinge sill. With the trestle type of landing stage, the raft,
if normally constructed, must contain a hinge sill at each
end, in the same position as though it were a hinge sill raft
in a bridge. If the reinforced construction is used, a hinge
sill should be placed in the middle of each of the next to the
end pontons.
b. Types of rafts. (1) Two ponton one bay. This
raft consists of one normal ponton span of the bridge.
(2) Three ponton two bay. This raft consists of
two normal ponton spans of the bridge.
(3) Four ponton three bay. This raft consists of
three normal spans of the bridge.
(4) Any of the above rafts may be reinforced by plac-
ing an additional ponton within the normal intervals between
every two pontons. The additional pontons are lashed in
place by using four stirrups, one at each gunwale on the out-
side balk.
c. Propelling rafts. (1) Rafts cannot be rowed
effectively.
(2) The 22-hp. outboard motors and the power boat
of the equipage provide an excellent means of maneuvering
rafts of various sizes in all streams whose currents are within
the power capabilities of the motors. The method of attach-
ing the 22-hp. outboard motor to the power ponton and the
75
method of attaching the power ponton to the raft together
with general considerations covering the use of outboard mo-
tors and power boats are discussed in Section XVIII.
(3) The power boat is very efficient in propelling
rafts, and for this work requires no other additional equip-
ment than a few lengths of towing cable.
d. Trail and flying ferries. (1) The trail ferry
principle may be used to propel the raft if the current exceeds
2 miles per hour at all points between landing stages. A cable
is stretched across the stream and made fast to suitable trees
or hold-fasts. If hold-fasts are used, the cable may be ele-
vated by passing it over an A-frame erected near each end of
the cable. A block and tackle is provided to take excess sag
out of the cable from time to time as it stretches. A snatch
block is fixed to the cable so that its sheave will be free to roll
on the cable. Maneuvering lines are attached to the hook of
the snatch block and are run to the ends of pontons at diag-
onally opposite corners of the raft as shown. To operate the
ferry the raft is turned at an angle to the current by means
of the maneuvering lines running to the block so that the up-
stream ends of the pontons of the raft incline towards the
shore to which it is desired to move the raft. The current im-
Figure 29. Layout for trail ferry.
pinges upon the exposed sides of the pontons of the raft and
forces it to move across the stream, the snatch block travel-
ling on the cable. The speed of the raft increases the further
the raft is pointed out of the current up to about 45. The
layout for the trail ferry is shown in Figure 29.
76
(2) The flying ferry works upon the same principle
as the trail ferry, except that the raft is held in the stream
by means of an anchor cable which is made fast to an anchor-
age well upstream from where the crossings are to be made.
If the strongest current is near one shore, the anchorage must
be located near the other shore. If the current is uniform be-
tween landings, the anchorage should be located in midstream.
The length of the cable must be at least one and one-half times
the width of the stream. The cable is supported at intervals
by pontons or other floats to keep it out of the water. The
cable is made fast to the raft at its center, and maneuvering
ropes for turning the raft toward one shore or the other are
made fast to the cable. As the raft moves from shore to shore
it swings on the arc of a circle about the anchor as a center.
The flying ferry requires a current velocity of about 2y2
miles per hour minimum from landing to landing, or slightly
more than the trail ferry. The layout for the flying ferry is
shown in figure 30.
(3) Where currents less
than those indicated in (1) and
(2) above are encountered, the
principle of the trail and flying
ferry is useful in providing se-
curity against drifting down-
stream, but the movement be-
tween landings should be accel-
erated by the use of an out-
board motor.
(4) When ferrying oper-
ations are conducted on very
wide bodies of water with mod-
erate currents, it may be de-
sirable to dispense with the
trail or flying ferry and operate
several free rafts propelled by
outboard motors between the
same set of landings. The num-
ber of free rafts which can be
operated between one pair of
landings without interference
will depend upon the ratio of
crossing time to either loading
or unloading time.
Figure 30. Layout for flying ferry.
77
e. Landing stages. (1) General. Landing stages
must be provided at each bank for ferrying vehicles. For
very light vehicles, the simple floating type of landing stage
will suffice; however, the trestle type is preferred, and must
be used for heavier vehicles.
(2) Simple floating landing stage. (a) The sim-
plest form of landing stage is constructed by laying a span of
the bridge from an abutment sill on shore to the far gunwale
of a ponton moored at the proper distance from and parallel
to the abutment sill. Ponton balk are used for this purpose.
Two ponton balk should be used as siderails and siderail
clamps placed and secured at the quarter points of each side-
rail. A transverse balk is placed under the middle of the span.
The balk fastener loops nearest the end of the ponton balk
should extend shoreward of the shore edge of the abutment
sill. A chess end dam is used at the abutment end of the balk.
The details of this form of landing stage are shown below in
Figure 31.
(b) This floating landing stage will suffice for
light loads whenever deep water is available near the shore
and when it is possible to place the abutment sill in firm
ground with its upper surface not less than 1 foot and not
more than 3 feet above the water with a reasonable amount
of grading. In other cases the trestle type will have to be
used.
(c) When loads move from the landing stage on-
to the raft and vice versa, the floors of the two structures
will assume different levels because of the action of the pon-
tons under the load. When the difference in elevation between
the floor of the landing stage and that of the raft caused by
a load on one or the other is appreciable, some means of trans-
ferring the load from the landing stage to the raft or vice
versa must be provided. For light loads this may be accomp-
lished by laying tracks of chess on the loaded or lower part
with not over 6 inches of the ends of the chess engaged over
or on the higher part. When animals are loaded, at least 10
chess should be laid side by side in order to cover the crack
between the raft and the stage completely so that there is no
danger of animals stepping into the opening. When the load
comes on the tracks of chess, the higher floor level will be
forced down so that the elevation of the stage and of the raft
will be the same as the load transfers from one to the other.
Where axle loads exceeding 2 tons are expected, two 6-inch
by 12-inch timbers or hewed logs about 10 feet long beveled
78
on the ends and constructed into ramps should be used in
place of chess. Two sets of ramps must be provided, one set
for each landing stage.
(d) Several thick rope or truck tire buffers
should be suspended along the river side of the landing stage
to cushion the shock of collision between the landing stage
and the raft.
Figure 31. Landing stage for ferrying operation.
79
(3) Trestle type landing stage. (a) In this type
of landing stage, a standard abutment span is constructed
and any number of standard trestle spans may be used if nec-
essary to reach water deep enough to float the loaded raft.
The raft containing a hinge sill is brought into place and a
hinge span is constructed to serve as a movable drawbridge
connecting the raft to the river trestle. A transverse balk
is used in the hinge span in such a position that it is as near
the midpoint of the span as possible and still clears the near
gunwale of the near ponton when the balk of the hinge span
are resting in their proper place on the hinge sill. A snatch
block is suspended from the chain hoist brackets at the top
of the columns. A one inch rope is placed in each snatch
block. The riverward end of the ropes are made fast under
balk Nos. 1 and 10 respectively, each rope being placed under
the balk and over the siderail. The shoreward ends of the
ropes are made fast to two chain hoists, each of which is
fastened by lines either to a deadman on shore or to the tran-
som of the next shoreward trestle. By operating the chain
hoists simultaneously, the entire hinge span is lifted to clear
the raft or is lowered to engage the raft.
(b) A double guy line should extend back from
the top of each column of the far trestle to a holdfast on
shore. This double rope should be twisted tight by means of
a picket or rack stick. The chain hoist, column and guy line
should all be in the same vertical plane so that a straight line
pull is exerted.
(c) Each balk of the hinge spans should be lashed
loosely to the transom. Tight lashings will pull the metal
fittings out of the balk.
(d) The chain hoist hooks must be disengaged
from the rope slings when loads are moving onto or off the
raft.
(e) Two men must be stationed at each of the
two chain hoists to operate them together in a coordinated
manner.
(f) The landing stages are constructed by the
same details as would ordinarily build the sections of a stand-
ard bridge which compose the landing stage. The far shore
section thus builds the far shore landing stage in a similar
manner.
/. Loading. (1) Vehicles must be chocked to keep
them from rolling while on the raft. A trestle balk or chess,
80
laid across the roadway of the raft on top of the siderails
with its wider faces horizontal makes a good chock. It is
placed against the wheels and lashed to the siderail.
(2) Nervous and otherwise troublesome animals
should be led onto the raft and held by a dismounted man
during the crossing. Animals should be handled by the per-
sonnel to whom they are accustomed. If a large number of
animals are to be ferried, it will help to keep the animals
quiet if a rope rail is placed along the sides and the ends of
the raft. The addition of brush, secured to the rope rail at
the top and to the siderails at the bottom, will aid in keeping
them quiet. Particularly troublesome animals should be
blindfolded.
(3) Personnel to be ferried are formed in columns
of sixes and marched onto the raft with normal marching
distance between ranks. The separate ranks close up to the
distance which will give uniform distribution of the load on
the roadway of the raft or which will give the most favorable
load distribution. Personnel stand at ease while on the raft.
The ranks resume normal marching distance as they march
off.
g. Crew and equipment. (1) An engineer officer with
a suitable detail of engineer enlisted men is assigned to the
supervision and operation of each raft. This officer is respon-
sible for the safe and speedy loading, passage, and unloading
of the raft.
(2) The raft should be provided with the necessary
anchors and anchor cables attached with which to hold the
raft in the stream in case the outboard motor fails or the
trail or flying ferry cable parts. Men should be stationed at
these anchors with no other duties than to cast them in case
of necessity.
h. Conduct during the crossing. From the time the
loads are turned over to the engineer officer in charge of the
raft for loading until they are unloaded on the opposite bank,
the loads are under his orders and those of the noncommis-
sioned officers of his crew. All instructions issued by them
will be promptly and strictly complied with. All officers and
noncommissioned officers who are passengers on the raft will
assist the engineer officer or the noncommissioned officers
under him in any way that may be necessary.
i. Expedients. (1) Several rapid methods for load-
ing and unloading vehicles up to and including the light tank
81
in size can be used with the equipment at hand in a ponton
company. One such method makes use of the tractor ramps
furnished for loading and unloading the medium tractors
from their trailers. If the raft is constructed with a sill
placed outside the shore gunwale of the shore boat and the
raft end of the tractor ramps supported on this sill, vehicles
up to and including the light tank can be readily loaded and
unloaded.
(2) If any treadway sections of the armored force
bridge are available, an excellent rapid means of constructing
ferries is at hand. Any expedient which eliminates the use of
fixed landing stages will result in a saving of time and will
aid in the flexibility of the installation.
Section XVI
TIME AND LABOR REQUIREMENTS
65. GENERAL. a. The tables which follow show
the time and labor requirements for performing the various
operations described in this chapter. It must be understood
that the figures given are to serve as guides only and are
based upon the conditions stated in the table. Time and
labor requirements will vary widely from these figures depend-
ing upon conditions. The figures given under the conditions
shown apply to work in daylight with personnel fairly well
trained in their duties, familiar with the equipment, and in
good physical condition. Work at night without lights and
with inexperienced personnel not accustomed to the hard labor
required will consume much greater time for each operation
than the figures shown. In general, night operations will
consume twice as much time as in daylight. For a ponton
bridge whose construction will require more than 5 to 6 hours,
plans should be made to provide reliefs for the working parties
in order to avoid exhaustion.
b. No figures can be given for the handling of the trans-
portation immediately preparatory to unloading. The time
required for these operations depends upon the terrain, the
conditions of the road or the soil, the weather, the size of
the area available, and the traffic circulation which the site
provides. In any plan for the use of the equipment, ample
estimates must be made for this phase of the operation.
82
Operation
Personnel Required
Time
Conditions
Unloading Trailers
Ponton Load
2 NCO and 25 Pvts
10 minutes
Unloading by hand.
or crane and 1 NCO
5 minutes
Using crane to un-
and 15 Pvts
load ponton. Re-
mainder by hand.
Trestle Load
2 NCO and 25 Pvts
20 minutes
Unload by hand and
or crane and 1 NCO
15 minutes
pile 25' away. Crane
and 15 Pvts
unloads transoms.
Rest by hand.
Abutment Load
1 NCO and 15 Pvts
10 minutes
All unloaded by hand.
Handling Ponton
Carrying and
30 to 40 men
4 minutes
A clear path to the
launching
first 100
water fairly level
feet; add 10
and even ground
minutes for
no difficulties at
Loading Trailers
next 200 ft.
river bank.
Ponton Load
2 NCO and 25 Pvts
10 minutes
Loading by hand.
or crane 1 NCO and
7 minutes
Ponton loaded with
15 Pvts
crane. Rest by hand.
Trestle Load
2 NCO and 25 Pvts
20 minutes
All loading by hand.
or crane 1 NCO and
15 minutes
Transoms loaded
15 Pvts
with crane. Rest by
hand.
Abutment Load
1 NCO and 15 Pvts
10 minutes
Loaded by hand.
Bridge Construction
by Successive Pontons
Abutment Section
Operation
Personnel Required
Time
Conditions
Cable Section
2 NCO and 10 Pvts
10 minutes
River 300 feet. Cur-
rent not over 3 m.p.h.
Motor boats used to
carry cable over.
By Parts
Shore Connections
Same as for successive pontons
Each Fart
Party same as for
successive pontons
6 minutes
per bay
Parts constructed
simultaneously.
Ferrying General
Conditions
River 300' wide
Current 2
miles per
hour
Water at bank deep
enough to float load-
ed ponton.
Single Pontons
Single ponton with
infantry loaded
lightly
Crew of 7 and 2 pri-
vates on each shore
10 minutes
Boat manned by 6
oars Time includes
embarking, crossing,
debarking, and re-
turn trip of empty
boat.
Same as above
Crew of 3 and 1
NCO and 2 Pvts on
shore
6 minutes
Boat propelled by
outboard motor.
Rafts
Construction
1 NCO and 30 Pvts
25 minutes
3 Boat Raft. Normal
ponton span con-
struction only. Ma-
terial for building
raft conveniently
segregated and
stacked.
Landing stage con-
struction
20 Privates
45 minutes
to construct
single pon-
ton landing
stage
All materials sorted
Section XVII
ROWING DRILL
66. GENERAL. 25-ton pontons are much more diffi-
cult to maneuver with oars than are the light pontons. In
streams having a velocity in excess of about three miles per
hour, outboard motors, power boats, or maneuver cables
should be employed where pontons have to be moved at a
distance from shore. However, thorough training as an oars-
man is essential for a well instructed engineer soldier. Even
when using power boats or cables, skilled oarsmen are re-
quired to handle and place the individual pontons. Where
manual operation of pontons must be relied upon 16-foot oars
will be found more effective than 14-foot oars, although re-
quiring better trained oarsmen.
67. INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION. a. Individual in-
struction in the use of the oars, paddles, and boat hooks
should be carefully supervised by the commissioned officers
of the company to see that every part of the drill is properly
taught.
&. The instructor (usually a noncommissioned officer)
embarks his detachment, consisting of 6 oarsmen, and pushes
out into deep water where he casts anchor. The ponton is
provided with 7 oars, 2 boathooks, and 1 anchor and cable.
The instructor, placing himself in the stern, details each oars-
man in turn to practice with the oar, the others paying close
attention to the drill.
c. At the command ATTENTION, the oarsman inserts
the rowlock in the socket, and then facing aft places himself
in the middle of the ponton abreast of his rowlock, assuming
a standing position and trimming boat.
d. At the command UP OARS, he grasps his oar and
raises it briskly to the vertical in front of the center of his
body, the handle resting on the bottom of the boat and the
blade parallel to the keel. The hand next to his rowlock
grasps the oar at the height of the chest, elbow and wrist
horizontal; the other steadies it at a point 12 inches lower.
e. At the command LET FALL, he side-steps 18 inches
with the foot opposite the rowlock, and allows his oar to fall
outward so that the blade strikes the water while the shaft
is held clear of the gunwale. He then places the shaft in
the rowlock, 34 feet from the end of the grip, with the blade
85
horizontal. He next slips one hand to the grip and places
the other on the oar 8 inches from it, the backs of both
hands being up and the wrists lowered, and moves the foot
next to the rowlock 18 inches to the rear. Only 34 feet of
the oar should be in the ponton.
/. At the command GIVE WAY, given when the oar is
at the final position indicated for LET FALL (or at HOLD
WATER, in which case the oar is at once brought to this
position), he raises his wrists and extends his arms, throw-
ing the weight of the body well forward, drops the blade
vertically into the water, throws his weight strongly back-
ward upon the oar, disengages it from the water, and resumes
his first position. These motions are repeated with regularity,
taking care to make a long sweep, to keep the oar near the
water, and to feather it by depressing the wrists after every
emersion until the command WAY ENOUGH or OARS is
given. The instructor will take care that the oar is moved
by the weight of the body and not by the force of the arms.
g. At the command WAY ENOUGH, given when the
oar is in the water, the oarsman takes one stroke, raises his
oar to a vertical position, and lays it gently in the ponton,
the blade toward the bow.
h. At the command OARS, given when the oar is in
the water, he takes one stroke if rowing, and resumes the
final position indicated for LET FALL. If at the position
HOLD WATER, the stroke is omitted.
i. At the command HOLD WATER, given when the oar
is in the final position indicated for LET FALL, the oarsman
raises the grip so as to engage the blade in the water, and
holds the oar firmly at right angles to the ponton, blade
vertical. The object is to check the headway when in motion.
j. At the command STERN ALL, given when the oar
is at HOLD WATER, or at the final position indicated for
LET FALL, he reverses the operation of rowing as described
under GIVE WAY, and by pushing vigorously against the
oar when immersed, gives the ponton a motion astern. The
operation ceases at the commands WAY ENOUGH or OARS,
which are executed as described above.
k. The command UNSHIP is given when the oar is in
the final position indicated for LET FALL, and is executed
by removing the oar from the rowlock and letting it trail
86
alongside, held by the hand next the gunwale. This position
is used whenever it is necessary to prevent fouling the oars
suddenly. At the command SHIP the oar is restored to its
former position.
I. The command BOAT OARS may be given when the
oar is in the final position indicated for LET FALL or at
UP OARS. The oarsman raises his oar to the vertical, if
not already there, lays it quietly on the bulkheads of the
ponton, blade toward the bow, and takes the position of
ATTENTION.
68. SCHOOL OF THE PONTON. a. The object of
this school is the instruction of the oarsman in the manage-
ment of the single ponton. It is not to be taught until all
of the crew are thoroughly familiar with the use of the oar
as described under individual instruction. The exercise will
be conducted under the close supervision of a commissioned
officer. The right and left of a boat are the right and left
sides when facing the bow.
b. To embark, the instructor provides his detachment
with seven oars and two boat hooks, forms it in single rank,
with the best oarsmen on the right, commands LEFT FACE,
and marches it into the ponton. Oars and boat hooks are
carried on the shoulder, blades or hooks well up. The oars
are deposited in the bottom of the ponton, six with the blades
toward the bow and the seventh reversed. The boat hooks
are placed outside the oars, prongs toward the bow. The
cable is coiled in the bow, with the lower end made fast to
a bow mooring cleat and the other attached to the anchor
by an anchor knot. The anchor is placed with its flukes over
the bow.
c. At the command ATTENTION (executed as under
individual instruction) the crew arrange themselves in the
order in which they were formed on shore, the right oars-
man (stroke oar) taking the after rowlock and the others
alternating, the even numbers being on the left side. The in-
structor then directs one or two of the crew to step ashore,
remove the moorings, and prepare to push the ponton from
the bank.
d. At the command UP OARS (executed as under in-
dividual instruction) the instructor takes the reversed oar
himself and, drawing it aft horizontally, puts the blade over
the stern.
87
e. At the command SHOVE OFF the men on shore,
aided by the instructor, and, if necessary, by others of the
crew with their oars, disengage the ponton from the bank
and jump in. All the oarsmen then assume the position of
UP OARS, and the instructor places his oar in the stern
rowlock in readiness to direct the course of the boat.
/. The command LET FALL (executed as under indi-
vidual instruction) is then given.
g. The crew is next drilled to execute in unison the
following movements as prescribed under individual instruc-
tion, the after right oarsman (stroke oar) giving the cadence:
GIVE WAY; WAY ENOUGH; UP OARS; LET FALL;
OARS; HOLD WATER; STERN ALL; UNSHIP; SHIP;
BOAT OARS; REST. In order to secure the simultaneous
and prompt execution of these movements the preparatory
commands similar to the following may be used: STAND
BY TO GIVE WAY; STAND BY TO LAY ON OARS; STAND
BY TO STERN ALL. These exercises will be continued until
the entire crew can execute them properly.
h. When the crew is well drilled in the foregoing simple
exercises, the following more complicated movements will
be taught:
(1) To turn the ponton rapidly, the oars being at the
final position indicated for LET FALL, the instructor com-
mands GIVE WAY RIGHT (or LEFT); BACK LEFT (or
RIGHT). Pulling and backing oars keep stroke with the
after oar of their own side. To cease turning the instructor
commands GIVE WAY, at which the backing oars take the
direct stroke. Assisting with his own oar, the instructor
can turn the ponton with great rapidity and in a very small
space by this method.
(2) To cast anchor the ponton is first headed to
the current and its way checked. At the command PRE-
PARE TO CAST ANCHOR, the right and left bow oarsmen
boat their oars; the former unships the bow rowlock (if in
the socket) and sees that the cable is clear, while the latter
grasps the stock with both hands near the shank, and stands
ready to cast it overboard. At the command CAST ANCHOR
he tips it into the water and assists the right bow oarsman
in paying out the cable. When the ponton has dropped astern
(or been backed) about five times the depth of the water,
they take a single turn around one of the bow cleats and
88
hold strongly upon the cable to make the flukes take hold of
the bottom. When this is accomplished, they gradually pay
out about as much more rope, and then secure the cable to
one of the bow cleats. The instructor then commands BOAT
OARS.
(3) To weigh anchor, the crew being at ATTENTION,
the instructor commands: 1. PREPARE TO WEIGH AN-
CHOR; 2. UP OARS; 3. LET FALL. At the first com-
mand the left bow oarsman loosens the cable from the cleat
and, aided by the right bow oarsman, passes it over the middle
of the bow; they stand ready to haul in. The remaining oars-
men obey the second and third commands as given. The
instructor then commands GIVE WAY and causes the ponton
to be moved slowly toward the anchor, the bow oarsman
taking in the slack of the cable and neatly coiling it away
in the bow. While the cable becomes vertical, the way of
the ponton is checked, and the two men, pulling vigorously,
raise the anchor to the bow, where it is held by the right
bow oarsman, while the left bow oarsman grasps the stock
with both hands, and, aided by the other bow oarsman, lifts
it to its position already described. Weeds should be removed
by hand and the anchor cleaned by dipping. They then re-
sume their oars and take the stroke.
(4) To debark on approaching the landing place, the
ponton being headed in the proper direction, the instructor
commands IN BOWS. At this command the bow oarsman
takes one stroke, and, boating his oar as directed under
individual instruction, takes a boat hook and stands ready
to assist in the landing. When sufficient way has been gained,
the instructor commands WAY ENOUGH, and the stroke
oarsman takes the remaining boat hook to assist in the
landing. The instructor with the steering oar then brings
the ponton to the bank in the most convenient manner,
causes the rowlocks to be unshipped and the ponton to be
properly secured, and lands his men in a way similar to that
prescribed for embarking them.
i. When anchoring the heavy ponton it will be found
helpful to require the bow oarsmen to take one round turn
around the capstan in a clockwise direction before making
fast to the bow cleats. The capstan may then be used to
take in the cable where positive adjustment has to be made
in the position of the single ponton as is the case when
placing pontons on line in bridge construction.
89
Section XVIII
OUTBOARD MOTORS AND POWER BOATS
69. OUTBOARD MOTORS. a. Included in the or-
ganizational equipment of each unit of ponton equipage are
the following:
4 22-hp. outboard motors
4 attachment brackets.
&. The 22-hp. motor weighs approximately 110 pounds
and has an over-all length of about 52 inches and an over-
all width of about 18 inches. It carries a three-blade propeller
with a diameter of 12 inches and a pitch of about 8 inches.
It is a nonreversing, twin-cylinder, rope-starting motor,
rated at 22 hp. at 4,000 r.p.m. It has, however, 360 steer-
ing which permits the effect of reversing the motor. An
instruction book for the operation and care of the motor is
furnished with each motor and describes in detail the parts
of the motor.
c. An attachment bracket is furnished for each 22-hp.
motor. It is fastened to the stern of the ponton, clamping
over the top of the ponton and hooking over a lug on the
skids. Movable metal arms carry a board to which the motor
is attached. The board is raised or lowered by a lever so
that the propeller may be kept submerged at the proper depth
regardless of the draft of the ponton.
Figure 32. Outboard motor attachment bracket.
d. Successful and dependable operation of outboard
motors is assured provided the directions contained in the
90
manufacturer's instruction book are faithfully and precisely
followed, and the motors are operated only by men trained
in their use. Otherwise the operation of outboard motors
will be unreliable and unsatisfactory. The following points
are worthy of especial emphasis:
(1) Special boxes are provided for transportation of
motors by truck and always must be used. Motors must not
be dropped on the ground whether in their boxes or not.
Motors should be covered when not in use.
(2) The instructions of the manufacturer regarding
spark plugs and the mixture of oil and gasoline are especially
important and must be followed exactly.
(3) Dirty or wet spark plugs are the most frequent
cause of failure of an outboard motor to start or to operate
properly. The motor operator always should carry at least
one extra set of clean, dry spark plugs in his pocket so as to
be prepared to make immediate substitutions when necessary.
It has been found that if an outboard motor does not start
after four or five vigorous pulls on the starting rope the best
procedure is to replace the spark plugs with dry ones, and
clean the carburetor and fuel lines of any water that might
have been in the gasoline. Spark plugs should be replaced
after about seven hours use and all gasoline should be care-
fully handled to reduce the possibility of the introduction of
water.
(4) Motor operators should be prohibited from dis-
assembling the motor other than removal and replacement
of spark plugs and removal and replacement of fuel line
screens. Other repairs are shop jobs to be performed under
the supervision of a skilled mechanic.
(5) After removal from the water the outboard motor
should be carried with the propeller inclined downward until
all water has been drained from the underwater exhaust
system; otherwise, the water may get into the cylinders if
the exhaust ports are open, and cause hard starting even if
the motor is used again without delay. If the motor is stored,
serious damage to the engine will result if it is stored with
either fresh or salt water in the cylinders.
e. (1) This motor is for use with the ponton equipage
in bridging and ferrying operations. Attached to a single
ponton it has many uses, such as ferrying troops, anchor work,
moving pontons to their places in the bridge, patrolling, taking
91
a line or detail to the far shore and similar work. In currents
of three miles per hour or more, the efficiency of bridging
and ferrying operations is greatly increased by the use of
the outboard motors.
(2) In propelling rafts the outboards are necessary.
For a two-ponton raft the motor may be attached to one
ponton of the raft. For larger rafts the motor should be
attached to the stern of a separate ponton, which is used
as a power ponton, fastened to the rear of the center of the
raft. To hold the power ponton parallel to the pontons of
the raft, lines should be run from the sides of the raft to
the stern of the power ponton. Training and practice are
necessary for efficiency in the use of motors in ponton work.
(3) Motors can be used only in streams of sufficient
depth to prevent damage to the propeller. The propeller
should be raised and cleaned of weeds as often as necessary.
Driftwood may damage the propeller if care is not exercised.
70. POWER BOATS. a. One 16-foot utility power
boat with an inboard motor is provided for use with each
bridge unit. The care of the motor is fully described in the
manufacturer's instructions accompanying the equipment. The
power boat is for general utility work around the bridge
or ferry site, making reconnaissance patrols, patrolling for
debris, as safety boat, placing anchors, etc. It is not recom-
mended for ferrying troops because of its limited capacity.
b. The power boat is transported on a two-wheeled
trailer and is towed behind a 2i-ton cargo truck.
Section XIX
MAINTENANCE OF EQUIPAGE
71. GENERAL MAINTENANCE. a. General (1)
Proper care and maintenance of the ponton equipage in ac-
cordance with a routine program is essential to keep it in
condition for use as required, and to avoid any possibility
of failure of any of its parts either to operate properly or to
carry the heavy loads that the equipment may be subjected
to. This is especially true because of the number of mechani-
cal devices included in the equipage, and the fact that factors
of safety in all parts of the equipment have been kept small
in order to keep weight down. Moreover, proper maintenance
will insure the appearance of general smartness expected of
all military equipment.
92
(2) A regular program of inspection, cleaning, re-
placement, repair, and painting should be set up and adhered
to. It is especially important that all parts of the equipment
be carefully inspected and corrective measures taken when
the equipment is put away after extended use.
(3) It is important that all parts of the equipment
be kept clean. This is particularly true of the numerous
mechanical devices which often will not operate properly when
foul. The equipment must be thoroughly cleaned before be-
ing stored for any considerable period or serious deteriora-
tion will result. Keeping the aluminum pontons and trestles
and the wooden parts of the equipage thoroughly painted is
essential. In general, the various mechanical devices are de-
signed to operate satisfactorily without lubrication. Screw
parts particularly should not be lubricated because experience
has shown that this leads to an accumulation of dirt and dust
in service use, which is apt to cause more fouling and damage
to the screw parts than results without lubrication.
(4) The equipment should always be stored under
cover, when practicable. When open storage must be used,
parts of the equipment should be so disposed that water will
drain from the stacks, there will be adequate ventilation, and
none of the pieces of the equipment will be placed in direct
contact with the ground. It is especially important that
equipment is well painted when stored in the open for any
extended period.
(5) Points regarding the care and maintenance of the
several parts of the equipment are covered in the succeeding
paragraphs.
b. Pontons. (1) The aluminum alloy of the ponton
is subject to corrosion, which not only causes a break-down
of the surface of the metal, as with iron and steel, but also of
the whole structure of this metal. This process is accelerated
by salt or brackish water. Accordingly, care must be taken
to keep the pontons painted.
(2) Periodically when in use, and invariably before
storing, the ponton should be thoroughly cleaned and washed,
both inside and out, and thoroughly dried. This process
should include removal and cleaning of the grating.
(3) The pontons may be stored under cover, stacked
or loaded on the trailers, as desired and as space permits.
When stored stacked under cover, they may be placed in the
93
stacks either upright or inverted, with stacks no higher than
three pontons. The bottom ponton in the stack should be
held off the ground or floor by timbers or other materials at
least 10 inches thick, placed so that the ponton will rest
evenly on at least the four points where the outside bulk-
heads intersect the sides of the pontons. Cross timbers should
be placed similarly between pontons in one stack.
(4) Pontons should never be stored in the open on
the trailers nor upright on the ground. This is especially
important if the pontons are stacked in the open because seri-
ous damage may result from an accumulation of rain water
or snow in them. Even for temporary storage prior to use,
it is desirable to place them bottom side up, to avoid having
to pump them out.
(5) Care should be taken to avoid resting or dragging
the ponton over sharp obstructions. When pontons are be-
ing turned over, particular care should be taken to avoid
damaging the carrying rail.
(6) Balk fasteners should be kept fast in their
keepers, except when actually in use. Particular care should
be taken that the mousing on the spare balk fasteners re-
mains in place to avoid their loss.
c. Trestles. (1) The trestle is made of aluminum
alloy throughout, except for a few parts of the shoes, and
requires the same care to avoid corrosion as does the ponton.
(2) The trestle parts may be stored in any convenient
fashion provided care is taken to prevent crushing or bend-
ing of the columns and transoms. Preferably, the transoms
should be placed erect, to avoid any possibility of bending or
damage to its lashing cleat castings by placing loads upon
it when laid flat. Trestle shoes may be stacked or laid side
by side, teeth down, the top of the columns also laid side
by side.
(3) It is especially important that no load is placed
on the transom, when the trestle is in use, before the pins
which secure the transom to the columns have been inserted.
(4) Chests are provided for the storage and trans-
portation of the chain hoists and they should always be
used for these purposes. It is especially important that the
chain and other parts of the chain hoist be kept clean or ex-
cessive wear and damage to the working parts will result.
Lubrication should follow the manufacturer's instructions.
94
d. Balk, chess, and sill. The factor of safety utilized
in the design of these members is small. Accordingly, it is
of particular importance that these items be kept well painted
and stored in the proper manner so as to keep the action of
decay at a minimum. Minor damages through cuts or abra-
sions are particularly subject to incipient decay and should
be trimmed off and painted as soon as practicable. Metal
parts should be kept clean and greased or painted to reduce
rusting. It is of particular importance that these items be
placed in well ventilated stacks well off the ground, and with
one end higher than the other to allow for drainage when
in storage in the open.
e. Fittings. Chests are provided for storing and trans-
porting the side rail clamps, hinge sill hangers, windlass
sticks, oarlocks, and small trailer spare parts and should be
used for these purposes.
/. Outboard motors. The care and maintenance of
outboard motors is covered fully in paragraph 69.
g. Miscellaneous items. These include rope, anchors,
oars, boathooks, and pickets. These items can be stored in
any convenient fashion. The anchor should have the stock
unlatched and tied to the shank. Rope should be coiled,
handled, and stored as prescribed in engineer field manuals.
Rope also should be washed thoroughly free of grit and dirt,
periodically and before storage, which otherwise will work
into the fibers, cutting them and materially reducing the
strength of the rope.
h. Trailers. (1) In general, the care and maintenance
for the trailers are the same as is generally prescribed for
motor vehicles. Special attention must be given to lubrica-
tion and tire inflation. The latter should be checked fre-
quently, especially when going into service after a period of
idleness.
(2) The ponton has been designed primarily to carry
loads only when it is floating freely in water. The trans-
portation of the necessary accessories for its operation should
be limited to a minimum.
72. REPAIRS. a. Balk, chess, and sills. In general,
repairs to these items will be limited to removing crushed
or splintered wood, reshaping, and painting minor cuts and
blemishes, and straightening and refastening the metal fix-
tures. Fittings should be removed from condemned timbers
and retained for use as future replacements.
96
b. Trailers. Repairs to the running gear of the trailers
are comparable to similar work on other types of automotive
vehicles. Repairs to the trailers, other than the replacement
of parts, usually require the facilities of a depot.
c. Fittings. Most of the repairs to the siderail clamps,
hinge sill hangers, and similar fittings will consist of straight-
ening deformations of metal parts and removing burrs from
threaded parts. Taps and dies are provided in the ponton
repair kit for truing the threads of the screw parts.
d. Trestle. Slight bends in the transom and columns
may be straightened in the field. Minor punctures and dam-
age to the transom may be repaired with the equipment and
material provided for the purpose in the ponton repair kit.
Repairs other than these generally require the facilities of
a depot.
e. Ponton repair kit. This kit is designed for the re-
pair of the aluminum pontons and the aluminum parts of
the trestle transom. It includes dies for the screw threads
of the siderail clamps, hinge sill hangers, and similar fittings.
In each chest there is a small amount of sheet aluminum, im-
pregnated fabric, plastic material for sealing seam leaks,
rivets, bolts, nuts, and wood screws. All tools are manually
operated and designed so that no special training is required
for their use.
/. Minor and temporary repairs to the ponton. (1)
Dents in the skin have no immediate effect upon the service-
ability of the ponton but should be removed as they may
cause further damage. They can be removed by light blows
of a hammer, mallet, or a block of wood. Care should be
taken to avoid stretching the metal at the rivets, which may
cause a leak that will be difficult to stop without replacing
the affected portion of the skin.
(2) Usually bent framing will not render the ponton
unserviceable, except in the case of extensive bending of the
gunwale between the bulkheads which may prevent the en-
gagement of the balk fasteners. This should be corrected as
soon as practicable because it weakens the ponton and may
lead to subsequent damage. Slight distortions can be re-
moved by hammering or bumping with a large wooden block.
(3) The most satisfactory hasty method of stopping
a leak below the water line is to stuff the aperture with
wadded fabric, forcing it through in the direction from which
96
Puncture-s
Wadded fabric
wooden
TIT
Figure 33. Plugs driven in hole from direction from
which puncture occurred.
the tear or puncture was made and leaving enough on both
sides to insure keying of the material about the aperture.
A more durable method, usually applicable only to round
holes, is to drive a conical plug of wood into the aperture
from the direction from which the puncture occurred. (See
fig. 33.)
(4) Often short and regular tears above the water
line can be closed sufficiently for a temporary repair by
peining. The dent in the material in the vicinity of the tear
is first flattened; then a flat dolly is held on one side of the
tear, which is closed by hammering just above and below
the tear with the ball end of a pein hammer. The peining
will force the material at the tear together so that the appli-
cation of a heavy coat of paint or similar plastic material
will form a temporary watertight joint. (See fig. 34.)
(5) A more permanent hasty repair of holes is made
by placing a piece of wooden board over the opening with
a piece of impregnated fabric between the wood and the
aluminum skin. The board is bolted or nailed over the aper-
ture, and if nailed, the nails are driven through the aluminum
skin and clinched to the wood. Impregnated fabric is pro-
97
Impregnated fabric
Wood patch'
Pein hammer .:
flat dolly
Figure 34. Temporary skin repairs: peining short regular tear
above waterline; placing fabric and board patch.
vided in the ponton repair kit and is used between the wood
and the aluminum skin to assist in making a watertight joint
between them. If no prepared fabric is available, a piece
of canvas or similar material thoroughly soaked with wet
paint is a reasonably satisfactory substitute. (See fig. 34.)
g. Major and permanent repairs to the ponton. (1)
Patching with a piece of sheet aluminum, with impregnated
fabric between the patch and the skin of the ponton, is the
most permanent method of effecting a repair to a hole in the
skin. The ponton repair kit was designed primarily to effect
this type of repair, and it contains all necessary tools and
supplies. The procedure is as follows: (See figs. 34 and 35.)
(a) Flatten and smooth out the distorted metal
in the vicinity of the rupture and the surface of the skin
to be under the patch.
98
..Aluminum<a/loy patch,
"f ..--Impregnated fabric.
Figure 35. Permanent skin repairs: placing aluminum
sheet patch.
Cut an aluminum patch of size necessary
to cover the hole and to provide space for the rivets to hold
the patch in place. The size of the patch must be kept to
a minimum because the larger it is the more difficult it is to
secure a tight job.
(c) Using the patch as a templet, cut a gasket
from the impregnated fabric.
(d) Lay out the rivet spacing on the patch, center
punching the location for each rivet.
99
(e) Drill one or more of the rivet holes in the
patch and then in the skin using the drilled patch as a tem-
plate. Then temporarily attach the patch to the skin, with
the gasket between it and the skin, and bolt in place with
3/16-inch round head stove bolts.
(f) Drill all the rivet holes and then rivet. The
first rivets driven must be scattered throughout the patch
followed by riveting through the intervening holes. This
procedure is necessary because an attempt to drive the rivets
progressively from one hole to the next will cause the patch
to creep and produce a misalignment of the rivet holes in
the patch and the ponton.
(2) Punctures of less than 5/16-inch diameter can
be closed effectively and more simply by flattening the metal
about the hole and removing burrs, drilling and reaming out
the puncture, and then driving the proper size rivet in the
resulting hole.
(3) In the absence of aluminum sheet, sheets of gal-
vanized iron or plain sheet steel can be used, but these metais
are likely to set up a mild electrolytic action destructive to the
aluminum. It is essential that the aluminum of the ponton
be thoroughly insulated from the patch by the impregnated
fabric furnished with the ponton repair kit. This type of
repair should be considered as temporary and replaced by
an aluminum patch as soon as practicable.
(4) Bent framing will present varying difficulties,
depending on the magnitude of the distortion. Minor correc-
tions have already been covered in paragraph /, for which
the tools supplied in the ponton repair kit are adequate.
Methods of correcting more serious distortions are illustrated
in figure 36. In all these cases special care must be taken
to avoid loosening rivets or stretching the skin around the
rivets so as to produce leaks.
h. Painting. (1) All surfaces should be cleaned
thoroughly of all loose or cracked paint, grease, oils, or other
foreign substances. In addition, aluminum surfaces should
be cleaned with benzol, carbon tetrachloride, naptha, or am-
monium phosphate. Parts cleaned by this method should
receive a final rinse in clean unused solvent. This solvent
should be the same as that used in the previous operation.
100
Heavy
service.
I be<am-.
Heavy .serv/ce
(1C "clamp
Figure 36. Method of straightening serious distortions
of framing.
Aluminum surfaces of the ponton and trestle should be etched
or roughened after being cleaned. Surface treatment may be
accomplished by one of the following methods:
(a) With a solution made up of 10% commercial
phosphoric acid, 10% ethyl or butyl alcohol and 80% water.
This wash should remain in contact with the surface for 15
minutes and should then be washed with warm water (100-
150F.).
(b) Roughening the surface with No. 00 sand-
paper if materials for treatment as in (a) above are
available.
101
(2) Painting of Ponton and Trestle. The surface
should be given a priming coat of zinc chromate based on the
following formula:
Flat Zinc Chromate Primer
Zinc Chromate 37 per cent
Indian red 4 per cent
Abestine 16 per cent
Spar varnish 27 per cent
Solvent naptha 13 per cent
Linseed oil 3 per cent
Spar varnish should be of the water resisting type (Fed. Spec.
TT-V-121) and in addition should be free from rosin or rosin
compounds. The resin present should be a pure phenolic
resin. (All rosins are resins, but rosins are a specific natural
group of resins obtained from distilling turpentine, whereas
a resin is any group of solid or semi-solid organic substances
soluble in ether, alcohol, etc., but not in water.) After priming,
the surfaces should receive a ground coat consisting of alumi-
num powder (Fed. Spec. TT-A-476) or aluminum paste (Fed.
Spec. TT-A-466) mixed with a 100% phenolic spar varnish
vehicle. The proportions for mixing the ground coat should
be two (2) pounds of pigment to one (1) gallon of vehicle.
The spar varnish should be of the type supplied for mixing
aluminum paint (Fed. Spec. TT-V-81). If aluminum powder
and paste are not available, finely ground mica (325 mesh)
may be used in lieu thereof and should be mixed in the same
ratio as the aluminum paste or powder. The surface then
should receive a finish coat of olive drab 100% phenolic luster-
less enamel conforming to U. S. Army Corps of Engineers
Tentative Specification No. T-1183.
(3) Painting of Chess and Balk. The surface should
be primed with a synthetic ground primer conforming to U. S.
Army Corps of Engineers Tentative Specification ESNo. 360
and given two finish coats of lusterless, olive drab, phenolic
enamel conforming to U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Tenta-
tive Specifications No. T-1183.
(4) General Remarks on Application of Paint. The
paint when applied should provide a satisfactory film and
a smooth even surface without excessive gloss, suitable for
the proper application and adhesion of subsequent coats.
Paint may be applied by brush or spray, but if applied by
spray, each gallon of paint should be diluted by an additional
102
quart of Toluol (Toluene) or solvent naptha. Paint should
not be applied to surfaces upon which there is frost or
moisture condensation nor during rainy weather unless the
part being painted is amply protected against the effect of
the weather. While any painting is being done the tempera-
ture of the atmosphere in contact with the paint surface
should be at or above 50F. Also all paint when applied
should be approximately the same temperature as that of the
surface on which it is applied. At least 24 hours should be
allowed to elapse between the priming coat and the ground
coat, and at least 48 hours should be allowed to elapse between
the ground and finish coat.
Section XX
LIST OF EQUIPMENT FOR ONE UNIT
73.
Basic
Article Quantity
Total
Number
Spares
Anchor, Danforth, 30-lb.
Anchor, kedge, 150-lb.
24
32
Balk, ponton
126
42
168
Balk, transverse
13
16
Balk, trestle
72
24
96
Block, snatch, for %" wire rope
Boat, assault, w/7 paddles and
carrying case
Boat, power, utility
Bracing, trestle, set
Bracket, reflector, ponton
gunwale type
66
12
78
Bracket, stern attachment, 22 HP
motor
Buoy, life
Basic
Article Quantity
Spares
Total
Number
Hanger, hinge sill
20
26
Hanger, transverse balk
30
82
Hoist, chain
Hook, boat, ball point, 10-foot
24
32
Lamp, flasher, electric
Lamp, rescue and debris,
portable, electric
Light, bridge inspection
Mask, diving
Maul, wooden
Motor, outboard, 22 HP,
with accessories
Net, camouflage, 36' x 44'
19
19
Net, camouflage, 36' x 60'
16
16
Oar, ponton, 14-foot
72
12
84
Oarlock, ponton
84
12
96
Picket, steel, 1-%" diam. 36" long
38
38
76
Ponton, aluminum, w/spare parts
12
heads mounts a capstan used in tightening the anchor cable.
The capstan has six rack stick holes and is operated with
a steel picket or rack stick. It is provided with a rachet-
type stop. The ponton itself is built of aluminum alloy sheets
and shapes fastened together with rivets. A carrying rail
is located midway between the gunwale and the bottom of
the boat. Each ponton is provided with 48 balk fasteners,
40 of a quick acting rachet type and 8 screw-type spares.
The adjacent balk are located on 18" centers. The floor of
the ponton consists of wood gratings resting on the top of
the bottom rib system. Cleats are located at each end of
the ponton to facilitate securing the anchor or other lines.
Receptacles for oar locks are placed in the gunwales to per-
mit the operation of six pulling oars with a steering oar at
each end. The bottom of the ponton is protected by aluminum
skids riveted through the skin and the framework. For nor-
mal use each ponton is equipped with two anchors, two anchor
cables, two boat hooks, 7 oars, 7 oarlocks and one bail pump.
&. The ponton weighs approximately 2700 Ibs., and has
a maximum displacement of 41,400 Ibs. When used as a ferry
with an outboard motor, it provides space for approximately
100 men with full equipment besides the boat crew. The
following table gives the ponton displacement for various
weights and free boards:
TABLE OF DRAFTS, DISPLACEMENTS
AND FREEBOARDS
Approximate displacement for each successive inch of draft.
Draft
in inches
Displacement
in pounds
Freeboard
in inches
Draft
in inches
Displacement
in pounds
Freeboard
in inches
894.9
39
21
20814.6
19
1810.1
38
22
21869.6
18
2741.1
37
23
22930.4
17
3682.1
36
24
23994.6
16
4633 . 1
35
25
25062 . 1
15
106
Figure 87. 25-ton Ponton, Model 1940, Outboard profile.
107
Figure 38. 25-ton Ponton, Model 1940, Inboard profile.
75. TRESTLE. a. The trestle of the 25-ton ponton
equipage is similar in design and size to that of the light
ponton equipage except that it has a greater load capacity.
It consists of a transom, two columns, two shoes, and two
chain hoists.
&. The transom is a built-up beam of aluminum alloy.
To the top of it a steel tube is attached. On this tube, the
under fittings of the trestle balk rest. Cleats which are used
in fastening the trestle balk securely to the transom by lash-
ings are provided near the bottom of the transom. These
also serve as carrying rails. The transom is 17' 2i" long by
9-9/16" wide by 24" high. The two columns are steel tubes
5" in diameter on which a vertical row of holes is provided
on 3 %" spacing. Two pin holes are located in each column
well of the transom. One set of these holes passes thru
the column well parallel and one perpendicular to the center
line of the bridge. They are spaced 1-%" apart vertically.
A pin is attached to each end of the transom by a chain.
Each end of the transom is held in place on the column by
passing one of these pins thru one of the two sets of holes
in the column well and the holes in the trestle column. A
3-%" adjustment in height can be made without changing
holes in the transom. If for any reason, a 1-%" adjustment
is necessary, it may be accomplished by turning the column
through an angle of 90 degrees with a rack stick and using
the other hole in the transom. Two IVs-ton chain hoists are
provided with each trestle for adjusting the height of the
transom. The hoists are attached to swiveled hangers at
the top of the trestle column and the lifting hooks engage
in stirrups integrally attached to the ends of the transom.
A spool is placed on the top of the trestle column for attach-
ing guy lines. The trestle shoes are made of aluminum alloy
with steel and bronze fittings and are 27" square. A shoe
is attached to the bottom of each trestle column by a ball
and socket joint and is secured by a hook on the end of a
chain which is attached to the shoe and is engaged in an
eye on the ball end of the column. To prevent loss of the
shoe, if this hook comes out, another hook, also secured to
the shoe by a chain, is engaged in the first pair of holes
in the column above the shoe. The complete trestle less chain
hoists weighs 1415 Ibs.
76. PONTON AND TRESTLE SPANS. All spans are
15 feet in length. Fixed spans are those from the abutment
108
Figure 39. Assembled trestle.
sill to the trestle or from one trestle to another. The hinge
span extends from the riverward trestle to the hinge sill.
The decks of both the fixed and hinged spans is supported by
ten trestle balk. The ponton balk span two adjacent pontons
in the floating spans. In other words, the ponton balk of
adjacent bays lap over at each ponton by the width of a
ponton, each balk being securely fastened down on 4 gun-
wales. This arrangement gives continuous beam action in
the floating portion of the bridge and distributes a given
load over several bays of bridge. Siderails are trestle balk
on the fixed and hinge spans and ponton balk on the floating
spans. The siderails overlap each ponton as do the ponton
balk and hold the chess in place by means of siderail clamps
109
Figure 40. Elevation and plan of typical shore
connection, using two trestles.
that secure them to the outside balk over which they are
laid. In the fixed and hinge spans the transverse balk is
placed under the trestle balk in mid-span parallel to the chess
and is attached by means of transverse balk hangers over
the siderails. These transverse balk hangers take the place
of siderail clamps when so used. The purpose of the trans-
verse balk is to increase the load capacity of the decking.
110
Its use reduces the maximum load in the balk directly under
the wheels by about one third. The clear roadway width
of the bridge is about 12' 6".
77. BALK. a. Both ponton and trestle balk are 7-
%" x 5-%" in cross section. The balk are made of the best
obtainable grade of Douglas Fir. The ponton balk weighs
approximately 270 pounds, and trestle approximately 190
pounds. Ten balk are used in each span as stringers and
two as siderails in the normal construction of the bridge.
o>
=3
"1
I.
'"
3V
j^
j_
a -1
I-~
Figure 41. Ponton balk, trestle balk and sills.
Ill
b. The trestle balk is 15'5J" in length with a metal strap
secured over each end of the balk and forming a semi-circular
fitting on the under side of the end. This fitting engages
the tube on the top of the trestle transom. Twelve inches from
the end fitting is a "U" shaped eye of metal which is secured
to the under side of the balk and used in fastening the balk
to the trestle transom. The two fittings so located, provide
a space to receive either the abutment or hinge sill.
c. The ponton balk is 21' 9-Vs" long. Each end is
bound with a steel collar, on the under side of which is fitted
a clip which acts as a gage stop over the outside edge of the
ponton gunwale, enabling the pontons to be readily assembled
into bays. A similar fitting is located about 6'2" from each
end. Behind the end fitting is a metal strap around the balk,
ending in an eye thru which the hook of the balk fasteners
on the ponton engage. The gunwales of the ponton fit be-
tween the two fittings on each balk end.
78. CHESS. Chess are made of high grade Douglas
Fir and are 15' long, 11-%" wide and 2-%" thick. At each
end for a distance of 18", the width is reduced to 9-%" to
provide space for placing the siderail clamps. Rivets pass
thru the ends of the chess and the outer ends of the wide
section to prevent splitting. A chess weighs approximately
100 pounds. Half chess, 5-%" wide, are provided to fill in
small spaces in the decking or for use over the transom or
where the hinge span decking joins the ponton decking. These
half chess weigh approximately 45 pounds.
79. SILLS. The sills are made of high grade Douglas
Fir and are 15'6" long by 9-%" wide by 7-%" thick, metal
bound and equipped with rings at each end. The sill is used
both for the abutment and the hinge. It weighs approximately
300 pounds.
80. TRANSVERSE BALK. A transverse balk con-
sists of two pieces of Douglas Fir 2" by 10", 15' long, fastened
together with spacers so that they form a composite beam
approximately 10" x S-1/^" x 15'. The ends are bound around
with a strap of metal; bearing plates consisting of angle
irons bolted thru the beam are provided at each end where
the balk contacts the outer trestle balk. The under side of
112
the transverse balk is provided with a plate about one foot
long where the fingers of the transverse balk hangers engage
the transverse balk to hold it tight against the outer trestle
balk. The transverse balk weighs approximately 200 pounds.
'
...
A;
,1
k-
TTd1
,..
:,- *j
U'
11
"T
h*-
" ^
<
114
and detachable balk stirrup.
Figure 43. Transverse balk hanger, hinge sill hanger,
82. TRANSVERSE BALK HANGERS. Transverse
balk hangers consist of two metal strips 21" long attached to
a plate at the top thru which a screw is fixed. Thru the
bottom of each strip extensible hooks about 17" long are
placed. These hooks have a finger on the end which is so
arranged that the hook, after passing thru the spacing in
the transverse balk, can be turned to engage on the metal
plate provided on the bottom of the transverse balk. The
transverse balk is then tightened up by using a rack stick
in the screw in the same manner as an ordinary clamp. (See
figure 43.)
83. HINGE SILL HANGERS. Hinge sill hangers are
provided to secure the hinge sill to the ponton balk in the
hinge span. These hangers consist of a stirrup which fits
over the ponton balk and comes down in such a manner that
a tie bar may be screwed up under the hinge sill to clamp
it tightly against the ponton balk. (See figure 43.)
84. STIRRUPS. Detachable stirrups which consist of
a strap of metal formed in a "U" to fit snugly over the balk
are provided for use in joining the two halves of a bridge
when the balk eyes do not engage the balk fasteners in
making the joint. A bent pin, attached to the stirrup, fits
thru holes in the two ends and forms an eye into which the
balk fasteners of the ponton are engaged. These stirrups
may be attached anywhere on the balk. (See figure 43.)
85. PONTON REPAIR KIT. This kit includes special
tools, materials and fittings for the minor repair of the ponton
and trestle transom. It is the same repair kit that is fur-
nished with light ponton equipage.
86. TRAILERS. a. The major items of equipment
are transported on semi-trailers for towing on the highway
behind a special 4x4 prime mover. The three types of
trailer loads have been described in paragraph 6.
b. The semi-trailer has a rectangular shaped open
chassis of steel members with a superstructure at front and
rear to support the ponton boat. It is equipped with heavy-duty
dual pneumatic tires, size 10.00x20, disc steel wheels, hubs and
springs of a commercial truck type, air brakes with a break-
away safety feature, and a standard front prop wheel. I
115
Figure 44 Semi-trailer, with dolly, 25-ton ponton equipage.
is attached to the prime mover by a standard fifth wheel
arrangement. Standard air brake connectors and Quarter-
master standard light cable connectors are used. The trailer
is equipped with the Army standard blackout lighting system
and has an auxiliary blackout switch located on the frame
116
near the front of the trailer. The carrying rack for oars
is located under the framework and a spare tire is carried
under the frame just in front of the rear wheel. Screw-type
clamps engaging on the ponton siderail are provided to secure
the ponton to the trailer. A compartment is provided at the
rear of the trailer for carrying light cables and other small
articles. Rollers are provided at the rear to assist in un-
loading the boat by hand. The trailer is equipped with hand
parking brakes actuated by levers on both sides of the trailer.
Dollies consisting of a standard fifth wheel mounted on a
dual tired axle are provided for towing the trailer when
using a caterpillar tractor or truck not equipped with a fifth
wheel. The tongue of this dolly engages in the standard Ord-
nance pintle that is provided on all vehicles. The dolly is
equipped with air brakes, blackout lighting system, and is
normally towed behind one of the semitrailers. The chess
and balk load is secured to the trailer by means of cable-
type load binders on a rachet take-up. A tool rack for carry-
ing the standard pioneer tools issued to motor vehicles in
combat organizations is attached to the left rear fender of
the trailer. The empty trailer weighs approximately 7200
Ibs., and loaded weighs approximately as follows (exclusive
of prime mover):
Ponton load: 16,300 Ibs.
Abutment load: 22,500 Ibs.
Trestle load: 20,600 Ibs.
For the actual arrangement and method of loading, see para-
graphs 58 to 62.
87. PRIME MOVERS.The prime movers are a special
short wheelbase cab-over-engine, 4x4 type truck with an en-
gine having a piston displacement of about 550 cubic inches
and having a maximum road speed of about 45 miles per
hour. The gear shift is a standard five speed forward and
one reverse. An auxiliary transmission is provided for a
high and low range. A lever is also provided to disengage
the front wheel drive when operating on paved roads. Each
truck is equipped with a 15,000 pound capacity front winch.
In back of the cab is a chest for tools, rope, outboard motors,
and other equipment containing approximately 86 cubic feet
of space. The prime mover is equipped with air brakes and
the standard blackout lighting system with a weight, exclusive
of trailer, of about 16,500 Ibs.
117
TIRES 9 75 l 20 'lO STUD BUDD WHEELS OR INTERCHANGEABLE
Figure 45. Tractor truck, 25-ton ponton equipage.
88. TRUCK CRANE. The truck crane (see figure 46)
is a complete truck mounted crane that is convertible to a
shovel, trench hoe, dragline or piledriver. It is designed to
lift 11,000 pounds over the end and 6,700 pounds over the
side at a 10 foot radius; and 3,400 pounds over the end and
2,300 pounds over the side at a 25-foot radius. One crane
within the battalion is equipped with a trailer as shown for
transporting the shovel attachment, clamshell and dragline
buckets, pile driving attachment and drop hammer.
The truck crane and trailer are designed to travel at a
speed of 50 miles per hour over roads in good condition.
118
119
Figure 46. Truck crane and supplementary equipment.
Appendix I
TECHNICAL RECONNAISSANCE
PONTON BRIDGE OR FERRY SITE
I. INSTRUCTIONS
MAP REFERENCE
PARTY
EQUIPMENT FOR RECONNAISSANCE PARTY.
Normal Items Special Items
1 Truck (1% ton or 2% ton)
1 Boat assault
4 Paddles
1 Tape, 50 ft.
1 Compass, prismatic (if not in sketching
case)
1 Sounding pole, 8 ft., improvised
Shovel, pick, mattock and axe (if not on
vehicle)
Map and photo (if available)
Sketching case and equipment, complete
II. REPORT IN DETAIL.
LOCATION OF CROSSING SITE
1. NAME OF STREAM
2. LOCATION OF SITE .. _ .
ACCESS ROADS NEAR OR SIDE
3. DESIGNATION
4. CHARACTER: Usable width ft.
Surface material
Sharp curves?
Maximum grade
Well drained?
General condition
Distance from access road to bridge site
Remarks
ACCESS ROADS FAR OR SIDE
5. DESIGNATION
6. CHARACTER: Usable width ft.
Surface material
Sharp curves?
Maximum grade
Well drained?
General condition
Distance from access road to bridge site
Remarks . ..__...
APPROACHES NEAR OR SIDE
7. LENGTH: Total ;Requiring clearing or
grading
120
8. CHARACTER: Maximum grade (When finished)
Soil Clearing required
Length of straightaway at end of bridge
Maximum cut Serious drainage
problem?
Summarize improvements required
Total man-hours
APPROACHES FAR OR SIDE
9. LENGTH: Total ;Requiring clearing or
grading
10. CHARACTER: Maximum grade (when finished)
Soil Clearing required
Length of straightaway at end of
bridge
Maximum cut Serious drainage
problem?
Summarize improvements required
Total man-hours
CHARACTER OF STREAM
11. WIDTH:. ... _. ft. How measured _
12. VELOCITY (1 mile per hour equals about 1 % feet
per second or 90 feet per minute)
13. LOCATION OF MAIN THREAD OF CURRENT: Distance froni
near bank ft.
14. LOCATION OF EDDIES
15. DEPTHS: Near bank; 3 feet from shore ft;
6 feet from shore ft.
9 feet from shore ft;
How far from shore to depth of 30
inches? -ft.
Far bank; 3 feet from shore ft.
How far from shore to depth of 30
inches? ft.
Maximum depth ft. Where?
16. CHARACTER OF BOTTOM: Good footing for trestles near
shore?
Will anchors hold well? Remarks '-
17. OBSTRUCTIONS: Nature and location of shoals, snags, rocks,
etc.
18. RISE AND FALL OF WATER LEVEL: Controlled by
dams?
Flood height (above present level) ft. (Note drift
and marks)
Subject to flash floods? Time and duration of
floods or extremely low stages
Source of information
121
19. BANKS: Near side: Character of soil
Firm enough for abutment sill?
Sketch profile on back of this sheet in-
cluding approximate dimensions.
Far side: Character of soil
Firm enough for abutment sill?
Sketch profile on back of this sheet in-
cluding approximate dimensions.
20. TRIBUTARY STREAMS: Location with respect to bridge
site
Name
Suitable for anchoring pontons? How many?
Would pontons be concealed from ground observation?
Air?
CONSTRUCTION DATA
21. HOLDFASTS: Trees or stumps on banks suitable for anchoring
cables?
22. MOORING PONTONS: Deepwater close to shore?
Snags? Can rafts be constructed readily along
shore? (Near shore) For what distance above
site? Below site?
23. BALK AND CHESS STACKS. Suitable cleared area adjacent
to site on near bank? Size Can a site
be cleared readily? Man-hours?
24. EQUIPAGE REQUIRED FOR PONTON BRIDGE: (RESERVE
NOT INCLUDED)
Units of equipage required for floating spans:
Trestles required: Near shore Far Shore
Total Special construction?
25. EQUIPAGE REQUIRED FOR RAFT (FERRY)
Near shore landing: Trestles Special construc-
tion?
Far shore landing: Trestles Special construc-
tion?
Remarks
26. EXISTING FACILITIES AT SITE: (Ferry landings, pontons,
bridge abutments, barges, bridge timbers, deckings). Des-
cribe
27. UNLOADING:
Can semi-trailers be moved to river bank, with trucks?
Tractors? If not, how close can they come to water
edge? How many can be unloaded simul-
taneously?
28. TURNAROUNDS:
Can semi-trailers be turned around at unloading site?
Remarks
29. PARKING:
Where is nearest suitable parking area for unit vehicles?
How many semi-trailers can be accommodated?
Is parking area concealed from ground observation?
Air?
Does natural cover favor effective camouflage?
Remarks
122
30. SKETCHES: (on reverse side of sheet)
Prepare rough sketch of general map location.
Prepare large scale rough sketch of site showing condition and
length of approaches, existing facilities, and recommended
layout and preparation of site for construction of ponton
bridge.
Draw cross-section of stream at site.
31. RECOMMENDATIONS:
General suitability of site
Is there a better one nearby? Where?
Estimated time of construction:
Near Approach Hours using men with
following special equipment
Far Approach Hours using men with
following special equipment
25-ton Ponton Bridge: Daylight hours; Night
hours.
Personnel required
Ferry including both landing stages: hours men.
Other remarks
Chief of party
Name, grade, organization
Date and hour
submitted
123
Appendix II
TECHNICAL AND LOGISTICAL DATA
25-TON PONTON UNITS
1. MOTOR MOVEMENTS
a. Arms:
Pistol, auto cal. 45
Carbine, cal. 30 Ml
b. Personnel to be moved:
Officers & Warrant Officers
Enlisted Men
Total
c. Number of Prime Movers (Total):
(1) Light: (Total)
Motorcycles
Truck, % ton
Trucks, command
Trucks, %-ton weapons carrier
Ambulance, field
(2) Medium: (Total)
Compressor Air Mtzd.
Shop, Motorized, Gen. purp.
Trucks, 2%-ton cargo
(3) Heavy: (Total)
Trucks, 4-ton cargo
Trucks, 5-ton tractor
Trucks, crane
Truck, 4-ton wrecker
Truck, 10-ton wrecker
d. Number of Trailers (Total):
Power boat (2 wheel)
Semi-(Ponton Equipment)
Tractor (4 wheel)
Cargo 1-ton (2 wheel)
Dollies (2 wheel)
Shop welding trailer mtd.
2 wheel, ponton, light equipage
Trailer, crane accessory
e. Gasoline requiredgals, per 100 miles:
See Note A(Approximate)
f. Oil requiredgals, per 100 miles:
See Note B(Approximate)
g. Road Space (Closed up bumper to bumper)
Yards
Miles
h. Road Space (50 yards between vehicles):
Yards
Miles
i. Road SpaceGrouped:
(50 yards between vehicles; 1 mile
between march groups; Each co. in
2 groups.)
Yards
Miles
Each of 2
Bn. Hq.
Lettered
H&S Co.
Bn.
Cos.
Att. Med.
Total
18
30
170
179
519
11
19
Each of 2 Bn. Hq.
Lettered H&S Co. Bn.
Cos. All. Mod. Total
j. Time Length of Column (one March
group) as in h above: 20 m.p.h.
(minutes): 51 51 17
k. Time Length of Column (in groups)
as in i above; 20 m.p.h. (minutes) 8S 81 32
1. Data For One Platoon (bridge unit) reinforced to operate
independently will be approximately one-half the figures
shown above for one company,
m. Notes:
(1) Note A: Gasoline consumption based on following per-
formance:
6 miles per gallon
9 miles per gallon
35 miles per gallon
Medium vehicles
Light vehicles
Heavy vehicles
(2) Note B: Oil requirements assumed to be 1 quart of oil
per 5 gallons of gasoline.
n. Heavy Equipment:
AXLE
LOADS
(POUNDS)
WHEELBASE
FRONT
REAR
TRAILER
(INCHES)
Front
3,120
5,690
4,600
9,600
Rear
3,300
5,940
4,370
9,800
14,400
Front
Rear
Truck
164
164
151
151
156
Trailer
Truck, 2J^-ton cargo
empty
3,940
3,700
7,560
5,460
10,290
Truck, with 2}^-ton
chess load
Truck, 4-ton cargo
empty
Truck, with 4-ton chess
load
Truck, crane (no boom
load)
Truck and trailer with
attachments load . . .
Truck, 5-6 ton tractor. .
Truck and trailer with
Each of 2 Bn. Hq.
Lettered H&S Co. Bn.
Cos. Att. Med. Total
c. Combat and special vehicles (Total): 83 36
(1) Boat power (2) (0)
(2) Car half track M2 (1) (0)
(3) Compressor air motorized (0) (1)
(4) Dolly, 2 wheel for semi-trailer (4) (0)
(5) Shop, motorized, general purp. (0) (1)
(6) Shop, welding, trailer mounted (0) (1)
(7) Tractor medium (1) (0)
(8) Tractor medium w/angledozer (1) (0)
(9) Trailer, 1-ton cargo (4) (7)
(10) Trailer, semi (heavy ponton) (32) (0)
(11) Trailer power boat (2) (0)
(12) Trailer 2 wheel (light equipage) (0) (23)
(13) Trailer 4 wheel (for medium
tractor) (2) (0)
(14) Trailer crane accessory (0) (1)
(15) Truck, crane (1) (1)
(16) Truck, 5-ton tractor (32) (0)
(17) Truck, 4-ton wrecker (1) (0)
(18) Truck, 10-ton wrecker (0) (1)
d. Baggage, free checkable 17,600 20,300
e. Car requirementsBased on four 44 car trains and two
trains.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
Tourist sleeper (39 man cap.) 5
or coach alternate (86 man cap.) 3
Flat 40' 79
Baggage for kitchen and baggage 4
Total (less coaches) 88
45
54
202
(4)
(2)
(1)
(8)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(2)
(15)
(64)
(4)
(23)
(4)
(1)
(3)
(64)
(2)
(1)
55,500
27 car
15
203
12
220
Sidings (feet)
(1) 27 car section
(2) 44 car section
1300
4. BRIDGE MATERIALS AVAILABLE:
a. Notation
L = Length of bridge in feet
T = Trestles used
P = Pontons used
b. Ponton (floating) Bridges, Normal Construction,
(3 boat hinge rafts). 25-ton Capacity:
(1) Formulae:
L = 15 (T + (P-2) )
T = (P-2)
15
P = T+2
15
Notes: P = 5
Maximum length of one bridge
(2) Example: using equipment of
Shore Conditions 1 Platoon 1 Company 1 Battalion
permitting use of (Bridge Unit) (2 Plats.) (2 Companies)
a total of Feet Feet Feet
No trestle 150 330 690
2 trestles 180 360 720
4 trestles 210" 390 750
8 trestles . 450" 810
16 trestles 930"
*'Indicates complete utilization of equipment and no tactical
reserve.
c. Ponton (floating) Bridge, Reinforced
Construction:
(1) Formulae:
P+1
L = 15 (T + !)
LP+1
T=
15 2
P = 2( T) 1
15
(2) Examples:
Shore Conditions
1 Platoon
1 Company
1 Battalion
permitting use of
(Bridge Unit)
(2 Plats.)
(2 Companies)
a total of
Feet
Feet
Feet
No trestle
90
180
360
2 trestles
120
210
390
4 trestles
150"
240
420
8 trestles
300"
480
16 trestles
(1) Formulae:
L, = 15 (T + 3) + 27 (P-3) or 15 T + 27 P 36
L-27P + 36
16
L-15T
36
27
Note: P = 3
(2) Examples: using equipment of
No trestles
288
612
1260
2 trestles
318
642
1290
4 trestles
348"
672
1320
8 trestles
732"
1380
16 trestles
1500**
Note: Space chess 3"
e. Ponton (floating) Bridge, Lightened Construction,
(2 boat hinge rafts15' bay), 15-ton Capacity.
(1) Formulae:'
L = 15 (T + 3) + 21 (P 3) or 15T + 21P 18
L 21P + 18
T=
P=
15
L 15T + 18
21
Note: P = 3
No trestles
234
486
990
2 trestles
264
516
1020
4 trestles
294**
546
1050
8 trestles
606"
1110
16 trestles
1 Platoon 1 Company 1 Battalion
Number of crossings 4 Trestles 8 Trestles 16 Trestles
to be constructed (Bridge Unit) (2 Plats.) (2 Companies)
simultaneously: Feet, each Feet, each Feet, each
1 crossing
75
135
255
2 crossings
45
75
135
4 crossings
45
75
8 crossings
45
(3) Note: Ponton (floating) bridges require a variable quantity of
trestle parts. The utilization of unit equipment for trestle
bridges may prevent simultaneous use of the remainder of
the unit equipment for its primary purpose ponton
(floating) bridges.
g. Maintenance RequirementsService Conditions:
(1)' 25-ton ponton units do not carry with them any spare
pontons or trestles. A limited quantity of spare wood parts accompanies
each unit to repair damage due to traffic only.
(2) Hostile air or ground action must be expected to effect
some damage to bridge equipage when in active use necessitating a
tactical reserve.
(3) In computing the number of platoons (bridge units) re-
quired for a crossing, allowance should be made for a tactical reserve
to replace portions of a bridge damaged by enemy action. The amount
of the reserve should be proportionate to the importance of the bridging
operation and the possible enemy reaction thereto. The reserve ponton
equipage should be not less than 25% of the quantity required for the
initial construction and in critical operations this reserve should be
increased to 100% if possible.
129
Appendix III
STANDING OPERATING PROCEDURE
HEAVY PONTON BATTALION
1. General: The following Standing Operating Pro-
cedure is presented as a guide. It should be modified as the
situation demands.
2. Objects:
a. To standardize operating procedure in the field;
b. To minimize field instructions for particular oper-
ations.
3. Reference: Cite provisions of standing 'Operating
Procedure as "SOP "followed by pertinent paragraph
number.
4. Uniforms:
a. Standard Uniforms:
(1) Garrison: As prescribed.
(2) Theater of Operations: Field hat (or helmet),
wool (or cotton) underwear, wool (or khaki) shirt, identifica-
tion tags, trousers with waist belt, canvas leggings, light
wool socks, service shoes, service gas mask, handkerchief,
belt with first aid pouch and packet, canteen with cup and
cover, carbine (or holster and magazine pocket for pistol and
pistol), and additional special individual equipment as issued
to officers and noncommissioned officers, field bag with carry-
ing straps with helmet attached, if not worn, containing face
towel, toilet kit, mess kit, undershirt, drawers, pair of light
wool socks, respirator, raincoat, handkerchief, pair of shoe
laces, emergency ration, and fatigue clothes or coveralls.
b. Appearance:
(1) Cleanliness and neatness is mandatory at all
times.
(2) Clothes will be worn properly.
(3) Officers and noncommissioned officers are re-
quired to rectify and report violations of this paragraph by
any man in the battalion.
5. Cleanliness:
a. Men will shave daily.
130
b. Health requires frequent washing and bathing.
c. Company commanders will check feet of men periodi-
cally.
6. Operations Instruction:
a. Company commanders will keep men informed daily
of the situation, operations planned, and the mission of the
battalion.
b. A situation map will be kept posted near Company
CP.
7. Vehicle Speeds:
a. Safe driving speeds will never be exceeded. Watch
slippery streets, crowds, children, and city traffic.
b. Maximum Speeds in Convoys:
Congested districts, cities, and towns 12 M.P.H.
Thickly populated districts 15 M.P.H.
Open Country 40 M.P.H.
c. Maximum SpeedsNot in Convoy:
Reconnaissance Cars and Motorcycles:
Cities and reservations Legal Limit
Open country 35 M.P.H.
TrucksAll Types:
On post and in citieswhere required 10 M.P.H.
On post and in citieswhere allowed 20 M.P.H.
Open country (Maximum) 30 M.P.H.
8. Order of March:
a. For Battalion: Battalion Commander's party, Com-
pany "A", Company "B", Headquarters and Service Company,
Battalion Headquarters, Attached Medical, and Battalion
Maintenance.
b. Within Companies: Company Commander, 1st Pla-
toon, Kitchen, 2nd Platoon, Company Maintenance, and Second
in Command.
c. It-Ton Trucks Towing Tractors: March with Head-
quarters and Service Company unless otherwise ordered.
9. March Groups:
a. Purpose: Control; prevention of accordion action.
b. Composition: 6 march groups, 2 per Bridge Company
and 2 per Headquarters and Service Company, Battalion Head-
quarters, Attached Medical, and Battalion Maintenance.
131
c. Responsibility of March Group Commander: March
discipline, speed, route, halts, intervals, maintaining march
schedule, contact with adjacent groups, and security.
10. Halts:
a. When? On pre-arranged time schedule if published;
at least for 10 minutes every 2 hours.
b. Why? Rest men, check vehicles.
c. Vehicle Inspection Mandatory at All Halts: Officers
and noncommissioned officers supervise.
d. Each vehicle pull off pavement; clear bridges, road
intersections, and denies. Men keep off road.
e. Intervals: Vehicles stop and start together; main-
tain minimum interval of 50 yards, maximum of 150 yards,
average of 100 yards.
/. Catching Up: At scheduled halts of longer than 15
minutes lagging vehicles or march groups close to 50 yards
before halting. At least 10 minutes halt must be provided.
g. Location Report: Group commanders report con-
dition and location of his group to next higher commander at
each halt.
h. Check of Column: March group commander checks
condition and location of all his vehicles at each halt.
11. Signals:
a. Drivers are required to give prescribed arm signal
when starting, stopping, or turning.
b. Close-up Signal:
(1) Hand: Arms extended to front horizontally,
palms inward, move hands together and repeat.
(2) Flag: Black and yellow flag displayed by assist-
ant driver from right window of cab.
(3) All vehicles in rear repeat signal of lead vehicles.
(4) Use: When specifically ordered, to go through
large cities, for special halts, and for entering administrative
bivouacs.
c. Normal Interval (Extend) Signal:
(1) Hand: Arms extended to side laterally.
(2) Flag: Black and yellow flag held by assistant
driver from right window of cab, moved up and down and then
withdrawn inside cab and kept out of sight.
(3) All vehicles in rear repeat signal of lead vehicles.
132
(4) Use: When specifically ordered, to cause all ve-
hicles to regain normal interval (minimum of 50 yards, maxi-
mum of 150 yards).
12. Disabled Vehicles:
a. Pull off road; post guard 100 feet each side of ve-
hicle; motion following trucks to pass; at night keep lights
on.
b. Await company or battalion maintenance truck if
necessary.
c. When repaired, follow convoy; catch up if possible;
shorten scheduled halts if necessary; observe maximum speed
limits.
13. Accidents:
a. Stop at once, investigate all accidents.
b. Fill out Form 26 at once. Get names of all witnesses.
c. Notify next officer that passes.
d. Second in command of march group completes in-
vestigation.
e. Battalion surgeon examines and cares for civilian
and military personnel involved. Forestall claims of personal
injury.
14. Personnel:
a. Must remain seated while in vehicles moving or
halted.
Exception: Machine gun operators one per gun.
b. Riding on trailers is forbidden.
c. Machine gun operators riding platform of Mack truck
tractors must be secured by strong rope safety line.
d. Throwing notes from vehicles or shouting at passers-
by is prohibited. Senior man in vehicle is personally respon-
sible for conduct of all men in vehicle.
15. Guides:
a. Responsibility: Lead company commander.
b. Place At: Railroad crossings, important road junc-
tions, city traffic lights, one-way bridges or defiles, confusing
or sharp turns.
c. Purpose: Safety, control of traffic, mark proper
route.
d. Identification: Black arm-band with letter "G" in
red.
133
e. Relief:
(1) By guide pick-up truck at rear of column.
(2) Lead company commander arrange for pick-up
truck by consultation with commander of rear march group.
(3) Guide pick-up truck will be marked with sign
on front and both sides with word "Guides" in red on black
background.
/. Instruction: Must be thorough. Responsibility of
company commander.
16. Administrative: (No tactical situation)
a. Park vehicles as directed; usually close together; ac-
curate alignment required.
b. Use of vehicles in camp will be minimized. Trip
ticket okayed by officer required to remove vehicle from camp.
17. Tactical: (Subject to enemy threat)
a. Park vehicles under cover at least 50 yards apart.
b. Camouflage all vehicles and installations at once.
Men remain under cover. Avoid large groups. Mess in
groups of 10.
c. Lights of all kinds prohibited unless specifically
authorized.
d. Security: See paragraphs 22 to 29, Appendix III.
18. Motor Maintenance:
a. Check all vehicles carefully at once. Officers and
noncommissioned officers inspect.
b. Refill gasoline tanks and containers immediately.
c. Company commanders report at once to battalion
commander any vehicle not ready to move.
19. Sanitation:
a. Latrines: Prepare first thing; cover 5 minutes be-
fore departure. Mark each latrine before departure.
b. Garbage Pits and Latrines: Make amply deep to
provide 18 inches of cover of clean soil when backfilled.
Heap dirt 6 inches above ground level when covering to
allow for settlement.
c. Final inspection of camp site by battalion surgeon.
He will arrange for "Clean-up Party", remedy defects, re-
store fences. Arrange with Headquarters and Service Com-
pany commander for engineer personnel and materials, if
134
required. Rejoin column when finished. Battalion surgeon
will prepare certificate as to condition and submit to bat-
talion commander.
d. Kitchens must be kept clean at all times.
20. Camp Arrangement:
a. Battalion Headquarters near center of battalion
area.
b. Headquarters and Service Company adjacent to
Battalion Headquarters.
c. Battalion Aid Station adjacent to Battalion Head-
quartersnear road.
d. Company Command Posts on edge of company area
nearest Battalion Headquarters.
21. Command Posts:
a. Mark with sign at road and string tracing tape to
Command Post.
b. Maintain responsible noncommissioned officer on
duty at all times.
c. Report location to next higher unit commander at
once.
22. Object: Never let enemy surprise you.
23. On March:
a. Responsibility:
(1) Lead company: Advance and flank guards.
(2) Rear company: Rear guard.
(3) All elements: Close defense against air, ground,
or gas attack.
b. Advance (Rear) Guards:
(1) Composition: Point motorcycle; advance
(rear) partyhalf track car with machine guns mounted
plus machine gun crews and riflemen support2i-ton truck
with machine gun mounted plus 2 squads.
(2) Conduct: Designate get-away-man for each
vehicle. Move at extended intervals. Keep at least one mile
ahead (or behind) main body. Give immediate warning of
hostile elements. Block road if attacked by hostile vehicles.
Reduce road blocks encountered in the advance.
(3) At halts: Cover main body.
(4) At bivouacs: Furnish security until relieved
by outpost.
135
c. Manning Weapons:
(1) All machine guns will be prepared for action.
Water will be kept in cooling system. Ammunition belts
and boxes will be prepared for immediate use.
(2) Vehicles rifles will be loaded with 5 rounds of
ball ammunition in magazine.
24. In Bivouac, (Tactical Only):
a. Responsibility:
(1) Battalion outpost: Bridge company not fur-
nishing previous advance guard.
(2) Close defense: Companies or detached units.
b. Outpost:
(1) Cover routes of approach within radius of 2
miles.
(2) Security group consists of machine gun with
crewconcealed. Conceal a get-away man with truck or
motorcycle in rear of group.
(3) Road blocks or mine fields, when used, must be
covered by fire.
(4) Outpost commander report to battalion com-
mander location and composition of security groups as soon
as posted. Furnish sketch of dispositions.
(5) Mobile reserve, with truck transportation, will
be prepared for instant dispatch.
(6) Motor patrols contact security groups and adja-
cent units at least every 2 hours.
c. Close Defense:
(1) Guard Command Posts carefully.
(2) Stop all vehicles entering or leaving bivouac
area.
(3) See pars. 25 to 28, Appendix III, for general
defense measures.
(4) Remove Command Post and other signs if at-
tacked.
25. Warning Signals:
a. Air Alarm: Three (3) long blasts of whistle or
motor horn; point in direction of hostile airplanes.
b. Ground Attack: Four (4) long blasts of whistle or
motor horn.
c. Gas Attack: Gas klaxon sounds. Shout "Gas";
runner, motorcyclist, or gas sentinel holds gas mask aloft.
136
d. All Clear, (From any of above): One long blast of
whistle or motor horn. Runner, motorcyclist, or gas sentinel
(after gas alarm) carries gas mask in hand, uncased.
e. All units, vehicles, and individuals repeat above sig-
nals when seen or heard.
26. Air Defense:
a. Air Guards: Detail and maintain two (2) per march
group while in convoy. Post one (1) per company in tactical
bivouac or at bridge site.
&. Machine guns to be located so that one-half are
sited for air targets. Anti-aircraft machine gun crews must
remain near guns.
c. Slit Trenches: Standard individual prone shelters
or standing type.
d. In Bivouac: At air alarm personnel not manning
machine guns take cover in slit trench at once moving under
cover of trees. Remain quiet and concealed.
e. On March: Do not halt. Machine guns fire on ene-
my ships.
/. Aircraft Identification: Look for identifying marks
and silhouette for type.
27. Ground Defense:
a. On March:
(1) Man all weapons instantly.
(2) Commanding officer and lower unit commanders
investigate at once.
(3) Block main and side roads with trucks and
trailers.
(4) Dismount personnel, seek cover, fight as infantry
when closely threatened.
(5) Attack road blocks and vehicles from flank and
rear.
(6) Notify next higher unit commander at once.
b. In Bivouac:
(1) Assemble units by squads under cover.
(2) Take action indicated in paragraph 27 a, above.
28. Gas Defense:
a. At Alarm: Mask at once; awaken sleepers and
mask them. Remain masked until "All Clear" sounds.
b. Chemical Officers and Noncommissioned Officers In-
vestigate:
137
(1) Determine and announce nature of chemical
used.
(2) Outline contaminated area. Post guards to
prevent entry into danger zones.
(3) Notify next higher unit commander of full de-
tails.
(4) Notify unit commander when "All Clear" is war-
ranted.
29. Bridge Site Defense:
a. During Construction: Same as in bivouac. See par.
24, Appendix III.
b. Bridge in Service:
(1) Engineer bridge guards give alarms. See par.
25, Appendix III.
(2) Man all available weapons.
(3) Notify higher headquarters at once by telephone
and runner, and radio if available.
(4) For air or gas attack: Keep traffic off bridge:
direct personnel of traffic control group to disperse approach-
ing vehicles under cover.
(5) For ground attack: Have both ends of bridge
prepared for quick demolition. Prepare removable barrier
for both approaches. Cover barriers with fire. As last
resort blow or dismantle both approach and trestle spans
to prevent use by enemy vehicles.
30. Route Beconnaisance:
a. Required whenever heavy vehicles move off first
class highways.
b. Purpose: Check bridge capacity, underpass clear-
ance, sharp turns, and mileage.
c. Responsibility: Senior officer of unit or detachment.
d. Battalion Marches: Commander of leading com-
pany will direct reconnaissance for battalion after consulta-
tion with battalion S-2.
e. Route sketches will be reproducted by battalion S-2
for distribution to each driver when recommended by recon-
naissance officer.
/. Reconnaissance Report: Submit informally to unit
commander. Include pencil sketch of route, giving cumula-
tive mileage to principal towns, intersections, and turns; also
notes on bridges, underpasses, sharp turns, etc.
138
g. Reconnaissance Party: Detail and fully train at
least 1 per bridge platoon.
h. Tactical considerations will not be ignored. Security
of reconnaissance parties must be provided.
31. Bridge Reconnaisance:
a. Required for every bridging operation.
b. Purpose: Check location, routes, road connections,
materials required, labor required, security, and trailer un-
loading areas.
c. Responsibility: Senior officer of unit designated to
construct bridge.
d. Reconnaissance Party:
(1) Detail and train 1 per bridge platoon.
(2) Composition: Personnel: 1 officer, 1 sergeant,
1 corporal with 4 men and machine gun (Security), 1 cor-
poral and 4 men (Assault boat crew and helpers).
(3) Equipment: One li-ton or 2i-ton truck, 1 as-
sault boat with 4 paddles, one 50' tape, 1 compass, 1 sound-
ing pole (improvised), shovel, pick and axe, maps, sketch-
ing equipment, 1 boat hook, 2 hand lines, 2 lashings, 2 ma-
chetes, 4 range poles, 1 sinker and line, 1 watch, 1 pencil,
and 2 reconnaissance data forms. See paragraph 3, Ap-
pendix 1. Use motorcycle, if available, for advance guard
and messenger service.
32. Tactical Reconnaissance:
a. Purpose: Secure information of enemy and terrain.
b. Responsibility: Senior officer of independent unit.
Exception: Advance, rear, and flank guards must perform
tactical reconnaissance without specific orders.
c. Reconnaissance Party: Same as for bridge recon-
naissance except assault boat may be omitted and the assault
boat crew used as riflemen. See paragraph 31 d, above.
33. Responsibility:
a. Battalion Task: Battalion commander or officer
specifically designated by name for particular operation.
6. Company or Platoon Task: Commander of desig-
nated unit.
34. Equipment:
a. Unit equipment is available to unit detailed for
bridge task. Unused equipage will be turned over to next
higher unit commander for transportation and care.
139
b. Additional equipment will be secured from other
units only after specific approval of battalion commander.
c. Special Materials or Equipment: Arrange with bat-
talion S-4 for purchase or loan.
35. Construction Methods (Ponton Bridge):
a. Method "A": Successive pontons; equipment stacked
on near bank.
6. Method "B": From trailers. 4 task groups:
(1) Traffic (H & S Co.)
(2) Ponton Unloading (1st Platoon, Co. "B")
(3) Far Shore " (2nd Platoon, Co. "B")
(4) Bridge (Company "A")
Normal assignments for battalion effort shown above.
36. Reenforcing Engineer Troops:
a. Purpose: To provide manpower for major bridge
tasks.
b. Employment: By units only. Men work under their
own officers and noncommissioned officers. Allot specific
tasks. Give instructions to leaders, not to individuals of
other organizations.
c. Liaison noncommissioned officers detailed to work
with other units act as consultants. Show them how. Help.
Do not give orders.
37. Organization:
a. Assign and work men by squads (or sections) under
designated noncommissioned officers. Keep squads intact
at all times. Check frequently.
b. Rotate squad assignments on long jobs to avoid
fatigue.
c. Squads (or units) not working will be kept together
out of sight from bridge.
d. Traffic personnel will keep spectators (including sol-
diers) completely away from construction area. Stragglers
will be rounded up and reported to officer in charge of bridge.
e. Lister bag and salt tablets will be provided at site
of work. One lister bag per company. Latrine will be dug
and marked.
140
INDEX
Paragraphs Pages
Abutment
Load 6 2-3
Section 27, 34 21, 24-26
Anchor section, duties in ponton bridge construction 27,40 21,44-46
Anchors, ponton bridge, use 19 13-14
Balk, heavy ponton, model 1940
Carrier section, duties in bridge construction 27, 37 21, 37-39
Description 77 111-112
Fastener section, duties in bridge construction 36 34-37
Upstream and downstream 20 14-15
Balk, transverse, heavy ponton, model 1940
Description 80 112-113
Hanger 82 115
Boat, power 70 92
Cable section, duties, ponton bridge construction 35 30-32
Capacity, bridge 54 64-65
Care of equipment 71 92-95
Chess, description of 78 112
Construction of heavy ponton bridge
By parts 17, 45-^6 13, 52-56
By successive pontons 17, 25-44 13, 20-52
Description of equipage 74-88 104-118
Dismantling heavy ponton bridge 55-58 66-69
Drawspan in heavy ponton bridge 49-50 60
Drills-
Ponton 25-29 20-22
Rowing 66-67 85-87
Equipage, heavy ponton, model 1940
Descriptions 74-88 104-119
List of 73 103-104
Ferrying
Single ponton 63 72-74
Raft 64 74-82
List of equipage, heavy, model 1940 73 103-104
Loads, semi-trailer
Abutment 6 2-4
Ponton :6 2
Trestle 6 4
Maintenance and care of bridge equipage 71 92-95
Maneuver cable 21 16
Motors, outboard 69 90-92
Night movement 12 7
Officers, duties in bridge construction 32 23
Organization of column 10 6
Ponton, 25-ton, model 1940 74
Ponton bridge, 25-ton, model 1940
Care and maintenance 51-54 61-65
Capacity 1, 54 1,
141
Paragraphs Pages
Suggestions for 53 63-64
Traffic control 52 62-63
Construction
Anchors, use in 19 1314
Alignment 33 23-24
Balk, upstream and downstream 20 1415
By parts method
Assembly of parts 17, 45-46 13, 52-56
Incorporation of parts 17, 46 55-56
Layout of site 17, 45 52-53
By successive pontons 25-44 20-52
Formation of sections 28 22
Personnel 27 21
Drill for 30-44 22-52
Sequence of events 30 22
Reliefs, provision of 65 82
Sections, duties of 30-43 22-57
Abutment 34 24-26
Anchor 40 44-46
Balk carrier 37 37-38
Balk fastener 36 32-37
Cable section 35 26-32
Chess 38 39-41
Far shore 41 46-51
Hinge span raft 36 32-37
Maneuver line 39 41-46
Near trestle 35 26-32
Rescue boat 43 51
Siderail 39 43-44
Telephone 42 51
Site selection 13-16 7-12
Reconnaissance 16 9-12
Requirements 13-15 7-9
Tactical 14 7
Technical 15 7-9
Trestles, use in 18 13
Dismantling 55-58 66-69
Personnel 56 66
Procedure 57-58 66-S9
Drawspan in 49-50 60
Equipage
Descriptions 74-88 104-119
Abutment load 6-7 2-3
Balk 77 111-112
Chess and half chess 78 112
Ponton
Load 6-7 2
Repair kit 85 115
Siderail clamps 81 113
Sills 79 112
Trailers
Power boat 8 4-5
Semi-trailers 86 115-117
Tractor - 8 4-5
Transverse balk 80 112-113
Hangers 82 115
Trestle
Spans 76 108-111
Load 6-7 2-4
142
Paragraphs Pages
Ferrying 63-64 72-82
Issue 4 1-2
List of 73 103-104
Maintenance of constructed bridge 51-54 61-65
Purpose 1 1
Repairs 72 95-103
Trailer loads 5-8 2-5
Preparation of site, construction by parts 45 52-55
Reconnaissance, ponton bridge site selection 16 9-12
Reinforced bridges 47 56-58
Reliefs, provision of 65 82
Reloading equipage 59-62 70-72
Repair kit 85 115
Repairs, ponton equipage 72 95-103
Road procedure 11 6
Siderail
Clamps, description 81 113
Section, duties in ponton bridge construction 39 43-44
Sills, description 79 112
Site requirements 14-15 7-9
Spans, abutment, hinge span, hinge
span raft, ponton and trestle 76 108-111
Stirrups, detachable balk 84 115
Tactical requirements, ponton bridge sites '14 7
Technical requirements, ponton bridge sites 15 7-9
Time and labor requirements, construction of
heavy ponton bridge, model 1940 65 82-84
Tractors and bulldozers 8, 23 4-5, 15
Traffic control 52 62-63
Trailers
Boat, power 8 4-5
Tractor 8 4-5
Truck crane 88 118-119
Truck, tractor 87 117-118
Trestle span 76 108-111
Trestle-
Description 75 108
Load 6 4
Use in bridge construction 18 13
Unit, bridge 3, 73 1, 103-104
Unloading equipage 22-24 16-52
Width of river, measuring 16 9-12
143

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TM 5-273 25 Ton Ponton Bridge Model 1940

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What are the different components of a ponton bridge unit?

What are the different components of a ponton bridge unit?

What are the steps involved in constructing a ponton bridge by parts?

What are the steps involved in constructing a ponton bridge by parts?

3

25 TON PONTON BRIDGE

Generated on 2013-05-06 09:17 GMT / http://hdl.handle.net/2027/uc1.b3241346 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www.hathitrust.org/access_use#pd-google

25-TON PONTON BRI

PASHINGTON, May 26, 1948.

TM 5-273, July 1,1942, is changed as follows:

Change title of manual to read: 25-TON PONTON BRIDGE,

MODEL 1940, AND 10-TON PONTON BRIDGE, MODEL 1938.

CHAPTER 1. 25-ton ponton bridge, model 1940.

Chapter 2. 10-ton ponton bridge, model 1936.

Section I. General 89-92

II. Description of equipage 93-100

HI. Transportation and loading 10,1-102

IV. Construction 103-105

VI. Technical data 107-111

1. Purpose.The normal use * * * light ponton bridge.

Although the normal capacity of the bridge is 25 tons it may be rein-

forced to accommodate tank loads up to 45 tons.

[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)

3. (Superseded.) Bridge unit.a. The principal components of

b. One unit of bridge provides for 210 feet of unreinforced bridge,

or of bridge reinforced with pneumatic floats, if four trestles are used.

Each additional unit provides an added 180 feet of floating span.

c. One unit of equipage is sufficient for 157 feet of bridge reinforced

by extra pontons, provided four trestles are included; each additional

unit gives an added 90 feet of floating span.

[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)

Generated on 2013-05-06 09:19 GMT / http://hdl.handle.net/2027/uc1.b3241346 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www.hathitrust.org/access_use#pd-google

Anchor, Danf orth, 30-lb . _ .

Anchor, Kedge, 150-lb

Balk, transverse _ . _ - _____

Boat, assault, M2 with 9 paddles in carry-

Generated on 2013-05-06 09:20 GMT / http://hdl.handle.net/2027/uc1.b3241346 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www.hathitrust.org/access_use#pd-google

&. Truck loading.

2 5-TON AND 10-TON PONTON BRIDGES

Transportation and loading Medium (SB-ton) ponton bridge Truck

Bracing, trestle, set, less strut, bracing-.

Bracket, reflector, ponton gunwale type-

Bracket, stern attachment, 22-hp motor.

Buoy, life, ring

Chain, sling, %-va. x 16-ft. with hook

Chest, spare parts and accessories

Generated on 2013-05-06 09:20 GMT / http://hdl.handle.net/2027/uc1.b3241346 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www.hathitrust.org/access_use#pd-google

7. (Superseded.) Summary of loading.a. Ponton load.One

ponton bay with accessories. (See fig. 1.1.)

G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)

Generated on 2013-05-06 09:21 GMT / http://hdl.handle.net/2027/uc1.b3241346 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www.hathitrust.org/access_use#pd-google

25-TON AND 10-TON PONTON BRIDGES

b. Abutment load. One abutment span, one hinge span, an extra

[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)

Generated on 2013-05-06 09:22 GMT / http://hdl.handle.net/2027/uc1.b3241346 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www.hathitrust.org/access_use#pd-google

[A. G. 062.11 (4-10-43).] (C 1, May 26, 1943.)

Generated on 2013-05-06 09:23 GMT / http://hdl.handle.net/2027/uc1.b3241346 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www.hathitrust.org/access_use#pd-google

25-TON AND 10-TON PONTON B.RIDGES