Societa Cemento Armato e Retion Gabellini,
Rome, Italy.

Following is taken from SHIPBUILDING AND SHIPPING RECORD, September 21, 1916 page 252.
In the International Marine Engineering for August, 1909, there is an interesting article by H. Prime Keiffer, C. E., describing the construction and design of Ferro-Concrete vessels. It appears that the method of construction is somewhat similar to that adopted in Egypt hundreds of years ago when the Egyptians made boat s of wicker frame work plastered over with clay. Instead of reeds, the reinforcement consists of steel rods, and cement is used instead of clay. Senor Carlo Gabellini, head of the firm Societa Cemento Armato e Retino Gabellini, Rome, is the inventor of the Italian system. Some small row boats were among the very first that were built. These were tested for rigidity and elasticity and then taken to the open sea, where they remained in salt water for some two years. After it was apparent that salt water would have absolutely no effect on the concrete and that marine growths would not adhere to it, it was decided to build boats on a larger scale. Three pontoons, 80 ft. long, 10 ft. wide, and 3 ft. 6 ill. deep, were constructed and launched on the Tiber. In 1905 the company built a 150-ton freight barge for use in the military harbour of Spezzia, and in the following year they constructed one for the Italian marine service, which was taken to Spezzia where it was subjected to severe tests by being drawn against a bridge pier and rammed by a powerful tugboat and various other trials. A considerable number of these barges have since been constructed. Whilst concrete barges have proved themselves to be thoroughly practical and useful, it does not follow that a seagoing vessel constructed on the same principle will be equally satisfactory. The constant strains to which the structures of ships are subjected in a seaway call for a measure of strength and flexibility which a concrete structure might be unable to afford. It, however, would be unwise for critics to be too dogmatic in their criticism of the new type of vessel, as already a deal of evidence is to hand as to the value of the system for calm water service.

Updated 2001.03.29