The Parmley System was a comprehensive system of reinforced concrete constructions (monolithic, segmental, and unit pipes). The first patent for the system was issued in 1902. This catalog features segmental pipe construction, which Parmley believed was one of the most efficient methods by which sewers and pipe lines could be built.

View of manufacturing plant in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Source: Walter C. Parmley, The Parmley System of Arch Construction: Catalogue E, Segmental Concrete, Plain and Reinforced (New York, NY: Walter C. Parmley, 1927), p. 25.

Invert construction for 36" diameter Parmley Segmental sewer, laid several feet below the water level of flowing quicksand. St. Petersburg, Florida.

Source: Walter C. Parmley, The Parmley System of Arch Construction: Catalogue E, Segmental Concrete, Plain and Reinforced (New York, NY: Walter C. Parmley, 1927), p. 46.

36" diameter sewer laid about six feet below the surface water plane in flowing quicksand. St. Petersburg, Florida.

Source: Walter C. Parmley, The Parmley System of Arch Construction: Catalogue E, Segmental Concrete, Plain and Reinforced (New York, NY: Walter C. Parmley, 1927), p. 47.

Another illustration of sewer in very soft quicksand. St. Petersburg, Florida.

Source: Walter C. Parmley, The Parmley System of Arch Construction: Catalogue E, Segmental Concrete, Plain and Reinforced (New York, NY: Walter C. Parmley, 1927), p. 49.

This wooden water main in Fernandina Beach, Florida, is owned by Rayioner Inc., a manufacturer of paper. Water from local wells is fed into this main for delivery to the papermill. It is a 24” dia main, built in 1934. The main is in service 24/7 (as of 2010) and has an operating pressure of approximately 40-50 psi.

Source: Don Arch, John Mandrick and Dave Shortz.