Abstract:
A caisson block construction method, including: manufacturing a plurality of bottom caisson blocks having a plurality of first unit compartments disposed consecutively in a horizontal direction; manufacturing a plurality of upper caisson blocks having a plurality of second unit compartments; forming a bottom caisson block structure by installing the plurality of bottom caisson blocks side by side in the horizontal direction; installing the plurality of upper caisson blocks above the installed bottom caisson blocks; filling with rubble the second unit compartment of the upper caisson block positioned above the first unit compartment for rubble and exposed upward; inserting a vertical reinforcing bar module after the upper caisson blocks are installed; and forming a vertical concrete column for joining by casting concrete into the upper part of the second unit compartment in which the vertical reinforcing bar module is inserted.
Abstract:
A concrete block construction method, including: manufacturing a plurality of concrete blocks each having a vertical guide hole formed in a vertical direction; preparing a guide member for installing the concrete blocks; forming a lower concrete block structure by installing at least one of the concrete blocks; placing the concrete block subject to be installed on the lower concrete block structure by inserting the installation guide pole into the vertical guide hole of the concrete block subject to be installed; and separating and recovering the guide member for installing the concrete block from the concrete block subject to be installed, after placing the concrete block subject to be installed.
Abstract:
A suction caisson system comprising a caisson body comprising an upper rim, a lower rim, and a weakened section positioned between the upper rim and the lower rim. The system further comprises a caisson cover constructed and arranged to detachably connect to the upper rim of the caisson body as well as a pump constructed and arranged to provide fluid to and from the interior of the caisson body. In the event the caisson body is impacted by an advancing ice keel, or other foreign object, the caisson body will be sheared at the weakened cross-section, thus protecting any subsea equipment positioned within the caisson body below the weakened section.
Abstract:
A clamp system for operatively connecting a vibratory device to a plurality of caissons defining at least first and second diameters comprises a structural member, first and second clamps comprising first and second lock systems, respectively, and a clamp displacement system. The first and second clamps are supported by the structural member. The first and second lock systems fix the first and second clamps relative to the structural member. The clamp displacement system comprises at least one clamp displacement motor supported by the structural member and a mechanical link assembly connected between the at least one clamp displacement motor and the first and second clamps. Operation of the at least one clamp displacement motor allows the first and second clamps to be remotely displaced relative to the structural member such that the first and second clamps are spaced along the structural member as appropriate for either of the first and second diameters. Operation of the first and second locks systems fixes the first and second clamps relative to the structural member.
Abstract:
A clamp system for allowing a pile driving/pulling system to be attached to a caisson to be driven into or extracted from the earth. The clamp system comprises a structural member, first and second clamp assemblies, first and second locking assemblies, and a clamp displacement system. The structural member is attached to the pile driving/pulling system. The first and second clamp assemblies move along the structural member and either clamp onto portions of the caisson or are disengaged from the caisson. The first and second locking assemblies either fix a position of the clamp assemblies relative to the structural member or allow the clamp assemblies to move relative to the structural member. The clamp displacement system displaces the first and second clamp assemblies relative to the structural member to obtain a desired clamp distance between the first and second clamp assemblies.
Abstract:
A method of construction is provided in which a casing or assemblage of casings which can be handled as a unit is partly immersed in water to a controlled variable depth and used to mould a self-hardenable material such as freshly mixed concrete to form a required shape while isolating it from the surrounding water. Throughout ths stage of construction hydrostatic pressure exerted by the water on the casing or casing assemblage acts in opposition to pressure exerted by the self-hardenable material or by a temporary substitute therefor, (e.g. a bontonite slurry) together with any other forces or pressures that may act. This enables casings to be used which otherwise and for construction in a dry environment would require substantial or extensive support from falsework in order to prevent fracture or undesirable deformation thereof.
Abstract:
This disclosure is concerned with novel water-tight boxes for submergence in the sea, containing preferably fresh-water ice produced in another location and inserted into the box, with cooling means associated with the box that compensates for heat from the environment surrounding the box that would otherwise commence to melt the ice.
Abstract:
Apparatus for submerging a floatation body for placement beneath a floating structure is comprised of a tank which is divided into at least two sealed compartments. The tank has a total gross weight which is greater than the buoyancy force of the floatation body and yet has a volume which will allow it to float when filled with air. In order to tailor the gross weight of the tank for use with floatation bodies having a range of buoyancies, weights are removably attachable to the tank. Fluid passageways are provided in the bottom of each compartment, and an air outlet, containing a control valve, is located near the top of each compartment to permit selective flooding of the compartment to submerge the tank. Air inlets entering the top of each compartment are provided with control valves to allow selectively refilling the respective compartments from a remote air generating system. The method includes attaching the floatation body to the tank with straps and opening the air outlet valves until sufficient water enters the tank through the fluid passageways to submerge the floatation body to a depth where it is located beneath the level of the structure. The submerged apparatus is then manipulated until the floatation body is located underneath the structure and pressurized air is forced into the tank from the air generating system through the air inlets, thereby displacing the water out of the compartments through the fluid passageways, until the floatation body is raised to a position where it is completely supported by the structure. The floatation body is then released from the apparatus by removing the straps, and the tank is raised to the surface by completely refilling it with air.
Abstract:
A shear key unit for attachment rigidly to the base of a foundation raft for a maritime structure comprises an open ended thin walled cylinder, which when its open end is facing downwardly beneath the raft, acts as a fluid tight chamber of variable volume - the volume being diminished as the cylinder penetrates the seabed strata. The foundation raft can be lowered by controllably allowing sea water to escape from the chamber. A slidable closure may be provided at the distal end of the cylinder to isolate the interior of the cylinder from the seabed. It is a feature of the invention that the cylinder assembly can be installed through an opening extending downwardly through the foundation raft, and can thereafter be fixed in a position projecting beneath the base of the raft. A method of installing and attaching the shear key upon the slab is disclosed, and involves lowering the cylinder assembly through openings in the slab after the raft has been floated out, then fixing the cylinder assemblies in positions within the openings with the cylinders projecting beneath the slabs.
Abstract:
Hollow casings containing a plurality of vertical compartments are towed or floated to an erection site where they are filled with concrete or removable pillar members to form respectively, permanent or temporary columns for supporting drill platforms, piers, etc. First chains or weights are placed in one compartment of a casing to erect it without flooding, and then concrete or removable pillar sections are placed in a second compartment while compressed air is supplied through a third compartment underneath the casing to blow the sand on the bottom of the body of water away to permit the casing to embed itself in the floor of the body of water. Additional concrete or chains, for permanent and temporary columns, respectively, may be added to the several compartments, including that which contained the compressed air line, usually after the removal of the line therefrom, to anchor the column firmly in place.