Floatable structure
First Claim
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1. A structure that is floatable on an ocean surface and that is fixable relative to an ocean bottom, the structure comprising:
- an array of floatable column stabilized caissons,a floatable box girder configured to engage the array of caissons and to support a superstructure,means for raising and lowering the array of caissons relative to the ocean surface,means for connecting the array of caissons and the box girder,means for positioning the array of caissons on the ocean bottom, wherein the means for positioning the array of caissons on the ocean bottom comprises a skirt for establishing a void between at least one of the caissons and the ocean bottom, andmeans for introducing pressure equalizing and leveling material into the void,whereby the box girder is floatable to a position on the ocean surface substantially above the array of caissons, and the array of caissons can be raised toward the box girder and connected with the box girder.
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Abstract
A structure that is floatable on a ocean surface and that is fixable relative to an ocean bottom. The structure includes an array of floatable, submersible caissons and a floatable box girder capable of supporting a modular superstructure. The box girder is floated to a position on the ocean surface above the submerged array of caissons. The array of caissons is then raised to engage and connect with the box girder. The caissons may also be secured to the ocean bottom.
25 Citations
13 Claims
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1. A structure that is floatable on an ocean surface and that is fixable relative to an ocean bottom, the structure comprising:
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an array of floatable column stabilized caissons, a floatable box girder configured to engage the array of caissons and to support a superstructure, means for raising and lowering the array of caissons relative to the ocean surface, means for connecting the array of caissons and the box girder, means for positioning the array of caissons on the ocean bottom, wherein the means for positioning the array of caissons on the ocean bottom comprises a skirt for establishing a void between at least one of the caissons and the ocean bottom, and means for introducing pressure equalizing and leveling material into the void, whereby the box girder is floatable to a position on the ocean surface substantially above the array of caissons, and the array of caissons can be raised toward the box girder and connected with the box girder. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method of assembling a structure that is floatable on a ocean surface and that is fixable relative to an ocean bottom, the method comprising the steps of:
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providing an array of floatable column stabilized caissons, at least one of the caissons being provided with a skirt, providing a floatable box girder, lowering the array of caissons below the ocean surface, bridging the box girder to a position on the ocean surface substantially above the lowered array of caissons, raising the array of caissons toward the ocean surface to engage the box girder and lift the box girder above the ocean surface, connecting the array of caissons and the box girder, lowering the array of caissons connected to the box girder to a position at which the skirt establishes a void between at least one of the caissons and the ocean bottom, and introducing pressure equalizing and leveling material into the void. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification