Installation of a pile in the seabed using a guide structure

摘要

The invention relates to a method and apparatus for installing an elongate upstanding structure e.g. a pile 5 in a seabed SB. The pile may support wind or water turbines or marine structures such as jetties. The method comprises the steps of providing a hollow guide assembly 1 capable of accommodating the pile 5 to be installed in the seabed SB; using the hollow guide assembly 1 to position and set the pile 5 at the required position and orientation; positioning the hollow guide assembly on the seabed at the position required to install the pile 5 in the seabed; setting the orientation of the guide assembly 1 at the required orientation for the pile, and downwardly displacing the pile 5 relative to the guide assembly to cause the pile to become self supporting. Once the pile 5 is set the guide assembly may be lifted off the pile. The pile is preferably set by drilling and undereaming the pile to produce a bore to accept the lower end of the pile.