MARINE IMPACT-ABSORBING STRUCTURE

摘要

A sacrificial impact-absorbing and energy-dissipating structure for protecting marine facilities from the destructive force of an accidental impact by a marine vessel is constructed from a plurality of inexpensive steel pipes or tubular members that are permanently secured together as by welding to form an open three-dimensional rectilinear framework of plastically deformable material in which the interior of some or all of the tubular members are in fluid communication. One or more of the tubular members forming the structure can be filled with water, a rigid foam material and/or wooden elements that will provide additional energy-dissipation capabilities in the event that the containing tube is subjected to a deforming impact. Optionally, filler ports, discharge ports, pressure relief plugs, and valves can be provided on one or more of the tubular members.