GRAVITY PILE FOR PLATFORM FOUNDATION AND PROCESS FOR ITS INSTALLATION

摘要

A gravity pile for platform foundations is described which comprises a series of pile sections made from two concentric tubes the annular space between which is filled with an elevated specific weight composition such as mortar or hematite. Individual pile sections can be joined together by means of tubular connecting rings welded to the ends of the sections and welded or screwed to each other. The uppermost section of the pile may be provided by a tubular support ring provided with a peripheral load bearing flange for simple direct contact support of the template designed to receive the tethers of the platform. A process is also described for installing the pile in which the pile penetrates the sea bed under its own weight and penetration is then complements by conventional undersea pile driving or preferably by jetting the interior of the pile using the drilling string of the rig. Further weight may be provide by adding cement to the interior of the pile using the same drilling line.