METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PILED FOUNDATION IMPROVEMENT THROUGH FREEZING USING SURFACE MOUNTED REFRIGERATION UNITS

摘要

A method and apparatus for increasing the load bearing capacity of tubular piles by freezing an area of soil surrounding the piles. A refrigeration unit is located on the surface of an offshore structure and circulates cold brine to an isolated section of the pile. The brine freezes the soil surrounding the pile. Freezing the soil increases the surface friction between the pile and the soil, providing increased load bearing capacity.