Off-shore platform incorporating structure including hollow column - with hollow sliding element forming float supporting bridge, eliminating need for mechanical lifting equipment (BR 26.9.78)

摘要

An off-shore structure, designed to rest on the sea-bed or on a body of water to support industrial or scientific installations, comprises a hollow vertical column in which a hollow elongated element slides vertically. The element has a water-tight wall and bottom and forms a float which can support a bridge above the water. The structure can be ballasted so that it rests on the sea-bed or on a body of water. The height at which the element floats can be regulated and it can be fixed to the structure. The element can be submerged over most of its height and fixed temporarily in that position. The bridge can float on the water above the top of the element in that position and can be fixed to the element. The structure and the bridge are constructed separately on land and towed to their site. The structure is ballasted so that it rests on the sea-bed and the element is ballasted to bring its top just above the surface. The bridge is brought over the element, ballast is taken out of the element so that it lifts the bridge above the water, and the element is fixed to the bridge and to the structure. Problems associated with mechanical lifting equipment are avoided.