Method of erecting a very large diameter offshore column

摘要

The method involves erecting a very large-diameter column from a plurality of buoyant columnar members at a selected site in a body of sea water. Each columnar member is floated erect to the site. The first or lowermost columnar member is pulled down and fully submerged to a predetermined depth over the site. The second columnar member is then positioned directly over the lowermost member. The lowermost member is allowed to move up and lift the second member out of the water. The two columnar members are securely interconnected to each other in a watertight fashion. The partial column is then pulled down to a fully submerged condition and the third columnar member is positioned directly over the second member. The partial column is allowed to move up and lift the third member out of the water. A secure watertight connection is made between the third columnar member and the second columnar member. This process of erection is repeated for as many columnar members as may be required to obtain the full length for the desired column. The pulling down of the columnar members can be effected by winches mounted on a platform. The winches have lines on which anchor weights are suspended. The weights are disposed on the sea bed in a suitable pattern around the selected site. The lifting of the columnar members is effected by the inherent buoyancy of the columnar members.