DE102018117656A1 - Foundation reinforcement for offshore structures - Google Patents

Abstract

In particular, a foundation reinforcement (1) for an existing foundation (2) of an offshore structure (3) is disclosed, the foundation reinforcement comprising: at least one essentially vertically extending support element (4) with an upper end (4b) and a lower end ( 4a), the lower end (4a) being fixed; at least one cantilever element (5) which is at least partially horizontal from the upper end (4b) of the support element (4) to an element (7) of the offshore structure (3) held by a first anchoring section (6) of an existing foundation (2) hinauskragt; wherein the support element (4) and the cantilever element (5) can be arranged on the existing foundation (2) such that a force acting on the element (7) at least partially via the cantilever element (5) on the support element (4) and / or is transferable to the support element (4), so that relief of the existing foundation (2) can be achieved. Furthermore, a foundation (2) and an offshore structure (3) are disclosed, each of which comprises a concrete foundation reinforcement (1).

Description

area

The invention relates to a foundation reinforcement for an offshore structure.

background

Foundations or foundation structures for offshore structures or offshore structures, especially for offshore wind turbines or topsides (e.g. superimposed dwellings of electrical systems, substations, platforms, to name just a few examples) sometimes require increasing load requirements during operation which must then be borne by the corresponding foundation.

For example, it may happen that an oil drilling platform as an offshore structure should produce more oil during operation, or should offer increased security against weather conditions or the like. Furthermore, for example in the case of wind turbines as an offshore structure, the load requirement can increase during operation if, for. B. a larger turbine, or larger blades should be included by the wind turbine. Then it is necessary that the existing foundation of the offshore structure can also bear these increased load requirements.

It is often disadvantageous that the foundations used and existing are not designed for these higher loads. For example, structures have e.g. B. Grid elements of jacket foundations themselves have already experienced a significant proportion of planned fatigue loads. Furthermore, retrofitting additional lattice structures of a (jacket) foundation is sometimes complex, since new lattice structures result in an increased modal mass, which lowers the natural frequency of the offshore structure and, as a rule, increases the fatigue loads of the existing foundation. Above all, this is due to the fact that the natural frequency of the offshore structure moves closer to the excitation frequency of the wave spectrum of the sea.

General description of some exemplary embodiments

It would be desirable to be able to adapt existing foundations in particular to the increasing load requirements of an offshore structure during operation.

Against the background of the prior art presented, it is therefore the object of the invention to at least partially reduce or avoid the problems described, that is to say in particular to provide an inexpensive way of adapting an existing foundation of an offshore structure to increasing load requirements during operation to be able to.

• - zumindest ein im Wesentlichen vertikal verlaufendes Stützelement mit einem oberen Ende und einem unteren Ende, wobei das untere Ende fixiert ist;
• - zumindest ein Kragelement, das von dem oberen Ende des Stützelementes zu einem von einem ersten Verankerungsabschnitt einer bestehenden Gründung gehaltenen Element des Offshore-Bauwerks zumindest teilweise horizontal hinauskragt; wobei das Stützelement und das Kragelement derart an der bestehenden Gründung anordenbar sind, dass eine auf das Element wirkende Kraft zumindest teilweise über das Kragelement auf das Stützelement und/oder (z. B. direkt) auf das Stützelement übertragbar ist, so dass eine Entlastung der bestehenden Gründung erzielbar ist.

According to an exemplary aspect of the invention, a foundation reinforcement for an offshore structure is disclosed, which comprises the following:

• - At least one substantially vertically extending support element with an upper end and a lower end, the lower end being fixed;
• - At least one cantilever element that at least partially projects horizontally from the upper end of the support element to an element of the offshore structure held by a first anchoring section of an existing foundation; wherein the support element and the cantilever element can be arranged in such a way that a force acting on the element can be transmitted at least partially via the cantilever element to the support element and / or (e.g. directly) to the support element, so that the load is relieved existing foundation is achievable.

• Der Begriff Meeresboden im Sinne der Erfindung umfasst sowohl einen Meeresboden eines Meeres (z. B. Ozean) als auch einen Seeboden eines Sees.

Some exemplary embodiments are described in more detail below:

• The term seabed in the sense of the invention encompasses both a seabed of a sea (e.g. ocean) and a seabed of a lake.

The invention is based on the knowledge that the carrying reserves of anchorings (e.g. foundation piles) in the seabed can be mobilized from existing foundations. It is also possible to keep the load increase in (the structure) of the existing foundation (e.g. jacket foundation) caused by the increased load requirement of the offshore structure. Furthermore, the necessary changes and adjustments to the existing foundation or its structures (structural elements) are kept low by means of the foundation reinforcement according to the invention.

According to the invention, the loads or increased loads of the offshore structure are diverted via the concrete foundation reinforcement into at least one mainly vertically oriented support element which is fixed at its lower end near the sea floor or near the sea floor. The lower end of the at least one support element is non-positively, for. B. fixed with one or more anchors (e.g. foundation piles) of the existing foundation by it connected to it (e.g. screwed and / or routed).

The element of the offshore structure is, for example, a pile element that has at least one vertical connection to a useful structure or topside of the offshore structure. Furthermore, the element of the offshore structure is, for example, an attachment point of the offshore structure, preferably an attachment point on an underside (i.e. in particular a side facing the seabed) of the offshore structure.

An offshore structure is, for example, an offshore wind turbine installed. Furthermore, an offshore structure is, for example, a transformer station, or a drilling or production platform. An offshore structure is, for example, a structure based on the seabed that has or includes a topside.

For the purposes of the invention, a topside of an offshore structure refers in particular to that part of an offshore structure which is arranged above sea level and comprises functional elements of the offshore structure. In the case of a wind power plant as an offshore structure, this can be, for example, the gondola comprising a turbine and rotor blades, the gondola being founded, for example, via a tower by means of the existing foundation in the seabed. Topsides of the offshore structure can also be, for example, dwellings of electrical systems, substations, oil and / or gas production and processing systems, measuring and radio stations, residential platforms, loading stations, flares or the like, to name just a few non-limiting examples ,

The at least one support element is, for example, a tube. The lower end of the support element is fixed, so that a force can be derived or diverted. For example, the lower end of the support element is fixed in such a way that the force is derived or diverted into the seabed.

The at least one cantilever element is, for example, a horizontal beam. The at least one cantilever element is ideally non-positively connected to all existing elements (e.g. pile elements) that support the offshore structure.

The present foundation reinforcement allows increasing loads of the offshore structure to be borne by the existing foundation during operation. According to the invention, this is made possible in particular by anchoring (e.g. one or more foundation piles) of existing foundations being subject to so-called growth effects, which the present invention makes use of. This is an increase in the resistance of the anchoring (e.g. foundation pile) of the existing foundation in the sea floor, which over time z. B. result from rearrangements and settlement effects and the reduction of pore water pressures. These growth effects can increase the maximum load of the anchoring of the existing foundations by 20% to 60% and more. This opens up the possibility of significantly increasing the stability of offshore foundations for loads that act on these offshore foundations by means of the foundation reinforcement in question, without the existing anchoring (e.g. one or more foundation piles) having to be renewed.

In an exemplary embodiment of the object, the existing foundation engages with at least one second anchoring section that can be anchored in the seabed from an anchoring in the seabed.

The existing foundation includes, for example, one or more anchors, e.g. B. Foundation piles anchored in the seabed. The one or more anchors (e.g. foundation piles) are anchored in the seabed, for example, in such a way that the second anchoring section, which is covered by the anchoring of the existing foundation, engages in the seabed. This can be made possible, for example, by vibrating the one or more anchorages at least partially into the seabed, so that the respective second anchorage section of the one or more anchorages engages in the seabed.

In an exemplary embodiment of the object, the existing foundation is a jacket foundation.

Certain offshore structures, especially wind turbines, are regularly attached to the seabed with a jacket foundation.

Such a jacket foundation has, for example, a square base area which is connected to one another by a pyramid-shaped framework structure made of lattice structures (for example steel pipes), the pyramid-shaped construction extending vertically upwards. An upper end of the lattice structure is designed, for example, to receive the element (e.g. pile element) from the offshore structure. The lower end of the jacket foundation itself is anchored in the seabed, for example, by means of at least one anchor (e.g. foundation pile).

The existing jacket foundation is anchored, for example, with a pre-pile anchor in the seabed, with one or more anchoring elements or anchors (e.g. pile elements) of the jacket foundation being anchored in the seabed, so that the jacket foundation can be anchored in the seabed is. This is realized, for example, in which the lattice structure (s) of the jacket foundation, e.g. B. by means of a routing in which the anchorage (s) is fixed.

Alternatively, the existing jacket foundation is, for example, a post-pile anchorage, with the post-pile anchorage the arrangement of the foundation reinforcement in question can sometimes be easier than with a pre-pile anchorage. In the case of post-pile anchoring of a jacket foundation, the lower end of the at least one support element of the foundation reinforcement is arranged (for example, inserted) in at least one free upper end of at least one foundation pile encompassed by the respective post-pile anchoring, and in particular subsequently force-locked connected to the respective post-pile anchor (e.g. fixed), e.g. B. by means of a routing.

An increase in stiffness is made possible by increasing the "jacket headprint" and relieving the strain on the lattice structure (s) of the existing jacket foundation.

In an exemplary embodiment of the object, the support element and the cantilever element can be non-positively connected to one another.

The upper end of the at least one support element and one end of the at least one cantilever element can, for example, be firmly connected to one another (eg screwed or welded). A longitudinal direction of the at least one support element and a longitudinal direction of the at least one cantilever have, for example, an angle of approximately 90 ° in the present case. In this way, the direction of longitudinal extension of the at least one support element in the state reinforcing the existing foundation is essentially vertical, and the direction of longitudinal extension of the at least one cantilever element in the state reinforcing the existing foundation is at least partially horizontal.

In an exemplary embodiment of the object, the support element can be non-positively connected to a foundation pile of the existing foundation.

The foundation pile is, for example, the anchor that has the second anchor section of the existing foundation. The existing foundation, for example, has more than one such foundation pile, e.g. B. two, three, four or more such foundation piles. Such a foundation pile has, for example, at least one receptacle for receiving the lower end of the at least one support element. In order to fix the at least one support element in this receptacle, the lower end of the at least one support element can, for example, engage in the receptacle (eg be plugged in) and then routed. The receptacle is, for example, of a hollow cylindrical design, so that the lower end of the at least one support element can engage in this hollow cylindrical receptacle.

In an exemplary embodiment of the object, the support element engages non-positively with its lower end in the seabed.

Alternatively to the fixation of the lower end of the at least one support element in a receptacle, the z. B. is provided by an anchoring (z. B. foundation pile) of the existing foundation, the lower end of the at least one support element for example (directly) in the seabed can be fixed. A non-positive fixation in the sea floor can be achieved, for example, by increasing the size of the lower end of the at least one support element (for example a section of the at least one support element). Furthermore, a non-positive fixation in the seabed can be realized, for example, by vibrating at least a part of the lower end of the at least one support element into the seabed.

The at least one support element is, for example, rotated relative to one or more anchoring sections or anchors (e.g. one or more foundation piles) of the existing foundation, so that the lower end of the at least one support element is anchored directly in the seabed, and yet the at least one support element is essentially vertically aligned.

This described twisting of the at least one support element is preferred in particular in the case of an existing jacket foundation which is designed as a pre-pile anchoring, since this facilitates assembly of the foundation reinforcement in question even with such a pre-pile anchoring of the existing foundation.

The lower end of the at least one support element, for example in the state that reinforces the existing foundation, is arranged substantially centrally between two anchors (e.g. foundation piles) of the existing jacket foundation (e.g. pre-pile anchors).

In an exemplary embodiment of the object, the support element is non-positively connected to a buoyancy body.

Such a buoyancy body in the sense of the present object has the effect that, in the present foundation, short and long-term extreme misalignments can be avoided or compensated for by the fact that this causes a restoring force which counteracts the misalignment.

In particular, such a buoyancy body can have an essentially conical or curved geometry.

Such a buoyancy body can be used, for example, in addition to a foundation, and can support the holding of the offshore structure founded with the foundation.

The buoyancy caused by the (for example at least one) buoyancy body can result in a lower natural frequency of the offshore structure, which can limit the natural frequency. This is due in particular to the semi-floating foundation of the offshore structure, which comprises at least one buoyancy element.

In a further objective embodiment in accordance with all aspects, the at least one buoyancy body is arranged around the surface of the water and / or at least the element of the offshore structure in a horizontal plane.

Alternatively, when the element of the offshore structure is upright, the at least one buoyancy element can be arranged lying on the water line. Furthermore, the at least one buoyancy body can be arranged, for example, on at least one arm extending from the outer wall of the element of the offshore structure.

In an exemplary embodiment of the object, the support element and the cantilever element together form an outrigger construction, which is arranged on the outside in the state that reinforces the existing foundation, so that the existing foundation is stiffened, it is essential that the outriger construction in at least one compound, preferably two compounds, e.g. B. between the vertically extending and the horizontally extending element and existing structure and horizontal element is rigid.

The reinforcement of the elements (e.g. pyramid-shaped lattice structures) of the jacket foundation is made possible by this outrigger construction. The wording “in the state that reinforces the existing foundation” in the sense of the present invention represents in particular the state in which the foundation reinforcement according to the invention is completely mounted on the existing foundation, that is to say the at least one cantilever element with at least one (support) element of the offshore Structure connected and the lower end of the at least one support element is fixed.

This also allows inexpensive retrofitting of the foundational reinforcement in question to an existing foundation, since the work involved in installation is minimal due to the simple external arrangement.

In an exemplary embodiment of the object, at least two support elements and at least two cantilever elements can be arranged on the existing foundation.

In the state reinforcing the existing foundation, at least two, preferably three, four or five supporting elements can thus be arranged on the outside of the existing foundation. Correspondingly, for example, in the state that reinforces the existing foundation, at least two, in particular three, four or five cantilever elements are each connected to the element of the offshore structure and the respective support element. All support elements and cantilever elements then reinforce this existing foundation in the state that reinforces the existing foundation.

Furthermore, the at least two support elements and the at least two cantilever elements can be arranged, for example, in a modular manner on the existing jacket foundation, so that the existing foundation can be successively expanded according to the invention by one or more additional support elements and cantilever elements, so that the existing foundation can be further strengthened step by step. Furthermore, in the event that at least two support elements and at least two cantilever elements are arranged on the existing foundation, these are arranged, for example, equally distributed on the outside of the existing foundation.

In an exemplary embodiment of the object, the at least one support element can be filled with a filling material to increase its own weight.

To accommodate the filling material, the at least one support element is, for example, at least partially hollow or hollow-cylindrical. For example, the at least one support element is a (hollow) tube.

The filling material is, for example, a cement suspension. The filling material is pressed or cast into the at least one support element, for example

In an exemplary embodiment of the object, the element of the offshore structure comprises a flange connection, the cantilever element being non-positively connectable to the flange connection.

The at least one cantilever element can, for example, be arranged on the flange connection (for example screwed on).

In the event that the element of the offshore structure is a pile element, this is arranged, for example, on the flange connection. In this way, the cantilever element can, for example, also be arranged on the flange connection (for example screwed on). Furthermore, the cantilever element of the foundation reinforcement in the sense of the present object is also non-positively connected, for example, to the element of the offshore structure held by the first anchoring section of the existing foundation. Alternatively, the present foundation reinforcement includes other configurations of the connections, which, for. B. but are not exclusively made by welding, screwing, gluing, riveting, jamming (also called swaging), and / or are made by friction connections.

In order to be tolerant of strong deflections and also to be able to evade extreme loads due to its great deformability, the foundation reinforcement can allow a large movement of the offshore structure, for example. Correspondingly, the at least one cantilever element can be connected to the element of the offshore structure, for example, in such a way that it extends in a substantially vertical direction along the element (e.g. a pile element (e.g. tower in the case of an offshore wind turbine)) of the offshore structure can slide in the longitudinal direction of the element from the offshore structure. This makes it possible, for example, for occasionally occurring tilting and / or rolling movements of the offshore structure (e.g. tilting and / or rolling movements of the tower of an offshore wind turbine) to avoid such strong stresses in the at least one cantilever element and / or the at least one trigger a support element of the foundation reinforcement that this can lead to material failure.

In an exemplary embodiment of the object, the at least one support element is designed telescopically, so that its length can be changed and it is pretensioned in a state that reinforces the existing foundation.

This allows, for example, a simplified assembly of the at least one support element by z. B. can first be shortened with its lower end, and then extended in length by means of the telescopic design, so that the upper end, which for example with the at least one cantilever z. B. is connected, can be brought to the intended position. Then, for example, the free end of the at least one cantilever element can be fixed or non-positively connected to the element of the offshore structure.

In an exemplary embodiment of the object, the respective upper ends of the at least two support elements can be connected to one another by means of at least one support element.

This further increases the reinforcement that can be achieved by the foundation reinforcement in question, since the force to be derived or redirected is also at least partially transferable between the at least two support elements or cantilever elements.

In an exemplary embodiment of the object, the foundation reinforcement in a state that reinforces the existing foundation increases the natural frequency of the offshore structure, so that a reduction in the natural frequency of the offshore structure caused by additional loads can be compensated for.

An increase in the (structural) natural frequency, that is the natural frequency of the offshore structure, compared to the natural frequency of the natural frequency of the structure changed by additional loads, is made possible back to the original frequency, whereby this “new” natural frequency of the structure ideally no more than 0.2 Hz below the original natural frequency.

In an exemplary embodiment according to all aspects, the offshore structure is a wind energy plant, which is a power generation plant, for. B. comprises a turbine and a rotating component (z. B. rotor blade).

The objective task is also solved by a foundation, comprising an objective foundation reinforcement.

The objective is also solved by an offshore structure, including a substantive foundation.

The exemplary embodiments of the present invention described above in this description are also to be understood as being disclosed in all combinations with one another. In particular, exemplary embodiments are to be understood as being disclosed in relation to the different aspects.

In particular, the previous or following description of method steps according to preferred embodiments of a method should also disclose corresponding means for carrying out the method steps by means of preferred embodiments of a device. Likewise, the corresponding method step is also to be disclosed by the disclosure of means of a device for carrying out a method step.

Further advantageous exemplary embodiments of the invention can be found in the following detailed description of some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in particular in connection with the figures. However, the figures are only intended for the purpose of illustration, but not to determine the scope of the invention. The figures are not to scale and are only intended to reflect the general concept of the present invention by way of example. In particular, features which are contained in the figures should in no way be regarded as a necessary part of the present invention.

list of figures

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung einer Jacket-Gründung für ein Offshore-Bauwerk umfassend eine gegenständliche Gründungsverstärkung;
• 2 die schematische Jacket-Gründung für ein Offshore-Bauwerk nach 1 dargestellt im vollständig die Jacket-Gründung verstärkenden Zustand;
• 3 eine schematische Darstellung eines Offshore-Bauwerks umfassend eine zweite und eine dritte Variante einer gegenständlichen Gründungsverstärkung; und
• 4 eine schematische Darstellung eines Offshore-Bauwerks umfassend eine vierte Variante einer gegenständlichen Gründungsverstärkung.

In the drawing shows

• 1 is a schematic representation of a jacket foundation for an offshore structure comprising a concrete foundation reinforcement;
• 2 the schematic jacket foundation for an offshore structure 1 shown in the fully reinforcing condition of the jacket foundation;
• 3 a schematic representation of an offshore structure comprising a second and a third variant of a concrete foundation reinforcement; and
• 4 is a schematic representation of an offshore structure comprising a fourth variant of a concrete foundation.

Detailed description of some exemplary embodiments

1 shows a schematic representation of a jacket foundation 2 for an offshore structure 3 comprehensively an objective foundation reinforcement 1 , In the 1 is a first variant of a concrete foundation reinforcement 1 shown.

The offshore structure 3 is for example a wind turbine (in 1 not shown), the element 7 of the offshore structure 3 for example, the tower of the wind turbine. The offshore structure 3 is present with a jacket foundation 2 established as an existing foundation. The jacket foundation 2 has an anchoring section 6 on, which in the present case is a flange connection. It can be seen that the element 7 of the offshore structure 3 in the present case is held in the center of the flange connection. The element 7 of the offshore structure 3 is, for example, in the anchoring section 6 the existing jacket foundation 2 held in which the element 7 of the offshore structure 3 in the existing jacket foundation 2 is raked.

The jacket foundation 2 has four anchorages in the present case 8th on the corner points of a rectangular basic shape of the jacket foundation 2 are arranged. Each of these four anchorages 8th is present as a foundation pile 8th educated. Each of these foundation piles 8th has an anchoring section at its lower end 8a by means of which the respective foundation pile 8th can intervene in the sea floor so that it is then anchored.

In 1 are two present foundation reinforcements 1 already at the existing jacket foundation 2 arranged, two additional substantive foundation reinforcements 1 however not yet. The latter are in 1 left of the existing foundation 2 , slightly shifted upwards and from the existing foundation 2 shown spaced.

The two foundational reinforcements 1 that according to 1 not yet on the existing foundation 2 are arranged, in the present case comprise a support element 9 that the top ends 4b of the respective support elements 4 or the respective ends of the cantilever elements 5 that with the respective top ends 4b of the respective support elements 4 (firmly) connected, connected with each other. Another such support element 9 is already at the top 4b of the support element shown on the left, which according to 1 is not yet arranged on the existing jacket foundation.

2 shows the schematic jacket foundation 2 for an offshore structure 1 im completely the jacket foundation 2 reinforcing state. For the sake of clarity, in 2 only one of the four foundational reinforcements shown 1 with detailed Provided with reference numerals (in 2 the foundation reinforcement shown on the right by the viewer 1 ).

In contrast to 1 are the two foundational reinforcements 1 now also in the existing jacket foundation 2 reinforcing state shown.

It can be seen that the respective lower ends 4a of the support elements 4 each in one of the four foundation piles 8th included recordings 8b are fixed. For this, the respective lower end was used here 4a of the support elements 4 in the hollow cylindrical shaped receptacle 8b of the respective foundation pile 8th inserted, and then routed in this.

Overall, the existing jacket foundation 2 the 2 with four concrete foundation reinforcements 1 reinforced, their respective cantilever elements 5 each with the element 7 of an offshore structure 3 (in 2 are not shown in full) are non-positively connected. Furthermore, the respective upper ends 4b of the support elements 4 each with the upper ends 4b their respective adjacent support elements 4 with a support element 9 connected. An upper end 4b a support element 4 consequently has a connection to two support elements 9 on.

Furthermore, in 2 schematically the seabed M shown, so that it is clear that an anchoring section 8a of a respective foundation pile 8th the existing foundation 2 with this anchoring section 8a in the seabed M intervenes.

3 shows a schematic representation of an offshore structure 3 comprising a second and a third variant of an objective foundation reinforcement 1 ,

The offshore structure 3 in 3 is a platform, z. B. a working platform of a conveyor system. This platform is with the existing foundation 2 founded. In the present case it can be seen that the existing foundation 2 a jacket foundation 2 is, the lattice structures of which extend up to a sea level, so that the platform is not in the sea.

The second variant of a concrete foundation reinforcement 1 is in 3 shown on the left. The third variant of a concrete foundation reinforcement 1 is in 3 shown on the right.

The second variant of the foundation reinforcement comprises at least one essentially vertically extending support element 4 with an upper end 4b and a lower end 4a , with the lower end 4a here in the recording 8b of the foundation pile 8th is fixed. Another support element of the same type is in 3 not recognizable for perspective reasons, since it is covered by the "front" support element. The support element 4 is predefined in length, ie in particular it cannot be extended or shortened.

The support element 4 is further with its upper end 4b with a cantilever 5 connected. The top end 4b of the support element 4 The second variant extends to one from the existing foundation 2 held element 7 , in the present case the platform of the offshore structure 3 , It can be seen that the cantilever 5 extends partly in the horizontal direction and partly also in the vertical direction. In the sense of the present object, a cantilever element which extends at least partially in the horizontal direction can 5 corresponding to the foundational reinforcement in question also extend at least partially in the vertical direction. In contrast to this, the longitudinal direction of the support element points 4 in the sense of the invention, only a slight deviation of at most 10 to 15 degrees from a completely vertically arranged axis. Other configurations include one or more inclined outrigger elements that either ascend or descend from the existing structure and are connected to the element that is largely vertically downward. Elements that are curved or that deviate from the vertical by more than 15 ° are also included.

The cantilever 5 is present on two anchoring sections with the element 7 (Platform) with the offshore structure 3 firmly connected. The support element 4 and the cantilever 5 are present in this way on the existing foundation 2 arranged that one on the item 7 (Platform of the offshore structure 3 ) acting force at least partially via the cantilever 5 on the support element 4 and / or can be transferred directly to the support element, so that the existing foundation is relieved 2 by means of the objective foundation reinforcement 1 is achievable.

In contrast to the support element of the second variant, the support element is 4 the third variant, shown on the right side of the 3 , is telescopic, so that its length can be changed. This particularly facilitates the assembly of the support element 4 , since, for example, an uprighting of the support element so that its direction of longitudinal extension is essentially vertical, can sometimes be difficult, since a non-telescopic support element 4 the second variant sometimes between the admission 8b of the foundation pile 8th and the element 7 (in this case the platform) of the offshore structure 3 can be jammed before it is in the existing jacket foundation 2 reinforcing state is arranged. This is done by means of the telescopic support element 4 avoided. If the telescopic support element 4 the third variant in which the existing jacket foundation 2 reinforcing state is arranged, it is so preloaded that a relief of the existing foundation 2 by means of the objective foundation reinforcement 1 is achievable.

4 shows a schematic representation of an offshore structure 3 comprehensively a fourth variant of a concrete foundation reinforcement 1 ,

The offshore structure 3 in 4 is a platform, z. B. a working platform of a conveyor system. This platform is with the existing foundation 2 founded. In the present case it can be seen that the existing foundation 2 a jacket foundation 2 is, the lattice structures of which extend up to a sea level, so that the platform is not in the sea.

Unlike the one in 3 shown second and third variant of concrete foundation reinforcements 1 indicates the in 4 fourth variant shown (identical on the left and right side in 4 ) support elements 4 on, which are designed as tension elements. The respective support elements 4 are with their respective upper ends 4b on the element 7 , here at an attachment point of the offshore structure 3 (e.g. on the underside of the offshore structure, in this case on the underside of the platform). Furthermore, the respective support elements 4 with their lower ends 4a in recordings 8b the foundation piles 8th the existing foundation 2 fixed, e.g. B. by means of a routing. Through the formation of the respective support elements 4 cause the support elements as tension elements 4 So each a pulling force with the z. B. the attachment point of the offshore structure 3 and / or the recording 8b of the respective foundation pile 8th to be pulled.

The exemplary embodiments of the present invention described in this specification and the optional features and properties listed in this regard are also to be understood as being disclosed in all combinations with one another. In particular, the description of a feature included in an exemplary embodiment - unless explicitly stated to the contrary - should not be understood in the present case to mean that the feature is essential or essential for the function of the exemplary embodiment. The sequence of the process steps described in this specification in the individual flowcharts is not mandatory, alternative sequences of the process steps are conceivable. The method steps can be implemented in different ways, so an implementation in software (by program instructions), hardware or a combination of both is conceivable for the implementation of the method steps.

Terms used in the claims such as “comprise”, “exhibit”, “contain”, “contain” and the like do not exclude further elements or steps. The phrase "at least partially" includes both the case "partially" and the case "completely". The wording “and / or” should be understood to mean that both the alternative and the combination should be disclosed, that is to say “A and / or B” means “(A) or (8) or (A and B)”. The use of the indefinite article does not preclude a majority. A single device can perform the functions of several units or devices mentioned in the claims. Reference numerals given in the claims are not to be regarded as restrictions on the means and steps used.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

foundation reinforcement

2

existing foundation

3

Offshore structure

4

support element

4a

lower end of the support element

4b

upper end of the support element

5

cantilever

6

Anchoring section of the existing foundation (e.g. flange connection)

7

Element of the offshore structure

8th

Anchor / foundation pile

8a

Anchoring section of the anchoring

8b

Support for support element

9

supporting member

M

Seabed

Claims (16)

Foundation reinforcement (1) for an offshore structure (3), comprising: - at least one essentially vertically extending support element (4) with an upper end (4b) and a lower end (4a), the lower end (4a) being fixed ; - At least one cantilever element (5) extending from the upper end (4b) of the support element (4) to one of a first anchoring section (6) of an existing foundation (2) holding element (7) of the offshore structure (3) projects at least partially horizontally; wherein the support element (4) and the cantilever element (5) can be arranged on the existing foundation (2) such that a force acting on the element (7) at least partially via the cantilever element (5) on the support element (4) and / or is transferable to the support element (4), so that relief of the existing foundation (2) can be achieved. Foundation reinforcement (1) after Claim 1 , characterized in that the existing foundation (2) engages with at least one second anchoring section (8a) which can be anchored in the seabed (M) from an anchorage (8) in the seabed (M). Foundation reinforcement (1) after Claim 1 or Claim 2 , characterized in that the existing foundation (2) is a jacket foundation. Foundation reinforcement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support element (4) and the cantilever element (5) can be connected to one another in a force-locking manner. Foundation reinforcement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support element (4) can be non-positively connected to a foundation pile (8) of the existing foundation (2). Foundation reinforcement (1) according to one of the Claims 1 to 4 , characterized in that the support element (4) engages non-positively with its lower end (4a) in the seabed (M). Foundation reinforcement (1) according to one of the Claims 1 to 4 , characterized in that the support element (4) is non-positively connected to a buoyancy body. Foundation reinforcement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support element (4) and the cantilever element (5) together form an outrigger construction, which is arranged on the outside in the existing foundation (2) reinforcing state, so that the existing foundation (2) is stiffened. Foundation reinforcement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two support elements (4) and at least two cantilever elements (5) can be arranged on the existing foundation (2). Foundation reinforcement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one support element (4) can be filled with a filling material to increase its own weight. Foundation reinforcement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the element (7) of the offshore structure (3) comprises a flange connection, the cantilever element (5) being non-positively connectable to the flange connection. Foundation reinforcement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one support element (4) is designed telescopically, so that its length can be changed and it is under prestress in a state which reinforces the existing foundation (2). Foundation reinforcement (1) according to one of the Claims 9 to 12 , characterized in that the respective upper ends (4b) of the at least two support elements (4) can be connected to one another by means of at least one support element (9). Foundation reinforcement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the foundation reinforcement (1) in a state which reinforces the existing foundation (2) causes an increase in the natural frequency of the offshore structure (3), so that a reduction caused by additional loads the natural frequency of the offshore structure (3) can be compensated. Foundation (2), comprising a foundation reinforcement (1) according to one of the Claims 1 to 14 , Offshore structure (3), comprising a foundation reinforcement (1) according to one of the Claims 1 to 14 ,

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