EP4328386A2 - Floating structure and method for assembling such a structure - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a floating module (1) comprising a plurality of walls (2) extending between a first longitudinal end (4) and a second longitudinal end (6), the floating module (1) comprising a first partition (8 ) and a second partition (10) connecting each wall (2) of the plurality of walls by defining an internal volume (12) of the floating module (1), characterized in that the floating module (1) comprises at least one extension ( 14) emerging from an external face (16) of the wall (2), the extension (14) extending longitudinally projecting from the first longitudinal end (4) or the second longitudinal end (6), the extension (14) and the wall (2) being made by continuity of material. The invention also relates to a method of assembling a first floating module (3) and a second floating module (5).

Description

The field of the present invention is that of floating structures, such as artificial islands or pontoons. The invention also relates to a method of assembling floating modules forming such a floating structure.

In the state of the art, so-called monolithic floating structures formed from a single structural element are known. These monolithic floating structures have in particular the disadvantage of having limited dimensions which do not make it possible to produce a floating structure adapted to the desired dimensions or even to require specific infrastructures during their manufacture or their transport from their manufacturing site to a production site. destination, considerably increasing their manufacturing cost.

Such so-called modular floating structures are also known, comprising several distinct floating modules, in particular made of concrete, assembled together to form the modular floating structure. It is known to ensure cohesion between the different floating modules by providing a cavity in the thickness of a wall of each floating module at a junction between a first floating module and a second floating module. A hollow formed by a first cavity of a first known floating module and a second floating module is then filled with a material, such as concrete, in particular liquid which, once solidified, ensures cohesion between the first floating module and the second floating module of the known modular floating structure. These known modular floating structures do not give complete satisfaction and have drawbacks. Indeed, the cavity being formed in the thickness of the wall, the thickness of concrete poured in the hollow is only equal to a fraction of the thickness of the wall. Thus, when the first floating module and the second floating module are assembled, only said fraction of the thickness of the wall ensures the mechanical strength of the assembly between the first floating module and the second floating module, thus causing structural weakness, particularly in terms of static, dynamic, hydrodynamic fatigue and sealing resistance, at the level of the assembly between the first floating module and the second floating module known from the known modular floating structure.

The aim of the present invention is to propose a floating structure making it possible to fully respond to the disadvantages stated above and also lead to other advantages. Thus, the present invention aims to achieve a modular floating structure comprising two floating modules assembled with each other and connected by a material cast in a hollow between the first floating module and the second floating module, the hollow having a thickness identical to the thickness of the walls of the floating modules of the floating structure in order to ensure total mechanical continuity between the first floating module and the second floating module, and to obtain a modular floating structure which behaves like a structure monolithic with the same mechanical resistance as the current section of a floating module.

The invention achieves this, according to a first aspect, thanks to a floating module comprising a plurality of walls extending between a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, the floating module comprising a first partition and a second partition connecting each wall of the plurality of walls by defining with these walls an internal volume of the floating module, characterized in that the floating module comprises at least one extension emerging from an external face of the wall, the extension extending longitudinally projecting from the first end longitudinal or of the second longitudinal end, the extension and the wall from which the extension comes being produced by continuity of material.

The walls extend mainly in a longitudinal axis. When implementing the floating module in a floating structure, the longitudinal axis is intended to be horizontal. The first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end designate the longitudinal ends of a wall, and not the longitudinal ends of the floating module.

The first partition and the second partition extend in a vertical and transverse plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

The walls and partitions define the internal volume, which ensures the flotation of the floating module. In fact, the internal volume is entirely enclosed or almost entirely enclosed, the floating module comprising in the latter case an opening, particularly of a technical nature, made in a wall or in a partition. Thus, when implementing the floating module on a body of water, such as a sea, an ocean or a port, the module floating is configured to avoid or reduce the penetration of water inside the internal volume. More particularly, the internal volume of the floating module is intended to be occupied by a material having a density less than 1, that is to say a density less than the density of water. Said material can be, for example air or a foam such as polyurethane, polyethylene or polystyrene foam, so that the floating module has a general density less than 1, thus ensuring the flotation of the floating module on the water.

Each wall comprises an internal face and an external face located opposite the wall relative to the internal face, the internal face of the wall being oriented in the direction of the internal volume. Thus, a thickness of the wall is measured between the internal face of the wall and the external face of the wall.

Thus, the extension emerges from the external face of the wall, the extension also extending longitudinally projecting from a longitudinal end of the wall, the extension and the wall from which the extension comes being produced by continuity of matter. In other words, the extension and the wall from which the extension comes are made of the same material, and do not present any separation of material.

This configuration according to the invention makes it possible to produce a modular floating structure comprising at least one floating module conforming to the first aspect of the invention, said floating structure having total mechanical continuity between the assembled floating modules and behaving like a monolithic structure with the same mechanical resistance as the current section of a floating module, unlike a known modular floating structure. Indeed, the extension and the wall from which the extension of a first floating module according to the invention comes delimit a first cavity. The extension emerging from the external face of the wall and extending longitudinally projecting from the longitudinal end of the wall, the cavity comprises a dimension, called the first dimension, along a vertical axis perpendicular to a longitudinal and transverse plane formed by the internal face of the wall, the first dimension can then represent at least the entire thickness of the wall measured between the external face and the internal face of the wall, this first dimension can also be greater than the thickness of the wall measured perpendicularly between the external face and the internal face of the wall. Thus, during assembly between the first module floating and a second floating module, the cavity makes it possible to position the material connecting the first floating module and the second floating module, the material can then occupy the entirety of the first dimension of the cavity. Thus, this configuration makes it possible to ensure total mechanical continuity between the first floating module and a second floating module, and to obtain a modular floating structure which behaves like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical resistance as the current section of a floating module, the cavity delimited by the wall and the extension having a first dimension which can represent at least the entire thickness of the wall.

On the other hand, the mechanical resistance of the extension is ensured by the continuity of material between the extension and the wall from which the extension comes.

• un bord d'une extrémité longitudinale de la paroi et l'extension délimitent au moins en partie une cavité. Le bord désigne la face située au bout de la paroi selon l'axe longitudinal. Ainsi, lorsque deux modules flottants sont mis en regard l'un de l'autre afin d'être assemblés, la cavité du premier module flottant, dite première cavité, est en regard de la cavité, dite deuxième cavité, du deuxième module flottant, la première cavité et la deuxième cavité formant ensemble un creux dans lequel peut être coulé le matériau, tel qu'un béton, permettant de relier structurellement le premier module flottant et le deuxième module flottant ;
• une épaisseur de la cavité est égale ou supérieure à une épaisseur de la paroi de laquelle émerge l'extension. Les épaisseurs mentionnées ici sont mesurées le long de droites parallèles. Dit autrement, une face interne de l'extension s'étend dans un plan situé au-delà d'un plan dans lequel s'inscrit une face externe de la paroi, vers un environnement extérieur du module flottant;
• une face externe de la paroi et une face interne de l'extension sont dans un même plan. La face externe de la paroi est située à l'opposé de la paroi par rapport à la face interne de la paroi. La face interne de l'extension est orientée vers la cavité. Il est entendu que la face externe de la paroi et la face interne de l'extension sont dans un même plan si la différence de plan est inférieure ou égale à 5%, la différence de plan étant mesurée en prenant comme référence l'épaisseur de la paroi mesurée entre la face interne de la paroi et la face externe de la paroi. Dans ce mode de réalisation particulier, la face interne de l'extension et la face externe de la paroi sont coplanaires. La première dimension, mesurée entre la face interne de l'extension et un plan longitudinal et transversal formé par la face interne de la paroi, est égale à une deuxième dimension mesurée entre la face externe de la paroi et la face interne de la paroi. Autrement dit, la deuxième dimension correspond à l'épaisseur de la paroi. Ainsi, la configuration dans laquelle la première dimension de la cavité est égale ou sensiblement égale à l'épaisseur de la paroi permet d'assurer une continuité mécanique totale entre le premier module flottant et un deuxième module flottant, et d'obtenir une structure flottante modulaire qui se comporte comme une structure monolithique ayant la même résistance mécanique que la section courante d'un module flottant, notamment en comparaison de modules flottants connus dans lesquels la première dimension de la cavité ne représente qu'une fraction de la deuxième dimension de la paroi. En effet, selon l'invention, l'extension, s'étendant depuis la face externe de la paroi, permet de configurer la cavité de sorte que la première dimension de la cavité soit égale à l'épaisseur de la paroi, la cavité étant destinée à être remplie d'un matériau de liaison, tel qu'un béton, afin de relier un premier module flottant et un deuxième module flottant d'une structure flottant, permettant ainsi à la structure flottante d'assurer une continuité mécanique totale entre le premier module flottant et un deuxième module flottant, et d'obtenir une structure flottante modulaire qui se comporte comme une structure monolithique ayant la même résistance mécanique que la section courante d'un module flottant pour résister aux efforts mécaniques auxquels elle est soumise, notamment des efforts de compression permettant de maintenir le premier module flottant et le deuxième module flottant assemblés, ou encore les efforts mécaniques exercés par les mouvements de l'étendue d'eau sur ou dans laquelle la structure flottante repose ;
• une extension est située sur chacune des parois latérales du module flottant et sur une paroi inférieure du module flottant. Les parois latérales désignent les parois s'étendant principalement dans un plan longitudinal et vertical lorsque le module flottant est mis en oeuvre sur une étendue d'eau. La paroi inférieure désigne la paroi du module flottant s'étendant principalement dans un plan longitudinal et transversal lorsque le module flottant est mis en oeuvre sur une étendue d'eau, la paroi inférieure étant située au niveau d'une partie inférieure du module flottant, destiné notamment à être immergée lorsque le module flottant est mis en oeuvre sur une étendue d'eau, par rapport à une partie supérieure du module flottant destiné à être émergée lorsque le module flottant est mis en oeuvre sur l'étendue d'eau. De manière avantageuse, la paroi inférieure relie les parois latérales du module flottant entre elles, sous une ligne d'eau, une paroi supérieure située sur la partie supérieure du module flottant relie les parois latérales du module flottant entre elles, les parois latérales étant ainsi partiellement immergées et partiellement émergées. Cette configuration permet de rendre étanche le volume situé entre un premier module flottant et un deuxième module flottant destinés à être assemblés, notamment sur une étendue d'eau, tout en permettant l'accès, notamment à un opérateur devant assurer différentes étapes nécessaires à l'assemblage entre le premier module flottant et le deuxième module flottant, au volume situé entre le premier module flottant et le deuxième module flottant, notamment au niveau de la partie supérieure du module flottant, la paroi supérieure étant notamment dépourvue d'extension, formant ainsi un passage permettant l'accès à un opérateur ;
• l'extension s'étend sur toute la largeur de la paroi selon un axe transversal perpendiculaire à l'axe longitudinal ;
• de manière avantageuse, l'extension située sur une première paroi est réalisée par continuité de matière avec une extension située sur une deuxième paroi directement adjacente à la première paroi. Cette configuration permet d'assurer une continuité mécanique totale entre le premier module flottant et un deuxième module flottant, et d'obtenir une structure flottante modulaire qui se comporte comme une structure monolithique ayant la même résistance mécanique que la section courante d'un module flottant et l'étanchéité d'une jonction entre l'extension située sur la première paroi et l'extension située sur la deuxième paroi ;
• la paroi comprend une première extension située au niveau de la première extrémité longitudinale et une deuxième extension située au niveau de la deuxième extrémité longitudinale. La paroi désigne notamment une unique paroi du module flottant, ou encore chaque paroi du module flottant, ou encore l'ensemble des parois latérales et/ou des parois inférieures du module flottant. Cette configuration permet un assemblage simple entre le premier module flottant et le deuxième module flottant conformes au premier aspect de l'invention, le premier module flottant et le deuxième module flottant étant alors connectés entre eux au niveau de leurs extensions respectives. Plus particulièrement et de manière avantageuse, une première extension située sur le premier module flottant est destinée à être connectée à une deuxième extension située sur le deuxième module flottant ;
• la pluralité de parois, la première cloison, la deuxième cloison et l'extension sont réalisées par continuité de matière, ladite matière étant un béton. Autrement dit, l'ossature générale du module flottant est en béton. Cette configuration permet d'assurer une continuité mécanique totale entre le premier module flottant et un deuxième module flottant, et d'obtenir une structure flottante modulaire qui se comporte comme une structure monolithique ayant la même résistance mécanique que la section courante d'un module flottant pour résister aux efforts mécaniques, notamment en compression. De plus, cette configuration permet une fabrication simple du module flottant, celui-ci pouvant être formé à l'aide d'un coffrage dans lequel le béton, à l'état liquide, est coulé. De manière avantageuse, le béton est armé, c'est-à-dire qu'il est traversé par au moins une armature métallique, favorisant la résistance du module flottant aux efforts mécaniques, notamment en traction. De manière avantageuse, le béton est précontraint, c'est-à-dire qu'un câble de précontrainte s'étend au travers du béton, un effort de traction étant appliqué au câble de précontrainte permettant l'application d'un effort de compression correspondant au module flottant, le béton formant le module flottant se voyant ainsi appliqué l'effort de compression, auquel le béton est fortement résistant en comparaison d'un effort de traction, auquel le béton n'est que faiblement résistant ;
• une armature métallique s'étend à l'intérieur de la paroi et débouche dans la cavité. Ainsi, l'armature métallique s'étend selon l'axe longitudinal. Autrement dit, l'armature métallique est située dans l'épaisseur de la paroi, c'est-à-dire entre la face interne et la face externe de la paroi. On entend que l'armature métallique débouche dans la cavité lorsqu'elle affleure la cavité, c'est-à-dire lorsque l'armature métallique s'étend longitudinalement jusqu'au bord de l'extrémité longitudinale de la paroi, ou encore lorsque l'armature métallique s'étend à l'intérieur de la cavité. L'armature métallique favorise la résistance du module flottant aux efforts mécaniques, notamment en traction. D'autre part, l'armature métallique d'un premier module flottant est destinée à être couplée avec une armature métallique d'un deuxième module flottant afin d'assurer une continuité mécanique totale des armatures entre le premier module flottant et un deuxième module flottant, et d'obtenir une structure flottante modulaire qui se comporte comme une structure monolithique ayant la même résistance mécanique des armatures que la section courante d'un module flottant pour résister aux efforts mécaniques, notamment en traction, de la structure flottante formée par le premier module flottant et le deuxième module flottant. Avantageusement, le couplage de l'armature métallique du premier module flottant et de l'armature métallique du deuxième module flottant permet d'assurer la position relative du premier module flottant par rapport au deuxième module flottant lors de l'assemblage du premier module flottant et du deuxième module flottant. De manière avantageuse, en combinaison avec la caractéristique précédente, l'ossature du module flottant est un béton, assurant une continuité mécanique totale du béton entre le premier module flottant et un deuxième module flottant, et permettant d'obtenir une structure flottante modulaire qui se comporte comme une structure monolithique ayant la même résistance mécanique du béton que la section courante d'un module flottant pour résister aux efforts mécaniques en compression, tandis que l'armature métallique assure la résistance aux efforts mécaniques en traction ;
• le module flottant comprend une gaine de précontrainte s'étendant à l'intérieur d'une paroi et débouchant dans la cavité. Ainsi, la gaine de précontrainte s'étend selon l'axe longitudinal. Autrement dit, la gaine de précontrainte est située dans l'épaisseur de la paroi, c'est-à-dire entre la face interne et la face externe de la paroi. On entend que la gaine de précontrainte débouche dans la cavité lorsqu'elle affleure la cavité, c'est-à-dire lorsque la gaine de précontrainte s'étend longitudinalement jusqu'au bord de l'extrémité longitudinale de la paroi, ou encore lorsque la gaine de précontrainte s'étend à l'intérieur de la cavité. La gaine de précontrainte est destinée à recevoir un câble de précontrainte formé par une multitude de brins, le câble de précontrainte étant logé à l'intérieur de la gaine de précontrainte. Plus particulièrement, la gaine de précontrainte est destinée à recevoir un câble de précontrainte métallique formé par une multitude de brins métalliques, les brins métalliques étant de préférence torsadés. Ainsi, lorsqu'une pluralité de modules flottants alignés sur un même axe d'alignement sont assemblés les uns avec les autres, le câble de précontrainte est inséré dans la gaine de précontrainte de chaque module flottant, chaque gaine de précontrainte d'un premier module flottant étant agencée pour être alignée avec une gaine de précontrainte d'un deuxième module flottant adjacent. Ainsi, le câble de précontrainte s'étend à travers la cavité du premier module flottant et la cavité du deuxième module flottant lorsque le premier module flottant et le deuxième module flottant sont assemblés. Le câble de précontrainte est alors mis sous tension afin d'exercer une force de compression sur l'ensemble des modules flottants alignés sur l'axe d'alignement, la mise sous tension permettant à chaque module flottant, réalisé en béton, de subir un effort de compression, auquel le béton présente une résistance élevée, le module flottant n'étant alors soumis potentiellement qu'à un faible effort en traction auquel le béton présente une résistance faible. La configuration dans laquelle le câble de précontrainte s'étend à travers la cavité du premier module flottant et la cavité du deuxième module flottant permet d'assurer que l'effort de compression exercé par le câble de précontrainte est exercé dans le plan de la cavité du premier module flottant et de la cavité du deuxième module flottant. Autrement dit, l'effort de compression exercé par le câble de précontrainte n'est pas excentré par rapport à la surface sur laquelle l'effort de compression est exercé. Cette configuration permet également, notamment dans un mode de réalisation particulier dans lequel une structure flottante comprend au moins trois modules flottants assemblés selon un même axe, de relier l'intégralité desdits modules flottants entre eux par le câble de précontrainte, l'effort de compression étant alors exercé par le câble de précontrainte sur l'intégralité desdits modules flottants, assurant une continuité mécanique totale entre le premier module flottant et un deuxième module flottant, et permettant d'obtenir une structure flottante modulaire qui se comporte comme une structure monolithique ayant la même résistance mécanique que la section courante d'un module flottant.
• de préférence, le câble de précontrainte comprend un diamètre plus important que le diamètre d'une armature métallique ;
• de manière avantageuse, le module flottant comprend une dimension longitudinale comprise entre cinq mètres et cent mètres, ou n'importe quelle longueur. L'invention peut être utilisée pour assurer une continuité mécanique totale entre le premier module flottant et un deuxième module flottant, et permettre d'obtenir une structure flottante modulaire qui se comporte comme une structure monolithique ayant la même résistance mécanique que la section courante d'un module flottant. La dimension longitudinale du module flottant est mesurée entre une première terminaison longitudinale et une deuxième terminaison longitudinale du module flottant, la première terminaison longitudinale étant située au niveau d'un premier bout de la première extension s'étendant longitudinalement en saillie de la paroi, la deuxième terminaison longitudinale étant située à l'opposé du module flottant par rapport à la première terminaison selon l'axe longitudinal. La deuxième terminaison peut notamment être formée par un deuxième bout d'une deuxième extension située à l'opposé de la paroi par rapport à la première extension selon l'axe longitudinal. Autrement dit, le module flottant s'étend longitudinalement entre la première terminaison longitudinale et la deuxième terminaison longitudinale. Cette configuration permet la fabrication d'un module flottant de grande taille tout en étant constructible et transportable de manière simple par des moyens existants ;

• la pluralité de parois du module flottant comprend entre trois et six parois, notamment quatre parois ;
• de préférence, le module flottant peut prendre la forme d'un pavé droit. Alternativement, le module flottant peut prendre une forme en « L », permettant ainsi de créer un angle au niveau des parois du module flottant. De préférence, ledit angle est proche de 90° plus ou moins 10°, permettant ainsi de créer une structure flottante possédant une forme globale rectangulaire, ledit module flottant formant alors un coin de la structure flottante. De manière alternative, le module flottant peut prendre toute autre forme ;
• le module flottant exposé ci-dessous peur comprendre un dispositif d'étanchéité solidaire de l'extension. Notamment, ce dispositif d'étanchéité peut être disposé sur un bout qui délimite l'extension, ce bout formant une terminaison longitudinale du module flottant.

The floating module conforming to the first aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one of the improvements below, the technical characteristics forming these improvements being able to be taken alone or in combination:

• an edge of a longitudinal end of the wall and the extension delimit at least partly a cavity. The edge designates the face located at the end of the wall along the longitudinal axis. Thus, when two floating modules are placed opposite each other in order to be assembled, the cavity of the first floating module, called the first cavity, is opposite the cavity, called the second cavity, of the second floating module, the first cavity and the second cavity together forming a hollow into which the material, such as concrete, can be poured, making it possible to structurally connect the first floating module and the second floating module;
• a thickness of the cavity is equal to or greater than a thickness of the wall from which the extension emerges. The thicknesses mentioned here are measured along parallel lines. In other words, an internal face of the extension extends in a plane located beyond a plane in which an external face of the wall fits, towards an external environment of the floating module;
• an external face of the wall and an internal face of the extension are in the same plane. The external face of the wall is located opposite the wall relative to the internal face of the wall. The internal face of the extension is oriented towards the cavity. It is understood that the external face of the wall and the internal face of the extension are in the same plane if the difference in plane is less than or equal to 5%, the difference in plane being measured by taking as a reference the thickness of the wall measured between the internal face of the wall and the external face of the wall. In this particular embodiment, the internal face of the extension and the external face of the wall are coplanar. The first dimension, measured between the internal face of the extension and a longitudinal and transverse plane formed by the internal face of the wall, is equal to a second dimension measured between the external face of the wall and the internal face of the wall. In other words, the second dimension corresponds to the thickness of the wall. Thus, the configuration in which the first dimension of the cavity is equal or substantially equal to the thickness of the wall makes it possible to ensure total mechanical continuity between the first floating module and a second floating module, and to obtain a floating structure modular which behaves like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical resistance as the current section of a floating module, particularly in comparison with known floating modules in which the first dimension of the cavity represents only a fraction of the second dimension of the wall. Indeed, according to the invention, the extension, extending from the external face of the wall, makes it possible to configure the cavity so that the first dimension of the cavity is equal to the thickness of the wall, the cavity being intended to be filled with a connecting material, such as concrete, in order to connect a first floating module and a second floating module of a floating structure, thus allowing the floating structure to ensure total mechanical continuity between the first floating module and a second floating module, and to obtain a modular floating structure which behaves like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical resistance as the current section of a floating module to resist the mechanical forces to which it is subjected, in particular compression forces making it possible to maintain the first floating module and the second floating module assembled, or the mechanical forces exerted by the movements of the body of water on or in which the floating structure rests;
• an extension is located on each of the side walls of the floating module and on a lower wall of the floating module. The side walls designate the walls extending mainly in a longitudinal and vertical plane when the floating module is implemented on a body of water. The bottom wall designates the wall of the floating module extending mainly in a longitudinal and transverse plane when the floating module is placed in place. work on a body of water, the lower wall being located at the level of a lower part of the floating module, intended in particular to be submerged when the floating module is used on a body of water, relative to an upper part of the floating module intended to be emerged when the floating module is implemented on the body of water. Advantageously, the lower wall connects the side walls of the floating module to each other, under a water line, an upper wall located on the upper part of the floating module connects the side walls of the floating module to each other, the side walls thus being partially submerged and partially emerged. This configuration makes it possible to seal the volume located between a first floating module and a second floating module intended to be assembled, in particular on a body of water, while allowing access, in particular to an operator having to carry out various steps necessary for the assembly between the first floating module and the second floating module, at the volume located between the first floating module and the second floating module, in particular at the level of the upper part of the floating module, the upper wall being in particular devoid of extension, thus forming a passage allowing access to an operator;
• the extension extends over the entire width of the wall along a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis;
• advantageously, the extension located on a first wall is produced by continuity of material with an extension located on a second wall directly adjacent to the first wall. This configuration makes it possible to ensure total mechanical continuity between the first floating module and a second floating module, and to obtain a modular floating structure which behaves like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical resistance as the current section of a floating module. and the sealing of a junction between the extension located on the first wall and the extension located on the second wall;
• the wall comprises a first extension located at the first longitudinal end and a second extension located at the second longitudinal end. The wall designates in particular a single wall of the floating module, or even each wall of the floating module, or even all of the side walls and/or lower walls of the floating module. This configuration allows simple assembly between the first floating module and the second floating module conforming to the first aspect of the invention, the first floating module and the second floating module then being connected to each other at their respective extensions. More particularly and advantageously, a first extension located on the first floating module is intended to be connected to a second extension located on the second floating module;
• the plurality of walls, the first partition, the second partition and the extension are produced by continuity of material, said material being concrete. In other words, the general framework of the floating module is made of concrete. This configuration makes it possible to ensure total mechanical continuity between the first floating module and a second floating module, and to obtain a modular floating structure which behaves like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical resistance as the current section of a floating module. to resist mechanical forces, particularly compression. In addition, this configuration allows simple manufacturing of the floating module, which can be formed using formwork into which the concrete, in the liquid state, is poured. Advantageously, the concrete is reinforced, that is to say it is crossed by at least one metal reinforcement, favoring the resistance of the floating module to mechanical forces, particularly in traction. Advantageously, the concrete is prestressed, that is to say that a prestressing cable extends through the concrete, a tensile force being applied to the prestressing cable allowing the application of a compressive force corresponding to the floating module, the concrete forming the floating module thus having the compressive force applied to it, to which the concrete is highly resistant in comparison to a tensile force, to which the concrete is only weakly resistant;
• a metal frame extends inside the wall and opens into the cavity. Thus, the metal frame extends along the longitudinal axis. In other words, the metal reinforcement is located in the thickness of the wall, that is to say between the internal face and the external face of the wall. It is understood that the metal frame opens into the cavity when it is flush with the cavity, that is to say when the metal frame extends longitudinally to the edge of the longitudinal end of the wall, or even when the metal frame extends inside the cavity. The metal frame promotes the resistance of the floating module to mechanical forces, particularly traction. On the other hand, the metal frame of a first module floating module is intended to be coupled with a metal frame of a second floating module in order to ensure total mechanical continuity of the frames between the first floating module and a second floating module, and to obtain a modular floating structure which behaves like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical strength of the reinforcements as the current section of a floating module to resist the mechanical forces, particularly in traction, of the floating structure formed by the first floating module and the second floating module. Advantageously, the coupling of the metal frame of the first floating module and the metal frame of the second floating module makes it possible to ensure the relative position of the first floating module relative to the second floating module during the assembly of the first floating module and of the second floating module. Advantageously, in combination with the previous characteristic, the framework of the floating module is concrete, ensuring total mechanical continuity of the concrete between the first floating module and a second floating module, and making it possible to obtain a modular floating structure which is behaves like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical strength of the concrete as the current section of a floating module to resist mechanical forces in compression, while the metal reinforcement ensures resistance to mechanical forces in traction;
• the floating module comprises a prestressing sheath extending inside a wall and opening into the cavity. Thus, the prestressing sheath extends along the longitudinal axis. In other words, the prestressing sheath is located in the thickness of the wall, that is to say between the internal face and the external face of the wall. It is understood that the prestressing sheath opens into the cavity when it is flush with the cavity, that is to say when the prestressing sheath extends longitudinally to the edge of the longitudinal end of the wall, or even when the prestressing sheath extends inside the cavity. The prestressing sheath is intended to receive a prestressing cable formed by a multitude of strands, the prestressing cable being housed inside the prestressing sheath. More particularly, the prestressing sheath is intended to receive a metal prestressing cable formed by a multitude of metal strands, the metal strands being preferably twisted. Thus, when a plurality of floating modules aligned on the same alignment axis are assembled with each other, the prestressing cable is inserted into the prestressing sheath of each floating module, each prestressing sheath of a first floating module being arranged to be aligned with a prestressing sheath of a second adjacent floating module. Thus, the prestressing cable extends through the cavity of the first floating module and the cavity of the second floating module when the first floating module and the second floating module are assembled. The prestressing cable is then put under tension in order to exert a compressive force on all of the floating modules aligned on the alignment axis, the tensioning allowing each floating module, made of concrete, to undergo a compressive force, to which the concrete has a high resistance, the floating module then potentially being subjected to only a low tensile force to which the concrete has a low resistance. The configuration in which the prestressing cable extends through the cavity of the first floating module and the cavity of the second floating module ensures that the compressive force exerted by the prestressing cable is exerted in the plane of the cavity of the first floating module and the cavity of the second floating module. In other words, the compressive force exerted by the prestressing cable is not eccentric with respect to the surface on which the compressive force is exerted. This configuration also makes it possible, in particular in a particular embodiment in which a floating structure comprises at least three floating modules assembled along the same axis, to connect all of said floating modules together by the prestressing cable, the compression force being then exerted by the prestressing cable on all of said floating modules, ensuring total mechanical continuity between the first floating module and a second floating module, and making it possible to obtain a modular floating structure which behaves like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical resistance as the current section of a floating module.
• preferably, the prestressing cable has a diameter larger than the diameter of a metal reinforcement;
• advantageously, the floating module comprises a longitudinal dimension of between five meters and one hundred meters, or any length. The invention can be used to ensure total mechanical continuity between the first floating module and a second floating module, and make it possible to obtain a modular floating structure which behaves like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical resistance as the current section of a floating module. The longitudinal dimension of the floating module is measured between a first longitudinal termination and a second longitudinal termination of the floating module, the first longitudinal termination being located at a first end of the first extension extending longitudinally projecting from the wall, the second longitudinal termination being located opposite of the floating module relative to the first termination along the longitudinal axis. The second termination can in particular be formed by a second end of a second extension located opposite the wall relative to the first extension along the longitudinal axis. In other words, the floating module extends longitudinally between the first longitudinal termination and the second longitudinal termination. This configuration allows the manufacture of a large floating module while being constructible and transportable in a simple manner by existing means;

• the plurality of walls of the floating module comprises between three and six walls, in particular four walls;
• preferably, the floating module can take the form of a straight block. Alternatively, the floating module can take an “L” shape, thus making it possible to create an angle at the level of the walls of the floating module. Preferably, said angle is close to 90° plus or minus 10°, thus making it possible to create a floating structure having an overall rectangular shape, said floating module then forming a corner of the floating structure. Alternatively, the floating module can take any other form;
• the floating module exposed below can include a sealing device integral with the extension. In particular, this sealing device can be placed on an end which delimits the extension, this end forming a longitudinal termination of the floating module.

According to a second aspect, the invention also relates to a floating structure comprising at least one floating module conforming to the first aspect of the invention.

This configuration according to the second aspect of the invention makes it possible in particular to form a floating structure, such as a bridge, an oil platform, a port, a pier, a floating platform for renewable energy, a nuclear structure, an artificial island, or any other type of floating structure. More particularly, this configuration allows the construction of a so-called modular floating structure, that is to say formed of several distinct floating modules assembled together. Indeed, the construction of a floating structure large modular structure is simplified in comparison to the construction of a monolithic floating structure formed from a single large structural element. Indeed, the construction of a monolithic floating structure requires, for example, specific infrastructure or even suitable means of transport in order to transport the monolithic floating structure from its place of manufacture to its place of destination, while in the case of 'a modular floating structure, the floating modules forming said modular floating structure are individually of a size smaller than the size of the modular floating structure. In addition, the floating modules can also be assembled, in order to form the modular floating structure, directly at the destination of the modular floating structure, removing the constraints of transporting the floating structure. On the other hand, the invention makes it possible to ensure total mechanical continuity between the first floating module and a second floating module, and to obtain a modular floating structure which behaves like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical resistance as the section current of a floating module, unlike a known modular floating structure due to the use of a floating module conforming to the first aspect of the invention.

• de manière avantageuse, la structure flottante comprend une pluralité de modules flottants, l'intégralité des modules flottants de la pluralité de modules flottants étant conforme au premier aspect de l'invention. De manière alternative, seulement une fraction des modules flottants de la pluralité de modules flottants est conforme au premier aspect de l'invention ;
• un dispositif d'étanchéité est situé entre un premier module flottant et un deuxième module flottant, le dispositif d'étanchéité étant intercalé entre une extension du premier module flottant et une extension du deuxième module flottant. Il peut s'agir du dispositif d'étanchéité détaillé ci-dessus en rapport avec le module flottant. De manière avantageuse, le dispositif d'étanchéité est intercalé entre une paroi latérale et/ou une paroi inférieure du premier module flottant et une paroi latérale et/ou une paroi inférieure du deuxième module flottant. Le dispositif d'étanchéité permet d'assurer l'étanchéité de la liaison entre le premier module flottant et le deuxième module flottant. Ainsi, lorsque le premier module flottant et le deuxième module flottant sont assemblés l'un avec l'autre, le dispositif d'étanchéité, présentant une certaine élasticité, est écrasé, assurant l'étanchéité de l'interface entre le premier module flottant et le deuxième module flottant. De manière avantageuse, le dispositif d'étanchéité est solidaire de l'une ou l'autre extension du premier module flottant ou du deuxième module flottant. De préférence, le dispositif d'étanchéité est un joint, notamment un joint en caoutchouc ou en matière plastique ;
• un creux délimité par une cavité du premier module flottant et par une cavité du deuxième module flottant est rempli de béton. Cette configuration permet l'assemblage et la cohésion entre le premier module flottant et le deuxième module flottant de la structure flottante. Plus particulièrement et de manière avantageuse, cette configuration permet un assemblage monolithique, le premier module flottant et le deuxième module flottant étant reliés l'un à l'autre par une coulée de béton dans le creux, permettant de réaliser une continuité de matière entre le premier module flottant et le deuxième module flottant, le premier module flottant et le deuxième module flottant étant réalisés avantageusement en béton. Autrement dit, le matériau présent dans le creux est identique au matériau formant le premier module flottant et le deuxième module flottant. Ainsi, cette configuration permet d'assurer une continuité mécanique totale entre le premier module flottant et un deuxième module flottant, et d'obtenir une structure flottante modulaire qui se comporte comme une structure monolithique ayant la même résistance mécanique que la section courante d'un module flottant pour résister aux efforts mécaniques, notamment en compression, de la structure flottante, le béton coulé dans le creux assurant la transmission des efforts mécaniques entre une paroi du premier module flottant et une paroi du deuxième module flottant, assurant ainsi la reprise d'efforts, notamment en compression, entre le premier module flottant et le deuxième module flottant ;
• une continuité entre une armature métallique du premier module flottant et une armature métallique du deuxième module flottant entre elles, et/ou une continuité entre une gaine de précontrainte du premier module flottant et une gaine de précontrainte du deuxième module flottant est réalisée dans le creux. La continuité entre l'armature métallique du premier module flottant et l'armature métallique du deuxième module flottant est notamment réalisée par un coupleur, permettant ainsi la reprise des efforts mécaniques, notamment en traction, entre le premier module flottant et le deuxième module flottant. La continuité entre la gaine de précontrainte du premier module flottant et la gaine de précontrainte du deuxième module flottant est notamment réalisée par un manchon creux, permettant ainsi le passage du câble de précontrainte entre le premier module flottant et le deuxième module flottant, permettant ainsi la transmission de l'effort de compression, exercé par l'effort de traction appliqué au câble de précontrainte, entre le premier module flottant et le deuxième module flottant. Ainsi, cette configuration permet d'assurer une continuité de matière, notamment de béton armé et/ou précontraint entre le premier module flottant et le deuxième module flottant pour former une structure flottante monolithique avec la même résistance mécanique que la section courante d'un module flottant. Ainsi, la structure flottante se comporte comme une structure monolithique non modulaire capable de résister, pour les différentes phases de vie de la structure flottante, aux efforts statique et dynamique, aux efforts hydrodynamiques et aux phénomènes de fatigue qui lui sont appliqués, conformément aux règlements internationaux ;
• une épaisseur de la paroi du premier module flottant est égale à une épaisseur de la paroi du deuxième module flottant, l'épaisseur de la paroi du premier module flottant et l'épaisseur de la paroi du deuxième module flottant étant égales ou inférieures à une épaisseur du creux. L'épaisseur de chaque paroi est définie entre la face externe et la face interne de ladite paroi. L'épaisseur du creux correspond à la première dimension de la première cavité, ainsi qu'à la première dimension de la deuxième cavité. Il est entendu que deux épaisseurs sont égales entre elles si la différence d'épaisseur est inférieure ou égale à 5%, en prenant comme référence l'épaisseur du creux. De manière avantageuse, la face externe de la paroi du premier module flottant et la face externe de la paroi du deuxième module flottant sont dans un même plan. Dans un mode de réalisation, la face interne de l'extension issue du premier module flottant et la face interne de l'extension issue du deuxième module flottant sont dans un même plan, ledit plan étant avantageusement, le plan formé par la face externe de la paroi du premier module flottant et par la paroi du deuxième module flottant. De manière analogue, la face interne de la paroi du premier module flottant et la face interne de la paroi du deuxième module flottant sont dans un même plan. Ainsi, cette configuration permet d'obtenir une continuité complète de l'épaisseur de la paroi du premier module flottant et de la paroi du deuxième module flottant au niveau du creux, le creux étant destiné à être rempli, notamment par du béton. Ainsi, cette configuration assure une continuité mécanique totale entre le premier module flottant et un deuxième module flottant, et permet d'obtenir une structure flottante modulaire qui se comporte comme une structure monolithique ayant la même résistance mécanique que la section courante d'un module flottant, l'épaisseur du creux représentant l'intégralité de l'épaisseur de la paroi du premier module flottant ainsi que l'intégralité de l'épaisseur du deuxième module flottant ;
• la structure flottante peut être notamment un pont, une plateforme pétrolière, un port, une jetée, une plateforme flottante pour énergie renouvelable, une structure nucléaire, une ile artificielle, ou tout autre type de structure flottante.

The floating structure conforming to the second aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one of the improvements below, the technical characteristics forming these improvements being able to be taken alone or in combination:

• advantageously, the floating structure comprises a plurality of floating modules, all of the floating modules of the plurality of floating modules conforming to the first aspect of the invention. Alternatively, only a fraction of the floating modules of the plurality of floating modules conforms to the first aspect of the invention;
• a sealing device is located between a first floating module and a second floating module, the sealing device being interposed between an extension of the first floating module and an extension of the second floating module. This may be the sealing device detailed above in connection with the floating module. Advantageously, the sealing device is inserted between a side wall and/or a lower wall of the first floating module and a side wall and/or a lower wall of the second floating module. The sealing device makes it possible to ensure the sealing of the connection between the first floating module and the second floating module. Thus, when the first floating module and the second floating module are assembled with each other, the sealing device, having a certain elasticity, is crushed, ensuring the sealing of the interface between the first floating module and the second floating module. Advantageously, the sealing device is integral with one or the other extension of the first floating module or the second floating module. Preferably, the sealing device is a seal, in particular a rubber or plastic seal;
• a hollow delimited by a cavity of the first floating module and by a cavity of the second floating module is filled with concrete. This configuration allows the assembly and cohesion between the first floating module and the second floating module of the floating structure. More particularly and advantageously, this configuration allows a monolithic assembly, the first floating module and the second floating module being connected to each other by a pour of concrete in the hollow, making it possible to achieve material continuity between the first floating module and the second floating module, the first floating module and the second floating module being advantageously made of concrete. In other words, the material present in the hollow is identical to the material forming the first floating module and the second floating module. Thus, this configuration makes it possible to ensure total mechanical continuity between the first floating module and a second floating module, and to obtain a modular floating structure which behaves like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical resistance as the current section of a floating module to resist the mechanical forces, in particular in compression, of the floating structure, the concrete poured in the hollow ensuring the transmission of mechanical forces between a wall of the first floating module and a wall of the second floating module, thus ensuring the recovery of forces, particularly in compression, between the first floating module and the second floating module;
• continuity between a metal frame of the first floating module and a metal frame of the second floating module between them, and/or continuity between a prestressing sheath of the first floating module and a prestressing sheath of the second floating module is produced in the hollow. Continuity between the metal frame of the first floating module and the metal frame of the second floating module is notably achieved by a coupler, thus allowing the resumption of mechanical forces, in particular in traction, between the first floating module and the second floating module. The continuity between the prestressing sheath of the first floating module and the prestressing sheath of the second floating module is in particular achieved by a hollow sleeve, thus allowing the passage of the prestressing cable between the first floating module and the second floating module, thus allowing the transmission of the compressive force, exerted by the tensile force applied to the prestressing cable, between the first floating module and the second floating module. Thus, this configuration makes it possible to ensure continuity of material, in particular of reinforced and/or prestressed concrete, between the first floating module and the second floating module to form a monolithic floating structure with the same mechanical resistance as the current section of a module. floating. Thus, the floating structure behaves like a non-modular monolithic structure capable of resisting, for the different phases of life of the floating structure, the static and dynamic forces, the hydrodynamic forces and the fatigue phenomena applied to it, in accordance with the regulations. international;
• a wall thickness of the first floating module is equal to a wall thickness of the second floating module, the wall thickness of the first floating module and the wall thickness of the second floating module being equal to or less than a thickness from the hollow. The thickness of each wall is defined between the external face and the internal face of said wall. The thickness of the hollow corresponds to the first dimension of the first cavity, as well as the first dimension of the second cavity. It is understood that two thicknesses are equal to each other if the difference in thickness is less than or equal to 5%, taking the thickness of the hollow as a reference. Advantageously, the external face of the wall of the first floating module and the external face of the wall of the second floating module are in the same plane. In one embodiment, the internal face of the extension coming from the first floating module and the internal face of the extension coming from the second floating module are in the same plane, said plane advantageously being the plane formed by the external face of the wall of the first floating module and by the wall of the second floating module. Analogously, the internal face of the wall of the first floating module and the internal face of the wall of the second floating module are in the same plane. Thus, this configuration makes it possible to obtain complete continuity of the thickness of the wall of the first floating module and of the wall of the second floating module at level of the hollow, the hollow being intended to be filled, in particular with concrete. Thus, this configuration ensures total mechanical continuity between the first floating module and a second floating module, and makes it possible to obtain a modular floating structure which behaves like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical resistance as the current section of a floating module , the thickness of the hollow representing the entire thickness of the wall of the first floating module as well as the entire thickness of the second floating module;
• the floating structure may in particular be a bridge, an oil platform, a port, a pier, a floating platform for renewable energy, a nuclear structure, an artificial island, or any other type of floating structure.

According to a third aspect, the invention also relates to a method of assembling a floating structure according to the second aspect of the invention, the assembly method comprising a step of aligning the first floating module relative to the second floating module , a step of removable coupling of the first floating module to the second floating module, a step of coupling the reinforcements, the prestressing sheaths and the prestressing cables, and a step of pouring concrete into the hollow.

The step of aligning the first floating module with respect to the second floating module allows the first cavity and the second cavity to face each other. Thus, a longitudinal termination of the first floating module is placed opposite a longitudinal termination of the second floating module. In other words, the step of aligning the first floating module relative to the second floating module makes it possible to position the first floating module and the second floating module in the same longitudinal axis. The first floating module and the second floating module are then brought closer to each other to allow the removable coupling step.

The removable coupling step involves a connecting frame in order to secure the position of the first floating module and the second floating module during the assembly process, in particular when the assembly process is carried out directly on a body of water , which can cause movements of the first floating module relative to the second floating module. The connection frame is located on the periphery of the floating modules, the connection frame being removably connected to both the first floating module and the second floating module. Thus, when the assembly process according to the third aspect of the invention is completed, the connecting frame can be removed. In one embodiment, the connecting frame is secured to the first floating module prior to the rapprochement between the first floating module and the second floating module. Alternatively, the connecting frame is secured to the first floating module then to the second floating module once the connection between the first floating module and the second floating module is made. On the other hand, the removable coupling step also allows the sealing device to ensure the sealing of the interface between the first floating module and the second floating module.

During the pouring step, concrete is poured in the liquid state into the hollow formed by the first cavity and the second cavity, the concrete ensuring, after solidification, thus mechanical resistance to compressive forces as well as cohesion between the first floating module and the second floating module, the first floating module and the second floating module together forming a monolithic assembly.

• le procédé d'assemblage comprend une étape de vidange d'un espace délimité par les cloisons et les extensions du premier module flottant et du deuxième module flottant. L'espace est situé entre le premier module flottant et le deuxième module flottant. Cette configuration permet notamment de mettre en oeuvre le procédé d'assemblage sur une étendue d'eau, l'eau pouvant alors pénétrer dans l'espace avant l'étape de couplage, lorsque le dispositif d'étanchéité n'assure pas encore l'étanchéité de l'interface entre le premier module flottant et le deuxième module flottant. Ainsi, l'étape de vidange permet d'évacuer l'eau présente dans l'espace, et notamment dans le creux situé entre le premier module flottant et le deuxième module flottant. De manière avantageuse, l'étape de vidange est réalisée directement à la suite de l'étape de couplage amovible, c'est-à-dire dès que le dispositif d'étanchéité assure l'étanchéité de l'espace entre le premier module flottant et le deuxième module flottant ;
• le procédé d'assemblage comprend une étape de liaison mécanique entre l'armature métallique du premier module flottant et l'armature métallique du deuxième module flottant, l'étape de liaison mécanique se déroulant préalablement à l'étape de coulage de béton. En effet, l'armature métallique étant située dans l'épaisseur de la paroi et débouchant dans la cavité, il est nécessaire de procéder à l'étape de liaison mécanique préalablement au remplissage de la cavité par le béton. De manière avantageuse, l'étape de liaison mécanique se déroule à la suite de l'étape de couplage amovible ou à la suite de l'étape de vidange si celle-ci est présente, permettant ainsi de faciliter l'étape de liaison mécanique ;
• le procédé d'assemblage comprend une étape de liaison mécanique entre la gaine de précontrainte du premier module flottant et la gaine de précontrainte du deuxième module flottant, l'étape de liaison mécanique se déroulant préalablement à l'étape de coulage de béton. En effet, la gaine de précontrainte étant située dans l'épaisseur de la paroi et débouchant dans la cavité, il est nécessaire de procéder à l'étape de liaison mécanique préalablement au remplissage de la cavité par le béton. De manière avantageuse, l'étape de liaison mécanique se déroule à la suite de l'étape de couplage amovible ou à la suite de l'étape de vidange si celle-ci est présente, permettant ainsi de faciliter l'étape de liaison mécanique ;
• le procédé d'assemblage comprend, postérieurement à l'étape de coulage du béton, une étape d'installation d'au moins un câble de précontrainte passant dans la gaine de précontrainte du premier module flottant et dans la gaine de précontrainte du deuxième module flottant, un effort de traction étant alors appliqué au câble de précontrainte. Dans un mode de réalisation dans lequel au moins deux, de préférence au moins trois, modules flottants sont alignés sur un même axe afin d'être assemblés, formant ainsi une multitude de modules flottants, le câble de précontrainte passe dans la gaine de précontrainte de chacun des modules flottants de la multitude de modules flottants, l'effort de traction étant alors appliqué au câble de précontrainte. L'effort de traction appliqué au câble de précontrainte permet d'appliquer un effort de compression correspondant aux modules flottants à travers lequel passe le câble de précontrainte, assurant ainsi le maintien des modules flottants de la multitude de modules flottants les uns contre les autres. D'autre part, l'effort de compression exercé par le câble de précontrainte permet d'assurer que le béton compris dans les parois et/ou dans le creux subit un effort mécanique de compression auquel le béton présente une résistance élevée, et non un effort mécanique de traction auquel le béton présente une résistance faible.

The assembly process according to the third aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one of the improvements below, the technical characteristics forming these improvements being able to be taken alone or in combination:

• the assembly method includes a step of emptying a space delimited by the partitions and the extensions of the first floating module and the second floating module. The space is located between the first floating module and the second floating module. This configuration makes it possible in particular to implement the assembly process on a body of water, the water then being able to penetrate into the space before the coupling step, when the sealing device does not yet ensure the sealing of the interface between the first floating module and the second floating module. Thus, the emptying step makes it possible to evacuate the water present in the space, and in particular in the hollow located between the first floating module and the second floating module. Advantageously, the draining step is carried out directly following the removable coupling step, that is to say as soon as the sealing device ensures the sealing of the space between the first floating module and the second floating module;
• the assembly process comprises a mechanical connection step between the frame metal of the first floating module and the metal frame of the second floating module, the mechanical connection step taking place prior to the concrete pouring step. Indeed, the metal reinforcement being located in the thickness of the wall and opening into the cavity, it is necessary to carry out the mechanical connection step before filling the cavity with concrete. Advantageously, the mechanical connection step takes place following the removable coupling step or following the emptying step if this is present, thus making it possible to facilitate the mechanical connection step;
• the assembly method comprises a mechanical connection step between the prestressing sheath of the first floating module and the prestressing sheath of the second floating module, the mechanical connection step taking place prior to the concrete pouring step. Indeed, the prestressing sheath being located in the thickness of the wall and opening into the cavity, it is necessary to carry out the mechanical connection step before filling the cavity with concrete. Advantageously, the mechanical connection step takes place following the removable coupling step or following the emptying step if this is present, thus making it possible to facilitate the mechanical connection step;
• the assembly method comprises, after the concrete pouring step, a step of installing at least one prestressing cable passing in the prestressing sheath of the first floating module and in the prestressing sheath of the second floating module , a tensile force then being applied to the prestressing cable. In an embodiment in which at least two, preferably at least three, floating modules are aligned on the same axis in order to be assembled, thus forming a multitude of floating modules, the prestressing cable passes through the prestressing sheath of each of the floating modules of the multitude of floating modules, the tensile force then being applied to the prestressing cable. The tensile force applied to the prestressing cable makes it possible to apply a compressive force corresponding to the floating modules through which the prestressing cable passes, thus ensuring the maintenance of the floating modules of the multitude of floating modules against each other. On the other hand, the compressive force exerted by the prestressing cable ensures that the concrete included in the walls and/or in the hollow undergoes a mechanical compressive force to which the concrete has a high resistance, and not a effort tensile mechanics to which the concrete has low resistance.

• la figure 1 est une vue partielle, en coupe, d'un exemple de réalisation d'un module flottant conforme au premier aspect de l'invention ;
• la figure 2 est une vue en perspective du module flottant illustré à la figure 1 ;
• la figure 3 est une vue en détail, en coupe, au niveau d'une première terminaison longitudinale du module flottant illustré aux figures 1 et 2 ;
• les figures 4 et 5 illustrent des vues partielles, respectivement en coupe et en perspective, d'un exemple de réalisation d'un premier module flottant et d'un deuxième module flottant destinés à être assemblés pour former une structure flottante conforme au deuxième aspect de l'invention ;
• la figure 6 est une vue partielle d'un exemple de réalisation d'un premier module flottant et d'un deuxième module flottant en cours d'assemblage ;
• les figures 7 et 8 illustrent des vues partielles, respectivement en coupe et en perspective, du premier module flottant et du deuxième module flottant visibles à la figure 6 ;
• les figures 9 et 10 illustrent des vues partielles, respectivement en coupe et en perspective, d'un exemple de réalisation d'une structure flottante conforme au deuxième aspect de l'invention ;
• les figures 11a et 11b illustrent un premier mode d'assemblage et un deuxième mode d'assemblage, respectivement, entre un premier module flottant et un deuxième module flottant destinés à former une structure flottante ;
• les figures 12a à 12e illustrent des exemples de réalisation d'une structure flottante conforme au deuxième aspect de l'invention.

Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description which follows on the one hand, and several examples of embodiment given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the appended schematic drawings on the other hand. share, on which:

• there figure 1 is a partial view, in section, of an exemplary embodiment of a floating module conforming to the first aspect of the invention;
• there figure 2 is a perspective view of the floating module shown in figure 1 ;
• there Figure 3 is a detailed view, in section, at the level of a first longitudinal termination of the floating module illustrated in figures 1 And 2 ;
• THE figures 4 And 5 illustrate partial views, respectively in section and in perspective, of an exemplary embodiment of a first floating module and a second floating module intended to be assembled to form a floating structure conforming to the second aspect of the invention;
• there Figure 6 is a partial view of an exemplary embodiment of a first floating module and a second floating module being assembled;
• THE figures 7 And 8 illustrate partial views, respectively in section and in perspective, of the first floating module and the second floating module visible at the Figure 6 ;
• THE figures 9 And 10 illustrate partial views, respectively in section and in perspective, of an exemplary embodiment of a floating structure conforming to the second aspect of the invention;
• THE figures 11a and 11b illustrate a first assembly mode and a second assembly mode, respectively, between a first floating module and a second floating module intended to form a floating structure;
• THE figures 12a to 12e illustrate examples of production of a floating structure conforming to the second aspect of the invention.

The characteristics, variants and different embodiments of the invention can be associated with each other, in various combinations, to the extent that they are not incompatible or exclusive of each other. It will be possible in particular to imagine variants of the invention comprising only a selection of characteristics described subsequently in isolation from the other characteristics described, if this selection of characteristics is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from to the prior art.

In particular, all the variants and all the embodiments described can be combined with each other if nothing opposes this combination on a technical level.

There figure 1 illustrates a partial view, in section, of an exemplary embodiment of a floating module 1 conforming to the first aspect of the invention. Thus, the floating module 1 extends mainly along a longitudinal axis X and the vertical axis Z forming a plane D illustrated in figure 1 . Thus, the figure 1 illustrates a side sectional view of the floating module 1. The floating module 1 finally extends along the transverse axis Y perpendicular to the plane D.

The floating module 1 comprises a plurality of walls, each wall 2 extending along the longitudinal axis partition 10 located respectively near the first longitudinal end 4 and the second longitudinal end 6. Thus, the plurality of walls, the first partition 8 and the second partition 10 define an internal volume 12, essentially closed, intended to be filled by a material having a density lower than the density of water in order to ensure the flotation of the floating module 1. Thus, a first portion 41 of the floating module 1 is submerged, that is to say located under a line of water 43, a second portion 42 located opposite the floating module relative to the first portion 41 along the vertical axis Z being for its part emerged, that is to say located above the line of water, in the air.

In the illustrated embodiment, the internal volume 12 is crossed by an intermediate wall 2' extending mainly in the longitudinal axis between the first partition 8 and the second partition 10, the internal volume 12 thus forming a first chamber 13 and a second chamber 15. The intermediate wall 2' makes it possible to reinforce the structure of the floating module 1.

Thus, each wall 2 comprises an internal face 17 and an external face 16 located opposite the wall 2 with respect to the internal face, said internal face 17 being oriented towards the internal volume 12.

A plurality of metal frames 22 extend longitudinally through the floating module, each metal frame 22 being intended to be connected to a metal frame 22 of a second floating module. Thus, the metal frames 22 make it possible to connect several floating modules together. On the other hand, the metal reinforcements 22 make it possible to ensure the resistance of the floating module 1 and the floating structure to mechanical forces, and more particularly to mechanical tensile forces, particularly in the case in which the walls 2, the first partition 8 and the second partition 10 of the floating module are made of a material, such as concrete, highly resistant to mechanical forces in compression but weakly resistant to mechanical forces in traction. Note that in the illustrated embodiment, a metal frame 22 extends inside the intermediate wall 2'.

Analogously, the floating module 1 comprises a plurality of prestressing sheaths 24 extending longitudinally through the floating module 1, each prestressing sheath 24 being intended to be connected to a prestressing sheath 24 of a second floating module. Each prestressing sheath 24 is configured to receive, once all of the floating modules aligned on the same axis are assembled, a prestressing cable passing through the prestressing sheath 24. Once the prestressing cable passes through through the prestressing sheath of each of the floating modules aligned on the same axis, a tensile force is applied to the prestressing cable, making it possible to exert a compressive force corresponding to said floating modules. In the illustrated embodiment, a prestressing sheath 24 extends inside each wall 2, said prestressing sheath being arranged through the material constituting the wall, between the internal face 17 and the external face 16. It should be noted that a metal frame 22 and/or a sheath prestressing 24 can be located at any location of the floating module, in particular inside a wall 2, the metal frame 22 and/or the prestressing sheath 24 extending mainly longitudinally.

An extension 14 emerges from the external face 16 of the first longitudinal end 4. Another extension 14 also emerges from the second longitudinal end 6 of each wall 2. In other words, each wall 2 comprises a first extension 29 at its first end longitudinal 4 and a second extension 31 at its second longitudinal end 6. Thus, the extension 14 and the wall 2 are produced by continuity of material.

Each extension 14 extends longitudinally projecting from the longitudinal end 4, 6 of the wall 2 from which said extension 14 extends, that is to say that the extension 14 extends longitudinally beyond an edge 11 of the wall formed by the first longitudinal end 4 or the second longitudinal end 6 of said wall, the extension 14 and the edge 11 of the wall thus delimiting a cavity 18. The cavity 18 is intended to be filled with 'a material, such as concrete, making it possible to ensure total mechanical continuity between the first floating module and a second floating module, and to obtain a modular floating structure which behaves like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical resistance as the current section of a floating module.

The floating module 1 comprises two first stops 33 each extending longitudinally from the first partition 8 in the opposite direction to the internal volume 12. Similarly, the floating module 1 comprises two second stops 35 each extending longitudinally from the second partition 10 in the opposite direction to the internal volume 12. Thus, the first stops 33 and the second stops 35 are intended to come into contact with stops present on a second floating module intended to be connected with the floating module 1, the first stops 33 and the second stops 35 thus making it possible to define, when the floating module 1 is brought closer to the second floating module to form a floating structure, the moment at which the floating module 1 and the second floating module are sufficiently close to each other.

There figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the floating module shown in figure 1 . We thus see that the floating module 1 also extends in a plane E, called the second plane E, comprising the transverse axis Y and the vertical axis Z, the second plane E thus being perpendicular to the longitudinal and vertical plane D, called foreground D.

The floating module 1 comprises an upper part 50 intended to be oriented vertically upwards when the floating module 1 is used on a body of water. The floating module thus also comprises a lower part 51 located opposite the floating module 1 relative to the upper part 50 along the vertical axis Z, the lower part being intended to be immersed when the floating module 1 is implemented on a body of water.

The upper part 50 comprises an upper wall 52 extending mainly in a third plane F comprising the transverse axis Y and the longitudinal axis X. Similarly, the lower part 51 comprises a lower wall 53 extending mainly in the third plane F.

The floating module 1 comprises a first side wall 54 and a second side wall 55 extending mainly in the first plane D. The first side wall 54, the second side wall 55, the upper wall 52 and the lower wall 53 are arranged in so that the first side wall 54 and the second side wall 55 are interconnected by the upper wall 52 and the lower wall 53, the upper wall 52 and the lower wall 53 being connected together by the first side wall 54 and the second side wall 55. The upper wall 52, the lower wall 53, the first side wall 54 and the second side wall 55 can in particular each form a wall 2 within the meaning of the invention.

Note that in the illustrated embodiment, the lower wall 53, the first side wall 54 and the second side wall 55 each include an extension 14. Conversely, the upper wall 52 has no extension, the upper wall 52 thus forming a passage 56, making it possible in particular to facilitate access for an operator to a space located between the floating module and a second floating module intended to be assembled to form a floating structure.

There Figure 3 is a detailed view, in section, at the level of the first longitudinal termination 26 of the floating module 1 illustrated in figures 1 And 2 .

Thus, it can be seen that the extension 14 and the edge 11 of the wall are arranged so that the external face 16 of the wall and an internal face 20 of the extension 14, said internal face 20 of the extension being oriented towards the cavity 18, are in the same plane P. More particularly, the cavity 18 extends along a first dimension 30 measured between the internal face 20 of the extension and a plane P formed by the internal face 17 of the wall 2 from which the extension 14 emerges. Analogously, the wall 2 extends along a second dimension 32 measured between its external face 17 and its internal face 16, the second dimension 32 thus corresponding to the thickness of the wall 2, the first dimension 30 being equal to the second dimension 32. It should be noted that the internal face of the extension and the external face of the wall are in the same plane P as long as the difference between the first dimension 30 and the second dimension 32 does not exceed 5% of the second dimension 32.

According to an alternative, it is envisaged by the invention that the first dimension 30 is greater than the second dimension 32. In such a case, the extension extends more peripherally and the minimum thickness necessary to ensure the continuity of material between two modules adjacent floating areas is ensured.

Thus, the material intended to fill the cavity 18 makes it possible to extend the wall 2 longitudinally along the entirety of the second dimension of the wall 2, in other words along the entirety of the thickness of the wall. Thus, this configuration allows, when the floating module 1, called the first floating module, is assembled with an adjacent floating module, called the second floating module, to form a floating structure conforming to the second aspect of the invention, to ensure total mechanical continuity between the first floating module and a second floating module, and to obtain a modular floating structure which behaves like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical resistance as the current section of a floating module to resist mechanical forces, particularly in compression, by the material filling the cavity, and more particularly the entirety of the cavity 18 according to the first dimension 30 of said cavity.

A sealing device 102 is located on a longitudinal end 111 of the first extension 29. The sealing device 102 is in particular a seal intended to be compressed between a first floating module and a second floating module in order to ensure sealing. of a space located between the first floating module and the second floating module. This sealing device 102 can be integral with the first floating module or the second floating module.

The metal frame 22 extends longitudinally projecting from the first longitudinal end 4 of the wall. Analogously, the prestressing sheath 24 extends longitudinally projecting from the first longitudinal end 4 of the wall, and in particular inside the wall, the prestressing sheath thus opening into the cavity 18.

THE figures 4 And 5 illustrate a partial view, respectively in section and in perspective, of an exemplary embodiment of a first floating module 3 and a second floating module 5 intended to be assembled in order to form a floating structure. Thus, the figures 3 And 4 illustrate the alignment step of the assembly process according to the third aspect of the invention.

The first floating module and the second floating module are represented in the figure 4 in a third plane F comprising the longitudinal axis X and the transverse axis Y. In other words, the figure 4 is a sectional view from above of the first floating module and the second floating module.

Thus, a first longitudinal termination 26 of the first floating module is placed opposite a second longitudinal termination 28 of the second floating module. In such a way, a cavity of the first floating module, called the first cavity 19, faces a cavity of the second floating module, called the second cavity 21. Analogously, the first extension 29 of the first floating module 3 faces the second extension 31 of the second floating module 5.

The first stops 33 of the first floating module 3 face the second stops 35 of the second floating module 5, the first stops 33 being distant from the second stops 35 of the second floating module 5.

On the other hand, each prestressing sheath 24 coming from the first floating module 3, called the first prestressing sheath, faces a prestressing sheath 24 coming from the second floating module 5, called the second prestressing sheath, to which it is intended to be coupled. Similarly, each metal frame 22 from the first floating module 3, called the first metal frame, faces a metal frame 22 from the second floating module 5, called the second metal frame, to which it is intended to be coupled.

There Figure 6 is a partial view of an exemplary embodiment of a first floating module 3 and a second floating module 5 during assembly. Thus, the Figure 6 illustrates the removable coupling step of the assembly method according to the third aspect of the invention. The first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 are illustrated according to the first longitudinal and vertical plane D, the Figure 6 thus representing a side view of the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5.

Thus, a connecting frame 110 ensures the position of the first floating module 3 relative to the second floating module 5. More particularly, the connecting frame 110, forming a rigid structure, in particular formed by an at least partially metallic structure, is fixed on a wall 2, more particularly on an external face 16 of a wall, of the first floating module 3 and on a wall, more particularly on an external face 16 of a wall, of the second floating module 5. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the connecting frame 110 is fixed on the upper wall 52 of the first floating module 3 and on the upper wall 52 of the second floating module 5. The fixing of the connecting frame 110 on the second floating module 5 can be carried out prior to the fixing the connection frame 110 on the first floating module 3. Thus, the second floating module 5 is brought closer to the first floating module 3 in order to be flush with the latter so that the rapprochement between the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 is sufficient. The connecting frame 110 is then fixed on the second floating module 5, thus ensuring the relative position of the second floating module 5 relative to the first floating module 3. Alternatively, the connecting frame 110 can be fixed on the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 simultaneously, or substantially simultaneously, once the rapprochement between the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 is carried out.

When the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 are brought together, the sealing device 102, located at the first longitudinal end 26 of the first floating module 3, and inserted between the first extension 29 of the first floating module 3 and the second extension 31 of the second floating module 5, said sealing device 102 is compressed between the first extension 29 and the second extension 31. Thus, the first cavity 19 and the second cavity 21 form a hollow 104 delimited transversely by the first extension and the second extension, the hollow being delimited longitudinally by the edge 11 of a wall of the first floating module 3 and the edge 11 of a wall of the second floating module 5. In addition, the sealing device 102 also ensures the sealing of a space 106 delimited transversely by the first extension 29 and the second extension 31, the space 106 being delimited longitudinally by the first partition 8 of the first floating module 3 and by the second partition 10 of the second floating module 5.

We thus understand that the hollow 104 corresponds to the sum of the first cavity 19 and the second cavity 21, while the space 106 corresponds to the volume delimited vertically by the extensions 14 and longitudinally by the partitions 8,10 of the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5.

The upper wall 52 of the first floating module 3 and the upper wall 52 of the second floating module 5 both being devoid of extension, thus forming the passage 56, thus allow access to the space 106, in particular for subsequent stages of the assembly of the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5, such as a step of emptying the space 106, or even a step of mechanical connection between the metal frames of the first floating module 3 and the metal frames of the second module floating 5.

Thus, the sealing device 102 ensuring the sealing of the space 106, in particular at the level of the side walls and the lower wall of the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5, it is possible to carry out a draining step of said space 106. In fact, the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 being assembled on a body of water, and therefore each being partially submerged, water is thus present inside the space 106 when the first floating module 3 and the second floating module are brought closer to each other. The step of emptying space 106 therefore makes it possible to remove the water present in space 106, in order to carry out or facilitate subsequent stages of assembly between the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5.

The first stops 33 of the first floating module 3, although having been brought closer to the second stops 35 of the second floating module 5, are still separated from the second stops 35 of the second floating module 5, thus indicating that the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 must still be brought closer to each other in order to complete their assembly.

THE figures 7 And 8 illustrate a view, respectively in section and in perspective, of the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 visible at the Figure 6 . There Figure 7 illustrates the first floating module and the second floating module 5 in the third plane F, the figure 7 thus being a top view. More particularly, the figures 7 And 8 illustrate a mechanical connection step between the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5. In order to facilitate understanding, the connection frame 110 is not shown. There figure 7 illustrates a top view, that is to say according to the foreground

The first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 are connected to each other by a mechanical connection step between the first metal frame and the second metal frame. The mechanical connection between the first metal frame and the second metal frame is provided by a coupler 34, thus ensuring that the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 remain supported against each other. In addition, the connection between the first metal frame and the second metal frame ensures the transmission of mechanical forces, particularly traction, between the first floating module and the second floating module.

Analogously, each first prestressing sheath is connected to a second prestressing sheath by a hollow sleeve 36, ensuring the sealing of the interior of each prestressing sheath 24 while allowing communication between the interior of the first prestressing sheath and the interior of the second prestressing sheath, thus allowing the passage of the prestressing cable through said first prestressing sheath and said second prestressing sheath.

The mechanical connection step also ensures that the approximation of the first floating module 3 relative to the second floating module 5 is sufficient. Indeed, the first floating module 3 is brought closer to the second floating module 5, in particular due to the connection between the first metal frames and the second metal frames by the coupler 34, so that the first stops 33 of the first floating module 3 come resting against the second stops 35 of the second floating module 5. Thus, the first stops 33 and second stops 35 make it possible to identify when the rapprochement between the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 is sufficient, in particular in order to ensure sufficient compression of the sealing device 102 interposed between the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5, in order to ensure the sealing of the space 106.

The mechanical connection step, that is to say the connection of the first metal reinforcement to the second metal reinforcement by the coupler 34, as well as the connection between the first prestressing sheath and the second prestressing sheath by the sleeve 36, is facilitated if the emptying step has been carried out beforehand, in the case where the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 are assembled on a body of water.

We see on the Figure 7 that, in the illustrated embodiment, the thickness of the hollow 104, corresponding to the first dimension 30 of the cavity of the first floating module 3 as well as to the first dimension 30 of the cavity of the second floating module 5, is equal to the second dimension 32 of the wall 2 of the first floating module 3. Analogously, the thickness of the hollow 104 is equal to a third dimension 32' of the wall of the second floating module 5, the third dimension 32' being measured between the external face 16 and the internal face 17 of the wall 2 of the second floating module 5. Thus, this configuration makes it possible to ensure total mechanical continuity between the first floating module and a second floating module, and to obtain a modular floating structure which behaves like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical resistance as the current section of a floating module, the floating structure thus presenting a continuity of material, along the entirety of the second dimension 32 and the third dimension 32' between the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 through the hollow 104, the hollow being intended to be filled with concrete, the thickness of the hollow 104 being equal to the second dimension 32 and the third dimension 32'. On the other hand, the trough is aligned along the vertical axis Z with the wall 2 of the first floating module and the wall 2 of the second floating module. More particularly, the external face 16 of the wall of the first floating module 3 and the external face 16 of the wall 2 of the second floating module 5 are in the same plane, said plane also being the plane of extension of the internal face 20 of the first extension 29 of the first floating module 3 and the internal face 20 of the second extension 31 of the second floating module 5. Analogously, the internal face 17 of the wall of the first floating module 3 and the internal face 17 of the wall 2 of the second floating module 5 are in the same plane. This configuration makes it possible to ensure total mechanical continuity between the first floating module and a second floating module, and to obtain a modular floating structure which behaves like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical resistance as the current section of a floating module. , to resist mechanical forces by the floating structure between the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5.

THE figures 9 And 10 illustrate a partial view, respectively in section and in perspective, of an exemplary embodiment of a floating structure 100 conforming to the second aspect of the invention. There Figure 9 illustrates the floating structure 100 in the third plane F, the Figure 9 thus being a top view. More particularly, the floating structure 100 illustrated is formed of at least the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 visible to the figures 7 And 8 .

Thus, once the coupler 34 and the sleeve 36 installed, as illustrated in figures 7 And 8 , thus providing the mechanical connection between the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5, a material, in particular concrete, is poured into the hollow 104 so that the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 form a monolithic assembly . More particularly, the first longitudinal end 4 of the first floating module 3 is connected by the concrete poured in the hollow 104 to the second longitudinal end 6 of the second floating module 5. Thus, the hollow 104, being formed by the first cavity 19 and the second cavity 21, extends along the first dimension 30. Thus, the first dimension 30 being equal to the second dimension 32 corresponding to the thickness of the wall 2, this configuration allows the concrete present in the hollow 104 to take up forces mechanical, particularly in compression, because it ensures total mechanical continuity between the first module floating and a second floating module, and to obtain a modular floating structure which behaves like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical resistance as the current section of a floating module, unlike a known configuration in which the first dimension of the hollow does not represents only a portion of the thickness of the wall.

We also note that the prestressing sheath 24 opening into the hollow 104 is thus covered by the concrete present in the hollow. Thus, the prestressing cable 25 inserted inside the prestressing sheath 24 extends in the longitudinal axis of the wall of the first floating module 3 and of the wall of the second floating module 5, inside said walls , thus allowing the compressive force exerted by the tensile force applied to the prestressing cable to be centered in relation to the wall of the first floating module 3 and the wall of the second floating module 5, in particular in comparison with a known configuration in which the prestressing cable extends longitudinally on the external face or on the internal face of the wall of the first floating module and of the wall of the second floating module, the compressive force exerted by the tensile force applied to the prestressing cable then being eccentric.

Thus, a floating structure 100, advantageously having an extension 14 defining a cavity 18 on each of its walls, has high resistance to mechanical forces in compression, provided by the concrete poured in each cavity 18, which makes it possible to ensure total mechanical continuity between the first floating module and a second floating module, and to obtain a modular floating structure which behaves like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical resistance as the current section of a floating module. On the other hand, each wall 2 of the first floating module 3 being connected to a wall 2 of the second floating module 5 by a concrete hollow 104 crossed by a metal frame 22 and/or a prestressing sheath 24 inside which there is a tensioned prestressing cable 25, the floating structure 100 has a high resistance to the shearing and bending movements which are exerted between the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5, in particular due to the movements caused by waves at the level of the body of water on which the floating structure 100 rests.

THE figures 11a and 11b illustrate a first assembly mode and a second assembly mode, respectively, between a first floating module 3 and a second floating module 5 intended to be assembled to form a floating structure 100. The figures 11a and 11b illustrate top views, along the third plane F, of the first floating module 3, the second floating module 5 and the floating structure 100.

More particularly, the figure 11a illustrates a substantially rectilinear floating structure 100 formed by a first floating module 3 and a second floating module 5 similar to each other, and extending mainly in the same direction.

There figure 11b illustrates a floating structure 100 comprising an angle 57. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle 57 formed is a right angle, that is to say whose value is equal to 90°, the angle being measured between the main extension axis of the first floating module 3 and the main extension axis of the second floating module 5 with which the first floating module 3 is assembled to form the floating structure 100. More particularly, the floating structure is formed by a first floating module 3 and a second floating module 5, the first floating module 3 comprising the angle 57, the second floating module 5 being substantially rectilinear. The first floating module 3 thus comprises an extension 58 extending perpendicular to the main axis of extension of the first floating module 3. The second floating module 5 is connected to the extension 58 of the first floating module 3, thus allowing the formation of the floating structure 100 comprising the angle 57. This configuration thus makes it possible to obtain a wide variety of floating structure conformations, the angle not being limited to the value of 90° but being able to take any value, in particular between 90° ° and 180°, an angle of 180° then forming a rectilinear floating module.

THE figures 12a to 12e illustrate examples of embodiment of a floating structure 100 conforming to the second aspect of the invention. More particularly, the figures 12a to 12e each illustrate a form that a floating structure conforming to the second aspect of the invention can take, according to the third plane F. In other words, the figures 12a to 12e are top views of the floating structure 100 illustrated in each of said figures, each floating structure 100 comprising in particular several floating modules 1 conforming to the first aspect of the invention.

The floating structures illustrated in figures 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d and 12e form, respectively, a square, a rectangle, a regular hexagon, a circle, and a floating structure taking approximately the shape of a “V”. It is understood that the floating structure 100 can take any other form without departing from the scope of the invention.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described and numerous adjustments can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the different characteristics, shapes, variants and embodiments of the invention can be associated with each other in various combinations to the extent that they are not incompatible or exclusive of each other. In particular, all the variants and embodiments described above can be combined with each other.

The invention, as it has just been described, achieves the goals it set for itself and makes it possible to propose a floating module making it possible to ensure total mechanical continuity between the first floating module and a second floating module. , and to obtain a modular floating structure which behaves like a monolithic floating structure having the same mechanical resistance as the current section of a floating module. Variants not described here could be implemented without departing from the scope of the invention, since, in accordance with the invention, the floating module comprises an extension emerging from the external face of a wall, the extension extending longitudinally projecting from a longitudinal end of the wall, the extension and the wall from which the extension comes being produced by continuity of material. The present invention makes it possible to connect two floating modules made of reinforced and prestressed concrete in water, so as to ensure total continuity of the concrete, reinforcements and prestressing steels between the two floating modules connected to each other with the same mechanical resistance as the current section of a floating module. It can be used to obtain a floating monolithic structure of any shape in concrete from a modular construction. The connection obtained is watertight and capable of resisting, for the different phases of the structure's life, the static and dynamic forces, the hydrodynamic forces, and the fatigue phenomena applied to it in accordance with international regulations. This invention can be used in the construction of bridges, oil platforms, ports, piers, floating platforms for renewable energies, in nuclear power and in any other field.

Claims (16)

Floating structure (100) comprising at least a first floating module (3), a second floating module (5) and a sealing device (102) located between the first floating module (3) and the second floating module (5), the first floating module (3) and the second floating module (5) each comprising a plurality of walls (2) extending between a first longitudinal end (4) and a second longitudinal end (6), the first floating module (3) ) and the second floating module (5) comprising a first partition (8) and a second partition (10) connecting each wall (2) of the plurality of walls (2) by defining with these walls (2) an internal volume (12 ) of each floating module (1), characterized in that the first floating module (3) and the second floating module (5) each comprise at least one extension (14) emerging from an external face (16) of the wall, l the extension (14) extending longitudinally projecting from the first longitudinal end (4) or the second longitudinal end (6), the extension (14) and the wall (2) from which the extension (14) comes being produced by continuity of material, the sealing device (102) being inserted between an extension (14) of the first floating module (3) and an extension (14) of the second floating module (5), characterized in that a hollow (104) delimited by a cavity (19) of the first floating module (3) and by a cavity (21) of the second floating module (5) is filled with concrete. Floating structure (100) according to the preceding claim, in which an edge (11) of the longitudinal end (4, 6) of the wall (2) and the extension (14) at least partly delimit a cavity (18) . Floating structure (100) according to the preceding claim, in which a thickness of the cavity (18) delimited by the edge (11) of the longitudinal end (4, 6) of the wall (2) and by the extension (14 ) is equal to or greater than a thickness of the wall (2) from which the extension (14) emerges. Floating structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the external face (16) of the wall (2) and an internal face (20) of the extension (14) are in the same plane (P) . Floating structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an extension (14) is located on each of the side walls of the first floating module (3) and the second floating module (5) and on a lower wall of the first floating module (3) and the second floating module (5). Floating structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the wall (2) comprises a first extension (29) located at the level of the first longitudinal end (4) and a second extension (31) located at the level of the second longitudinal end (6). Floating structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the plurality of walls (2), the first partition (8), the second partition (10) and the extension (14) are produced by continuity of material , said material being concrete. Floating structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims in combination with claim 2, in which a metal frame (22) extends inside a wall (2) and opens into the cavity (18) delimited by the edge (11) of the longitudinal end (4, 6) of the wall (2) and by the extension (14). Floating structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims in combination with claim 2, comprising a prestressing sheath (24) extending inside the wall (2) and opening into the delimited cavity (18). by the edge (11) of the longitudinal end (4, 6) of the wall (2) and by the extension (14). Floating structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims in combination with claim 8, in which continuity between a metal frame (22) of the first floating module (3) and a metal frame (22) of the second floating module ( 5) between them is made in the hollow (104). Floating structure (100) any one of the preceding claims in combination with claim 9, wherein continuity between a prestressing sheath (24) of the first floating module (3) and a prestressing sheath (24) of the second floating module (5) is made in the hollow (104). Floating structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which a thickness of the wall (2) of the first floating module (3) is equal to a thickness of the wall (2) of the second floating module (5), the thickness of the wall (2) of the first module floating (3) and the thickness of the wall (2) of the second floating module (5) being equal to a thickness (30) of the hollow (104). Method of assembling a floating structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, the assembly method comprising a step of aligning the first floating module (3) with respect to the second floating module (5), a step of removable coupling of the first floating module (3) to the second floating module (5), a step of pouring concrete into the hollow (104). Assembly method according to the preceding claim, the assembly method comprising a step of emptying a space (106) delimited by the partitions (8, 10), by the extension (14) of the first floating module (3) and by the extension (14) of the second floating module (5). Assembly method according to any one of claims 13 or 14, the assembly method comprising a mechanical connection step between a metal frame (22) of the first floating module (3) and a metal frame (22) of the second module floating (5). Assembly method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, the assembly method comprising, subsequent to the concrete pouring step, a step of installing at least one prestressing cable (25) passing through a prestressing sheath (24) of the first floating module (3) and in a prestressing sheath (24) of the second floating module (5), a tensile force then being applied to the prestressing cable (25).

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