GB2242652A

GB2242652A - A hull module

Info

Publication number: GB2242652A
Application number: GB9005551A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert D Hawkins; James A Hawkins
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1990-03-13
Filing date: 1990-03-13
Publication date: 1991-10-09
Anticipated expiration: 2010-03-13
Also published as: GB9005551D0; GB2242652B

Abstract

A hull module 10 for supporting a floating building structure on water comprises a chamber defined by side members 12, 14, 16, 18, attached to a base member 20, wherein each side member has a flange 26 attached at the top edge such that the flange extends around the chamber, and said flange extending inwardly of the chamber whereby when the module is floated on water the flange is arranged substantially parallel to the surface of the water, and the edge portion 28 of the flange remote from the side members projects upwardly. A plurality of the modules, which may be of differing buoyancies, are securable together and a rigid framework capable of supporting a building structure is secured to the modules at the flanges. <IMAGE>

Description

A HULL MODULE This invention relates to hull modules and to hull assemblies formed from hull modules which hull assemblies can be floated in water and upon which a building structure can be constructed.

It is known to construct buildings which float on water.

This is usually done by the adaption of large hulls, floating these hulls on the water and then building on top of the hulls the building structure itself. The problem with these hulls is that they are very bulky and are difficult to repair and maintain; furthermore, in order to provide the necessary flexural strength each hull must be very substantial and heavy.

In addition there is a risk that such hulls may be flooded by water draining from above, e.g. burst pipes or rainwater drainage and this could lead to the whole structure sinking.

Complete closure of the hulls may prevent this but increases the weight, reducing useful payload, and makes inspection of the hulls for damage inconvenient.

It is an object of this invention to provide an improved hull module.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a hull module suitable for supporting a floating building structure on water, said module comprising chamber defining means to define a chamber, said chamber defining means having a top edge extending around the chamber, and the module further comprising a flange attached around the top edge of the chamber defining means and extending inwardly of the chamber whereby when the module is floated on water the flange is arranged substantially parallel to the surface of the water, and the edge portion of the flange remote from the top edge of the chamber defining means projects upwardly.

According to another aspect of this invention there is provided a hull module for supporting a floating building structure on water, said module comprising chamber defining means in the form of a plurality of side members attached to a base member, said side members and base member being arranged to define a chamber, wherein each side member has a top edge, and said module further comprising a flange attached to the side members at the top edges thereof such that the flange extends arouna the chamber, and said- flange eY:.nding inwardly of the chamber whereby when the module is floated on water the flange is arranged substantially parallel to the surface of the water and the edge portion of the flange remote from the side members projects upwardly.

According to another aspect of this invention there is provided a hull assembly comprising a plurality of hull modules arranged adjacent each other in juxtaposition, and a plurality of securing means to secure adjacent hull modules to each other.

Preferably each securing means comprises a securing member and fastening means to fasten the securing member to adjacent flanges on the adjacent hull modules.

The hull assembly may comprise a framework of a rigid material capable of supporting a building structure, said framework being arranged on the plurality of hull modules, and secured thereto at the flanges. The framework may be formed of steel, preferably mild steel and the framework may be of rectangular section.

A cladding material may be provided to cover the sides and decking to cover exposed top parts of the framework. This is desirably watertight to prevent ingress of water from waves striking the structure.

Preferably the hull modules are of differing buoyancies.

This is conveniently achieved by providing modules different depths, and these exert different buoyant forces according to their depth in the water. Thus additional buoyant forces may be provided at positions necessary to support uneven loads applied by building structures.

Individual hull modules may be replaceable without affecting the other hull modules in the assembly.

According to another aspect of this invention there is provided a method of forming a hull assembly comprising arranging a plurality of hull modules adjacent each other- in juxtaposition, securing adjacent hull modules to each other at adjacent flanges, arranging a rigid framework capable of supporting a building structure on said plurality of hull modules, said framework being secured to the hull modules at said flanges.

Preferably the hull modules are of differing buoyancies.

According to another aspect of this invention there is provided a floating structure comprising a plurality of hull modules capable of floating on water and being in juxtaposition such that adjacent hull modules are secured to each other, said hull modules having differing buoyancies.

The floating structure may have a rigid framework arranged on said plurality of hull modules and said framework being secured to said plurality of hull modules.

According to another aspect of this invention there is provided a floating structure comprising a plurality of hull modules arranged adjacent each other in juxtaposition such that adjacent hull modules are secured to each other and a rigid framework arranged on said plurality of hull modules, said framework being secured to said hull modules, whereby said floating structure provides a base upon which a building structure can be formed.

According to another aspect of this invention there is provided a hull assembly comprising a plurality of juxtaposed hull modules secured together, portions of adjacent modules cooperating to provide drainage channels which, in use, drain water from upper regions of the modules into the water on which the hull assembly is floating and militate against water flooding modules.

According to a further aspect of this invention there is provided a floating structure comprising a hull having a plurality of compartments providing a lower deck above an intended waterline, a load supporting upper deck spaced from the lower deck and a sidewall around the perimeter of the assembly connecting the upper and lower decks and militating against ingress of water from outside the hull between the decks.

Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram, in section of a hull module according to one embodiment of the invention secured to adjacent hull modules; Figure 2 is a perspective diagram of a building structure supported on a hull assembly according to one embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 is a schematic step-by-step diagram of the steps for forming a hull assembly according to one embodiment of the invention and thereafter forming a building structure thereon; Figure 4 is a plan view of a hull assembly according to one embodiment of the invention; and Figure 5 is a schematic view of a hull assembly and building structure according to one embodiment having hull modules of differing buoyancies; Figure 6 is a fragmentary view partly in section of a modified hull assembly embodying the invention showing a valve closed; Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 6 but showing a valve in an open condition; and Figure 8 is a plan view showing a drainage channel of the modified hull assembly.

Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 shows a hull module 10 which comprises side walls 12, 14, 16 and 18; the side wall 18 is largely broken away. The hull module 10 also comprises a base 20. The side walls 12, 14, 16, 18 and the base 20 define a chamber 22. The side walls 12 to 18 have a top edge 24 which extends around all the side walls 12 to 18. Attached to the top edge 24 is a flange 26 which extends continuously around the top edge 24 and which extends inwardly of the chamber 22 as shown.

The edge portion 28 of the flange 26 remote from the top edge 24 extends upwardly from the flange 26.

On each side of the hull module 10 as shown in Figure 1 there is arranged further hull modules 10a, 10b which can be the same as the hull module 10. Each of these hull modules l0a, 10b is provided with a flange 26.

Securing means 34 in the form of an elongate securing member 36, which extends between adjacent flanges 26, and fastening means 38 are provided to secure the adjacent hull modules to each other at adjacent flanges 26. The fastening means 36 can be, for example, nuts and bolts, in which case the bolts will extend through suitable apertures provided in opposite end portions of the securing member 34 and provided in the flange 26; the nuts being threaded onto the bolts to fasten the securing member 34 to the flanges 26. If desired, additional securing means may be provided, for example bolts extending through adjacent side walls 12, of adjacent modules.

Figure 4 shows a plan view of a plurality of hull modules 10 secured together. In Figure 4, a hull module 10 has been removed for repair purposes and will be replaced when repairs are complete. When the modules are all present and secured together a complete hull comprising a plurality of individual compartments is provided.

Also shown in Figure 1 are two posts 38 which form part of a rigid framework 40 (see Figure 2). The posts 38 are attached to the flanges 26 by suitable attachment means known in the art.

It will be appreciated that a plurality of such posts 38 are provided as desired to form the framework 40.

It will be seen in Figure 1 that adjacent flanges 26 which are secured together to form a substantially U-shaped channel 42, in Figure 1 the channels 42 would extend perpendicular to the plane of the diagram. Also, between the side members of adjacent modules, there is a gap 44. This gap 44 acts as a conduit to allow any water which might enter the channel 42 to drain away.

Figure 2 is a schematic perspective diagrammatic view of a building structure 48 built on a hull assembly 50. The hull assembly 50 comprises a plurality of hull modules 10 secured together as described for Figure 1 and having secured thereto at the flanges a framework 40 to provide support for the building structure 48. The hull assembly 50 is shown floating in water. A cladding material 52 covers the framework 40 at the sides thereof. Also shown in Figure 2 are fenders 54 and a handrail 56.

Figure 3 shows the steps for forming a hull assembly 50 and arranging thereon a building structure 48. In step 1 a plurality of hull modules 10 are secured together at the adjacent flanges 26 to form a hull assembly 50. In step 2 a rigid framework 40 is arranged on the hull assembly 50 and secured thereto at the flanges 26. In step 3, a cladding material 52 is provided on the frame-work 40 to cover the sides thereof between the modules 10 and a deck 60 in substantially watertight fashion, the first deck 60 being laid on and secured to the framework 40. In step 4 the building structure 48 is assembled on the framework 40. In step 5 the hull assembly 50 and building structure 48 are moored by suitable mooring means well known in the art.

Returning now to Figure 4, a plan view of a hull assembly 50 is shown. Each of the hull modules 10 is so constructed so as to enable it to be removed from the hull assembly 50 for repairs and the like without affecting the rest of the hull assembly 50.

this is done by removing the securing means 34 from a desired hull module 10c and then allowing the hull module 10c to fill with water so that it sinks and can then be towed away from the hull assembly 50. In order to replace the hull module 10c on the hull assembly 50 in its original place the removal process is carried out in reverse and the same (or a similar) module replaced.

In a modified hull assembly shown in Figures 6 -to 8, otherwise similar to the assembly shown in Figures 1 to 5, the side members of adjacent modules 10 may abut one another so that joints 44a prevent any substantial drainage of water. However, in rough water conditions this prevents water being forced through the joints by wave motion (which might flood hull modules). In the modified hull assembly drainage channels 70 are provided at corners of hull modules; preferably where (as in Figure 8) four hull modules 10 are adjacent one another.

In order to prevent ingress of water through the channels 70 by force of wave motion, while permitting drainage, a one way valve means of any suitable configuration is provided. One such means is shown in Figures 6 to 8 and comprises a housing 72 secure in watertight sealing engagement to the four modules 10 and extending into the channel 70 in sealing engagement with walls defining the channel. A floating ball valve 74 is enclosed in the housing 72 between a drainage screen 76 through which water can readily pass and a sealing collar 78 integral with the housing 72.

The normal water level is below the level of the screen 76 and in its open position the valve 74 rests on the screen.

However, should the water level in the channel 70 rise the ball valve 74 floats on the surface of the water and is thereby urged into sealing engagement with a sealing lip 80 of the collar 78 bonding a drainage opening in the collar, closing the passage 70 against ingress of water above- the level of the top of the modules 10 (see Figure 6). Should a small amount of water drain from above into the channel 70 when the valve 74 is resting on the screen 76 in its open position it merely drains through the drainage opening in the collar 78, round the valve 74 in its open position and through screen 76. The buoyancy of the valve 74 is such that the pressure of a large amount of water passing through the drainage opening (see Figure 7) urges the valve 74 to this open position permitting drainage and only moving to the closed position should a surge of water enter the channel 70 from below.

In designing and building the hull module 10 it is necessary to take into consideration the load that will be supported above any particular module 10. Figure 5 shows how the depth of the hull modules 10 can be varied according to the size of the building structure directly above; hull modules 10 which are destined to be arranged beneath a small load are built with less depth than hull modules 10 destined to be arranged beneath a larger load. In this way, the buoyant force provided by each hull module 10 can be made substantially equal to the loads imposed thereon by the building structure 48, immediately above that module. Moreover, this results in the flanges 26 of the modules all being substantially level so that there is little flexural strain on the modules 10 or framework 40.In this way stresses in the framework 40 are reduced, permitting use of smaller and lighter structural members; this reduces both the cost of the framework 40 and its weight. Reduction in weight of the assembly itself permits it to carry greater useful loads.

In assembling the hull assembly using modules of differing depths, the deeper modules are partially flooded so that the top edges 24 of the modules 10 are aligned with one another or substantially so, for assembly. Thus the hull assembly with the framework 40 can readily be constructed without any undue stress being placed on the modules 10 or the framework 40. When a building is constructed on the hull assembly, as the load applied to the structure by the building increases the flooded modules are gradually pumped dry so that the buoyant forces of each module substantially balance the downward load applied to it thus minimising stress in the framework 40.

The structure of the hull assembly 50 is also particularly advantageous because water drainage is facilitated to prevent flooding from internal sources, such as pipes. Also, the framework permits access space for inspection and maintenance of the hull modules 10 and for installation and service. Moreover, the hull assembly 50 is formed from components which are easily transportable to the assembly site and can be assembled on the water.

Claims

1. A hull module suitable for supporting a floating building structure on water, said module comprising chamber defining means to define a chamber, said chamber defining means having a top edge extending around the chamber, and the module further comprising a flange attached around the top edge of the chamber defining means and extending inwardly of the chamber whereby when the module is floated on water the flange is arranged substantially parallel to the surface of the water, and the edge portion of the flange remote from the top edge of the chamber defining means projects upwardly.

2. A hull module for supporting a floating building structure on water, said module comprising chamber defining means in the form of a plurality of side members attached to a base member, said side members and base member being arranged to define a chamber, wherein each side member has a top edge, and said module further comprising a flange attached to the side members at the top edges thereof such that the flange extends around the chamber, and said flange extending inwardly of the chamber whereby when the module is floated on water the flange is arranged substantially parallel to the surface of the water, and the edge portion of the flange remote from the side members projects upwardly.

3. A hull assembly comprising a plurality of hull modules as claimed in any preceding claim arranged adjacent each other in juxtaposition, and a plurality of securing means to secure adjacent hull modules to each other.

4. A hull assembly according to Claim 3 wherein each securing means comprises a securing member and fastening means to fasten the securing member to adjacent flanges on the adjacent hull modules.

5. A hull assembly according to Claim 3 or 4 comprising a framework of a rigid material capable of supporting a building structure, said framework being arranged on the plurality of hull modules and secured thereto at the flanges.

6. A hull assembly according to Claim 5 comprising a cladding material to cover the sides of the framework.

7. A hull assembly according to any of Claims 4 to 6 wherein the hull modules are of differing buoyancies.

8. A hull assembly according to any of Claims 4 to 7 wherein individual hull modules are replaceable without affecting the other hull modules in the assembly.

9. A method of forming a hull assembly comprising arranging a plurality of hull modules as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 3 adjacent each other in juxtaposition, securing adjacent hull modules to each other at adjacent flanges, arranging a rigid framework capable of supporting a building structure on said plurality of hull modules said framework being secured to the hull modules at said flanges.

10. A method according to Claim 9 wherein the hull modules are of differing buoyancies.

11. A floating structure comprising a plurality of hull modules capable of floating on water and being arranged adjacent each other in juxtaposition such that adjacent hull modules are secured to each other, said hull modules having differing buoyancies.

12. A floating structure according to Claim 11 having a rigid framework arranged on said plurality of hull modules and said framework being secured to said plurality of hull modules.

13. A floating structure comprising a plurality of hull modules arranged adjacent each other in juxtaposition such that adjacent hull modules are secured to each other and a rigid framework arranged on said plurality of hull modules, said framework being secured to said hull modules, whereby said floating structure provides a base upon which a building structure can be formed.

14. A hull assembly comprising a plurality of juxtaposed hull modules secured together, portions of adjacent modules cooperating to provide drainage channels which, in use, drain water from upper regions of the modules into the water on which the hull assembly is floating and militate against water flooding modules.

15. A floating structure comprising a hull having a plurality of compartments providing a lower deck above an intended waterline, a load supporting upper deck spaced from the lower deck and a sidewall around the perimeter of the assembly connecting the upper and lower decks and militating against ingress of water from outside the hull between the decks.

16. A structure according to Claim 15 wherein the buoyancy of at least some of the compartments differs from that of others of the compartments.

17. A structure according to either one of Claims 15 and 16 comprising drainage channels between adjacent compartments.