NL2032719B1

NL2032719B1 - Method for fitting a platform over an upper end of a foundation pile and foundation pile provided with such platform.

Info

Publication number: NL2032719B1
Application number: NL2032719A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Antoin Marie Kurstjens Michel
Original assignee: Sif Holding N V
Priority date: 2022-08-10
Filing date: 2022-08-10
Publication date: 2024-02-16
Also published as: WO2024035260A1

Abstract

Method for fitting a platform on an upper end of a foundation pile, wherein said upper end has a truncated conical outer surface, and wherein the platform has an opening fitting over said upper end of the pile. The opening is provided with a peripheral wall defining a truncated conical shape. Between the outer surface of the pile and the wall of the opening a series of filling elements is provided. Filling elements are positioned spaced apart from each other, such that between adjacent filling elements channels are formed. The disclosure further relates to an assembly of a foundation pile and a platform, wherein spaced apart filling elements are provided between facing surface portions of the pile and the platform, defining channels there between.

Description

P133248NL00

Title: Method for fitting a platform over an upper end of a foundation pile and foundation pile provided with such platform.

The invention relates to a method for fitting a platform over an upper end of a foundation pile. The invention relates to a foundation pile with a platform mounted over an upper end thereof.

For structures supported by at least one foundation pile, such as offshore wind generators, it is known to provide a foundation pile with a platform at or near an upper end thereof, for example such that it extends around the upper end of the foundation pile near a lower end of for example a tower supported on said foundation pile. Such platform can for example provide for a landing arrangement for personnel, access to the tower and/or pile and for support of a maintenance crew when for example performing maintenance to the tower or pile, to the wind generator or other provision supported by the foundation pile.

EP2011924 discloses a concrete platform mounted to a foundation pile using a transition piece. The transition piece is made of concrete and is slid over a cylindrical upper end of the foundation pile, and at the upper end has a cylindrical portion above a flange. The platform has a cylindrical opening fitting over said cylindrical portion, such that it can rest on the flange.

WO2020/106146 discloses an offshore platform mounted over an upper end of a foundation pile. In this the upper end of the foundation pile has a truncated conical outer surface. The platform comprises an opening with a similarly truncated conical peripheral surface, such that it can be slid over the upper end of the foundation pile, for forming a slip joint between the said outer surface of the foundation pile and the peripheral surface of the opening of the platform.

Providing a platform over an upper end of a foundation pile by a slip joint has the advantage that placing the construction element can be accomplished by sliding the element over the upper end of the pile, the joint being formed substantially by force of gravity. It has however been found that the surfaces of the fitting opening of the platform and the foundation pile that have to meet will not always fit properly, especially with increasing diameters of the foundation piles presently being used and introduced.

Production tolerances that can be achieved without excessive costs to manufacturing will lead to surface irregularities, which prevent said proper fitting. This may lead to instability of said slip joint and to misalignments of the platform and the foundation pile. Moreover this may lead to excessive wear of the surfaces. Furthermore this may lead to improper positioning of the platform relative to the foundation pile, especially in axial position relative to the upper end of the foundation pile. In other words, the platform may for example come to be sitting too low or too high on the foundation pile, and/or askew.

It is an aim of the present disclosure to provide for an alternative method for fitting a platform over an upper end of a foundation pile. An aim of the present disclosure is to provide for a method for fitting a platform over an upper end of a foundation pile, overcoming at least one of the problems of the prior art at least partly. An aim of the present disclosure is to provide for a method for placing a platform onto a foundation pile without use of a transition piece. An aim of the present disclosure is to provide a method for mounting a platform onto a foundation pile, wherein a tower of a construction element, such as a wind turbine generator, can be mounted directly onto the foundation pile, above the platform, without a transition piece. It is an aim of the present disclosure to provide for a method for forming a slip joint between a platform and a foundation pile, wherein tolerances in production of the foundation pile and/or the platform can easily be compensated for.

At least one of these and other aims is at least in part obtained by a method or assembly according to the present disclosure.

In a method according to the disclosure for fitting a platform on an upper end of a foundation pile, a foundation pile is used of which said upper end has a truncated conical outer surface, and wherein the construction element has an opening fitting over said upper end of the pile. Said opening is provided with a peripheral wall defining a truncated conical shape.

According to an aspect of the disclosure between the truncated conical outer surface of the pile and the peripheral wall of the opening a series of filling elements is provided, wherein filling elements are positioned spaced apart from each other, such that between adjacent filling elements channels are formed.

By providing filling elements between the outer surface of the pile and the inner surface of the opening of the platform the position of the platform relative to the pile can easily be defined, wherein the filling elements can for example compensate for imperfections of said surfaces, for example due to manufacturing tolerances of misalignment of the surfaces.

Moreover the filling elements can protect the surfaces from direct contact, and thus from damaging said surfaces and especially protective coatings which may be provided on said surfaces, especially but not exclusively during positioning of the platform over the pile.

By providing channels between adjacent filling elements a possibility is provided for inspection, for example by introducing a camera through said channels, allowing inspection of the filling elements and the surfaces of the pile and the platform, for example for inspecting any coating provided thereon.

In an aspect of the disclosure the filling elements are provided as tiles. Tiles can be provided individually to either one or both of the surfaces, for example adhered thereto. Preferably the filling elements are mounted to the inner surface of the opening of the platform prior to fitting the platform over the pile. This even further limits the risk of damage, especially also to the filling elements.

In an aspect of the disclosure filling elements are provided in rows and columns, rows preferably extending in a peripheral direction of the relevant surfaces and columns extending in a direction between an upper end and a lower end of the opening of the platform. Preferably in such configuration a series of first channels is formed between the columns of filling elements, and a series of second channels is formed between adjacent rows of filling elements, the first and second channels forming an intersecting network of channels. Preferably the first channels are open towards at least one of the upper side of the platform and the lower side of the platform, for introducing an inspection tool into the first channel.

In an aspect of the disclosure at least a series of said filling elements can be positioned above each other in a first direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the pile, wherein the said filling elements are placed with a changing thickness in said first direction, preferably an increasing thickness. By providing separate filling elements each filling element can be chosen dependent on its specific position between the pile and the platform, further optimizing the fitting of the platform on the pile.

In an aspect of the disclosure the filling elements can be made using plastic material, preferably polymers, especially urethane, such as polyurethane. The plastic material is more pliable than the material, especially steel and/or concrete, used for the pile and the platform, which allows the filling elements to be partly compressed when the platform is placed on the pile, further allowing for compensation for imperfections of the surfaces of the pile and/or platform opening.

In an aspect of the disclosure prior to fitting the platform over the pile a first scan can be made of at least a portion of the truncated outer surface of the pile and a second scan of at least a portion of the peripheral wall of the opening, wherein the filling elements are specifically chosen based on their positions relative to the said surfaces, based on said first and second scans, and/or the shape of at least one of the filling elements is formed and/or amended based on the filling element’s position relative to said surfaces, based on said first scan and second scan.

By scanning one or more relevant portions of the said surfaces the interspace between said surfaces can be calculated based on said scans and 5 the desired position of the platform relative to the pile. Then the filling elements can be specifically chosen for each position of the said interspace, especially with respect to the thickness of the filling elements for such defined position. Additionally or alternatively the shape, especially a thickness profile, of one or more filling elements can be shaped to exactly fit against the scanned surface portions, for example taking into account any deviations in said surface portions from intended truncated conical shaped outer surface portions of the foundation pile and/or truncated conical peripheral surface portions of the opening.

By providing separate filling elements having relatively small length and width dimensions, compared to the height of the inner surface of the platform opening and the circumference thereof, for each position in said height direction and said circumference an optimal filling elements can be chosen and/or shaped. The individual filling elements can for example be substantially flat, substantially square or rectangular elements which can have a constant thickness. Adjacent filling elements can then for example have different thicknesses, for compensating for a changing, for example increasing or decreasing distance between the inner surface of the opening and the outer surface of the pile at their location. Since the adjacent filling elements are spaced apart by a channel in between them and are compressible, they can easily adjust to said changing of said distance without unallowable stresses in said surfaces or the filling elements and also without damaging any coating which may be provided on such surfaces.

In embodiments the foundation pile can be made of a first material, a platform of a second material and the filling element or elements of a third material, wherein the third material is more pliable than the first and second material. The first material and the second material can be the same material or can be different materials, for example steel and/or concrete.

By providing a series of filling elements, the filling elements can be handled easily, whereas they can be used for partly filling the interspace between the surface of the opening and the pile.

In embodiments the computer program comprises a computer model of a desired truncated conical surface of the foundation pile and a computer model of a desired peripheral wall of the opening, wherein the computer program is designed for comparing the scanning data with the computer models and defining a optimal distribution of filling elements and/or a computer defined shape of the at least one filling element based on such comparison.

In such embodiments for example ideal shapes of the truncated conical surfaces are defined, that is without deviations due to for example forming of the surfaces, which are compared with the actual shapes of said surfaces, which do have such deviations. Then the filling elements are chosen and/or made, taking into account said deviations, such that they fit properly between said surfaces.

In embodiments the computer system comprises a computer model of a standard filling element or a series of different filling elements, wherein the computer program is further designed to select filling elements and/or define a computer machining program for machining said standard filling elements, based on a comparison between the computer model of the standard filling element and the computer defined shape of said at least one filling element.

In embodiments the computer program comprises a computer model of a preferred interspace between said peripheral surface of the opening and said truncated conical surface of the pile, wherein based on said scanning data deviations between the actual interspace and the preferred interspace are calculated, and wherein each filling element is chosen and/or machined based on said calculated deviations.

In an aspect the disclosure relates to an assembly of a foundation pile and a platform mounted with an opening over an upper end of said foundation pile. The upper end of said foundation pile has a truncated conical outer surface portion and said opening has a truncated conical inner surface portion. The platform is provided at a predetermined position relative to the foundation pile, such that a peripheral interspace is provided between the said outer surface portion of the pile and the said inner surface portion of the opening. In the peripheral interspace a series of filling elements is provided, wherein channels are formed between filling elements.

The filling elements provide for a proper alignment and positioning of the platform relative to the foundation pile, preferably both in an axial direction of the foundation pile and in a radial direction, aligning a longitudinal axis of the foundation pile with a longitudinal axis of the opening. By using the filling elements according to the disclosure the platform can be easily fitted using a slip joint, after the pile has been driven into the ground, without the need of using a transition piece for mounting the platform. Moreover the need for welding brackets to the foundation pile 1s reduced or even eliminated by using a slip joint for mounting the platform. Such brackets traditionally have to be welded to the foundation pile before hammering the pile into the ground, which is costly and highly cumbersome during production and handling of the foundation pile.

By providing the filling elements as individual, spaced apart elements, providing channels in between them, the platform can easily compress the individual filling elements to some degree, for formfitting.

Moreover the channels allow for inspection off the connection between platform and pile after placement of the platform. Furthermore the channels allow for water to pass therethrough, for draining the platform surface. Moreover, by providing separate, relatively small filing elements along the periphery of the surfaces it is made even easier to compensate in any position along said surfaces for misalignments and for deviations for ideal shapes of the surfaces. Furthermore using individual, relatively small filling elements makes handling of the filling elements substantially easier than when using a single gasket shaped filling element filling the entire interspace or even a series of ring shaped filling elements closing fitting positioned one above the other.

By individually placing the filling elements they can be chosen and/or shaped in a relatively easy manner to fit a specific location. Such filling elements can be handled relatively easily, and can for example be replaced if needed individually.

By using individual filling elements a further advantage can be obtained in that individual filling elements can be replaced easily, for example when damaged or when it is found that for example the thickness of a filling element in a specific position is incorrect. Moreover, if one of the filling elements during use is damaged, for example by overpressure due to for example contamination or misalignment, this will not significantly influence the support offered by the slip joint formed between the platform and the pile. Neighboring filling elements will easily correct for the loss of said filling element.

In an aspect of the disclosure the filling elements, which advantageously can be tiles, have a length dimension, a width dimension and a thickness, wherein the length dimension and the width dimension are substantially larger that the thickness. The filling elements can have any suitable shape, and are for example rectangular or square with a length and width substantially smaller than a height of the opening, measured along the inner surface between the upper side of the platform and the lower side of the platform at said opening, and substantially smaller than the smallest diameter of said opening, such that for example at least one hundred filling elements or more, for example at least one thousand filling elements or more can be positioned between said surfaces, within channels extending between adjacent filling elements, both alongside the length direction and the width directions of the filling elements. By way of example, the filling elements can have, but are not limited to, a length and width of between 10 and 60 centimeters, for example between 15 and 30 centimeters, whereas the channels can have a width, measured as a shortest distance between adjacent filling elements, of between 1 and 15 centimeters, such as for example between 1 and 10 centimeters, for example between 1 and 5 centimeters, for mounting a platform on a pile in which the platform for example has a height of the opening of between 0,5 — 3 meter and a smallest diameter, measured at a top end of the opening, of for example between 3 and 15 meters. The filling elements preferably have a thickness which is smaller than the length and width thereof, for example at most one-third (1/3:® or less of the smallest of the length and width, for example at most one-fifth (1/5), such as for example at most one-eight (1/8). The filling elements for example have a thickness of between 0,5 and 5 cm.

The dimensions of the filling elements 9 can be chosen for example based on the diameters of the pile 2 and the opening 4 at the level of the filling elements 9. For example the length and width of the filling elements can be larger with increasing diameters. For example, but not limited to, the dimensions of the filling elements, especially a width dimension extending during use substantially parallel to the curvature of the surface, can be chosen such that, when using flat filling elements, in order to adhere them to the relevant surface the filling elements only have to be bent to a very small degree. For example a width to diameter ratio can be chosen to be between 0,02 and 0,04, although also other ratios can be used, depending inter alia on bending resistance of the filling element in the bending direction. The filling elements can cover for example less than 90 % of the said surface area of the opening, the further surface area being exposed in said channels.

In an aspect of the disclosure filling elements can be provided having different thicknesses, wherein each filling element has a coding depending on said thickness. The coding can for example be a coloring of the filling element or a part thereof, such that based on said coding, especially said color, it can directly be ascertained what thickness said filling element has.

The channels formed between the filling elements preferably are substantially straight. In embodiments a first series of channels can extend substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the pile and opening, a second series of said channels extending perpendicular to the channels of the first series. In embodiments the channels can all extend at an angle relative to the said longitudinal axis, for example a first series of channels extending at a first angle, for example but not limited to 45 degrees, relative to said longitudinal axis, which may extend vertically, whereas a second series of channels extends at a second angle relative to said axis. The first and second angle can for example be the same angle, but mirrored relative to a vertical line or plane.

The invention will be further elucidated on the basis of exemplary embodiments which are represented in the drawings. The exemplary embodiments are given by way of non-limitative illustration of the invention. In the drawings:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic top view of a platform mounted over an upper end of a foundation pile;

Fig. 2 shows schematically a platform in a cross sectional side view along the line II — II in fig. 1 mounted over an upper end of a foundation pile;

Fig. 3 shows schematically in isometric view an inner surface of an opening of a platform and a surface area part of an outer surface portion of the upper end of a foundation pile, transparently shown, showing a series of filling elements arranged between said surfaces;

Fig. 4 schematically part of the inner surface of an opening of a platform, with a series of filling elements provided thereon;

Fig. 4A schematically a number of filing elements as shown, for example in fig. 3 and 4, with inscribed some possible dimensions and mutual relationship of such filling elements;

Fig. 4B, C and D schematically and by way of examples only, different possible different contours of surface portions between which filling elements are positioned, here shown in vertical cross sectional views;

Fig. 4E schematically and by way of example only, a possible contour of surface portions between which filling elements are positioned, here shown in horizontal cross sectional view;

Fig. 5 shows schematically a system for scanning surface portions of a surface of an upper end of a foundation pile and of a peripheral inner surface of an opening of a platform;

Fig. 6 shows schematically in top view part of a platform mounted over the upper end of a foundation pile, wherein the pile has a deviation from circular, for example at a welding seam, wherein filling elements are provided between the platform and the pile, compensating for the deviation;

Fig. 7 shows schematically in cross section side view part of a platform and or an upper end of a foundation pile, wherein an actual interspace is shown next with in striped line a surface of the pile as desired, wherein a filling element is shown filling said interspace, adapted to fit the actual interspace;

Fig. 8A and B show schematically in cross sectional side view respectively in cross sectional side view a standard filling element from which the filling element according to fig. 8B 1s made and a filling element, adapted based on scan data from opposite surface portions of a foundation pile and a platform;

Fig. 9 schematically shows an alternative positioning of filling elements; and

Fig 10 schematically shows a further positioning of filling elements.

In this description embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings by way of example only. These embodiments should by no means be understood as limiting the scope of the disclosure. At least all combinations of aspects, elements and features of the embodiments shown and discussed are also considered to have been disclosed herein. In this description the same or similar elements and features will be referred to by the same or similar reference signs. The drawings are not to scale, and can show exaggerations in order to more clearly show features of the claimed invention.

In this description expressions of orientation such as top, bottom, vertical etcetera are used for convenience only and refer to the orientation of the foundation pile as seen in the accompanying drawings, especially fig. 1 and 2, the pile being placed vertically in the ground, off shore or on shore.

In this description wording like substantially and generally should be understood as meaning that relatively small deviations from the feature or value they refer to are also considered to be covered, for example deviations of 20% or less, such as 15% or less or 10% or less.

In this description embodiments of a foundation pile are disclosed supporting a platform, wherein a wind turbine generator (WTG) is or is to be supported on the foundation pile, directly or indirectly, preferably free of a transition piece.

In this description a foundation pile is a pile supported in and/or on the earth, for example by driving the foundation pile into a water bedding such as a sea bedding, offshore, or into the ground onshore. The foundation pile is disclosed in the drawings as a monopile, for example made of metal, but could also be a pile made of different segments, and could be made of different materials, such as but not limited to concrete, or combination of materials, such as but not limited to concrete and metal. The foundation pile is preferably substantially hollow, at least over most of its height. A foundation pile can have a circular cross section, seen in top view, perpendicular to a longitudinal axis thereof, as shown by way of example for example in fig. 1, but could also have a different shape in cross section, for example polygonal, oval or the like, or combinations thereof. A foundation pile can have a diameter of several meters to more than ten meters, for example up to or above fifteen meters at its lower end, and can have a wall thickness, if made of metal, of centimeters, for example more than 4 centimeters, such as for example 8 to 10 centimeters or more. These sizes are only given by way of example and should not be considered to limit the disclosure.

In this disclosure the platform can be made of any suitable material or combination of materials. The platform can for example be, but 1s not limited to, made of concrete or concrete and metal or metal and/or other materials. The platform can for example have, but is not limited to a substantially circular shape, as shown for example in fig. 1, or an elongated shape, with an opening extending through the platform, for example a central opening or an opening provided off center. The opening can for example have a central longitudinal axis parallel to and preferably during use extending coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the foundation pile. The opening can have a substantially circular cross section, seen in top view, as for example shown in fig. 1, with a downward increasing diameter, as will be explained. The opening can also have a different shape, depending primarily on the shape and dimensions of the upper end of the foundation pile, as will be discussed.

In this disclosure the filling elements as will be discussed are preferably made of a plastic material, such as but not limited to polyurethane (PU), for example high density PU, which can also be referred to as PUR. The material of the filling elements may be more pliable than the material of the platform and more pliable than the material of the foundation pile. The filling elements can alternatively be made of a different plastic material, such as for example but not limited to PE, such as for example HDPE, which plastic material is preferably at least water resistant, especially salt-water resistant, or any other suitable material and construction.

In embodiments the foundation pile is provided as a monopile made substantially of metal, the platform is made substantially of concrete or using metal, such as sheet metal forming a substantially hollow construction, and the filling elements are made substantially of PU.

Use of filling elements 9 made of a plastic material, such as but not limited to PU, has the additional advantage that the elements 9 protect the relevant surfaces of the pile 2 and the opening 4 during mounting of the platform onto the pile, especially any coating provided on such surface, such as for example but not limited to paint or anti corrosion coating, sealant and the like.

The drawings generally show an assembly 1 of a foundation pile 2 and a platform 3 mounted with an opening 4 over an upper end 5 of said foundation pile 2. A further structure can be mounted on and/or over the upper end 5, such as for example a tower of a wind turbine generator 50, which can be mounted to the foundation pile 2 in any suitable way, such as for example by a slip joint or a bolted connection, preferably without a transition piece. The upper end 5 of said foundation pile 2 has a truncated conical outer surface portion 6. Said opening 4 of the platform 3 has a truncated conical inner surface portion 7, which is formed substantially complementary to the outer surface portion 6 of the foundation pile 2. When the platform 3 is provided at a predetermined position relative to the foundation pile 2, a peripheral interspace 8 is provided between the said surface portion 6 of the foundation pile 2 and the said surface portion 7 of the opening 4 of the platform 3. The predetermined position can be a predetermined axial position, i.e. for example a predetermined height h; of a lower surface 10 of the platform 3 above the lower end 11 of the truncated conical upper end 5 of the foundation pile 2 or a predetermined distance hy of an upper surface 12 of the platform below the upper end surface 13 of the upper end 5 of the foundation pile 2. In fig. 3 by way of example a schematic representation of such peripheral interspace 8 is shown, for an embodiment in which the upper end 5 of the foundation pile 2 and the opening 4 have a substantially circular cross section. It will be directly clear to the skilled person how such interspace would be shaped if the upper end 5 and opening 4 have a different cross sectional shape.

In the peripheral interspace 8 filling elements 9 are provided, between and in contact with said surfaces 6, 7. Preferably a series of filling elements 9 is provided in said interspace 8, more preferably in rows 60 and columns 61, as shown in e.g. fig. 3, 4 and 4A — E, 9 and 10. According to the disclosure the filling elements 9 are individually selected and/or individually formed and/or amended in shape and/or dimensions, as will be discussed further, for fitting in a specific position between the said surface 6 of the upper end 5 of the foundation pile 2 and the relevant platform surface 7.

As can be seen by way of example in fig. 3, the desired, ideal peripheral interspace 8 can be represented by a model showing a hollow truncated conical shape, defined by an ideal representation of the peripheral surface 7 of the opening 4 and the ideal representation of the surface portion 6 of the upper end 5 of the foundation pile 2. The upper and lower ends of the interspace 8 are then formed by two imaginary rings 44A, 44B. Such model can for example be represented by a computer model, using calculated surfaces 6, 7 (also referred to as 60n and 701) as they should ideally be when all measurements are met exactly for said surfaces 6, 7 when fabricating said foundation pile 2 and platform 3.

For fitting a platform 3 on an upper end 5 of a foundation pile 2, wherein said upper end 2 has a truncated conical outer surface 6, and wherein the platform 3 has an opening 4 fitting over said upper end 5 of the pile 2, said opening 4 provided with a peripheral wall 7 defining a truncated conical shape, it is known in the prior art to use a slip joint connection between the platform 3 and the foundation pile 2, wherein the platform 3 is lowered onto the upper end 5 of the pile 2, such that the conical surfaces 6, 7 meet and gravity forces the platform 3 onto the pile 2.

It is known that the manufacturing processes that are used for manufacturing the foundation pile and the platform, and the materials used, will lead to deviations from ideal shapes and dimensions of said surfaces. Manufacturing tolerances will necessarily lead to such deviations, as can for example deformations of portions of such surfaces. For example if a pile is rolled from steel plate and the seam thereof is then welded, this may lead to local un-roundness at the location of the seam, for example due to the welding process. These problems with production tolerances and deviations increases with an increase of the diameters Dyie of the foundation piles that are used, which diameters are expected to increase further in the future, for example due to an increase of the size and power of wind turbine generators, especially off-shore. The foundation piles can have an outer diameter Die of seven to ten meters or more, measured below the truncated portion 5. Such deviations have been found to be detrimental to slip joint connections, because at least this reduces the contact between the said surfaces of the opening and the pile, which can reduce stability and can increase wear. Moreover this may lead to misalignment of the foundation pile and the structure supported thereby, such as for example a wind turbine generator. Improving manufacturing processes or machining the surfaces of the platform and/or the pile will lead to high costs, if even possible without 1mpairing the structural integrity of the parts and the structure formed therewith. Using filling elements 9 according to the disclosure can overcome these problems in a practical and economical way.

In a method and assembly according to the disclosure the platform 3, especially the opening 4 thereof, and the foundation pile 2, especially the upper end 5 thereof, are designed such that, with the platform 3 in said predetermined position, between the truncated conical outer surface 6 of the pile 2 and the peripheral wall 7 of the opening 4 of the platform 3 said peripheral interspace 8 is formed. The opening 4 in the platform 3 is deliberately designed larger than necessary for forming a direct slip joint between the surfaces 6 and 7. Filling elements 9 are provided in said interspace 8, substantially filling de width Ws of said interspace 8, the width

Wsbeimg measured as the shortest distance between said two surfaces 6, 7 at any given position. The Ws can therefore differ for different positions in sad interspace 8.

Preferably the filling elements are adhered to the inner surface 7 of the opening 4. This significantly reduces the risk of the filling elements 9 being damaged or knocked or scraped off when fitting the platform 3. When fitting the platform 3 with the filling elements 9 over the upper end of the pile 2, a slip joint is formed between inner surfaces 33 of the filling elements 9 and the outer surface 6 of the pile 2. If the filling elements 9 are mounted to the outer surface 6 of the pile prior to placing the platform 3, such slip joint will be formed between outer surfaces 34 of the filling elements 9 and the peripheral inner surface 7 of the opening 4 of the platform 3. The width

Ws of the designed interspace 8, measured between the opposing surfaces 6, 7, can for example be, but is not limited to about 35 mm on average.

In embodiments as will be discussed filling elements 9 are used having a thickness T, which preferably is constant across the filling element 9. In embodiments the thickness T may be larger than the said width W, such that they can be shaped by removing material of the standard filling elements in order to make them fit for filling part of the interspace 8. In other embodiments the thickness T may be about the same as said width

Wa. In advantageous embodiments different filling elements 9 are used, which preferably all have the same length Ls and width Ws, but different thicknesses T, as will be explained, in order to fit different widths of the interspace 8 in different positions.

In a method according to the disclosure the filling element or elements 9 can be chosen of made or adapted such that they fit in said space 8 against opposite surface portions of said surfaces 6, 7. In embodiments prior to fitting the platform 3 over the pile 2 a first scan SC; is made of at least a portion 6 of the truncated outer surface 6 of the pile 2 and a second scan SC» is made of at least a portion 7 of the peripheral wall 7 of the platform. In such embodiments the shape of at least one of the filling elements 9 can be formed and/or amended based on said first scan SC; and second scan SC». Preferably a series of filling elements 9 is provided between the pile 2 and the platform 3, wherein the shape of the individual filling elements 9 is formed and/or amended based on said first scan SC; and said second scan SC. Each filling element 9 can be made specifically for a specific position between the platform and the pile. In an alternative method the different filling elements 9 are chosen from a variety of filling elements having different thicknesses T, such that for each position a filling element 9 1s provided having a thickness T matching the average distance between the opposite surface portions 6, 7 at a given position.

Fig. 5 shows schematically a system 20 for use in a method of the disclosure. With such system 20 the or each first scan SC; and the or each second scan SC: 1s made using at least one scanner 21. In embodiments the or each scanner 21 is a laser scanner. In the embodiment shown in fig. 5 the system 20 comprises a computer system 22, to which the or each scanner 21 1s connected, by wire 23 or wireless. Scanning data of the at least one scanner 21 is fed into the computer system 22. A computer program CP is provided in said computer system 22 for processing said scanning data. It should be noted that the computer system 22 can comprise a single computer or multiple computers or similar data processing units, but can also be provided differently, for example entirely or in part cloud based.

In the embodiment of fig. 5 the system 20 is designed for scanning the inner surface 7 of the opening 4, or at least relevant parts thereof, as well as the outer surface 6 of the upper end 5 of the foundation pile 2, or at least a relevant part thereof. In the embodiment shown the foundation pile 21s to this end laid in a horizontal position, for example rotatable around its longitudinal axis A — A extending horizontally, as shown in fig. 5. A first scanner 21A is placed next to the relevant surface 6 or part thereof, such that a first scan SC, schematically represented by striped lines 24, can be made of said surface 6 or part thereof. Scanning data is fed into the computer system 20. The platform 3 is placed with its bottom surface 10 on a surface area 25. A second scanner 21B is placed inside the opening 4, such that a second scan SC2, schematically represented by striped lines 26, can be made of said surface 7 or part thereof. Scanning data is fed into the computer system 20. Based on the scanning data the computer system can model the surfaces 6, 7 or portions 6A, 7A thereof, including any deviation from a desired surface or surface portion. These models of the surfaces or surface portions shall be referred to also as surfaces 6;s, and Tis.

The scanners 21A, 21B can be hand held scanners or can be (semiautomated scanners, for example tripod or robot or otherwise mounted scanners. Such scanners and scanner systems as such as well- known in the art. It shall be clear that scanning data as discussed can also be obtained differently, for example with the platform and/or pile in different orientations. In the embodiments shown the scanning data is obtained at a production location, for example on-shore, with the pile not yet installed or even shipped out to a mounting location, which may be on- or off-shore. It will however be clear that the scanning data can also be obtained at different locations, wherein for example the scanning can be performed after having mounted the foundation pile at a destined location.

Then filling elements 9 can also be used for adjusting for any for example non-vertical position of the foundation pile.

In embodiments of the system 20 and method according to the disclosure the computer program CP comprises a computer model of a desired truncated conical surface 6n of the foundation pile 2 and a computer model of a desired peripheral wall surface 7u of the opening 4 of the platform 3. The computer program CP is designed for comparing the scanning data, i.e. the surface models 6; and 7: based on said scanning data with the computer models of the desired surfaces 60n and 7s as provided in the computer system 22. Comparing these models will show where deviations exist and what these deviations are, and can result in a model of the interspace 8 as for example shown in fig. 3. The computer program CP may in embodiments further be designed for defining a computer defined shape of at least one filling element 901 based on such comparison, as for example shown in fig. 7 and 8. Thus each filling element 9 can be specifically manufactured for a specific position between the platform 3 and the pile 2. Additionally or alternatively the computer program CP can be designed to chose a filling element 9 for each position based on its thickness T matching best the average distance between said surface portions 6, 7 at said position.

As shown in fig. 5 the system 20 can comprises or be connected to a machining system 27, here schematically shown, for forming and/or machining filling elements 9 to make them fit the intended position as filling element 91. The machining system 27 can for example comprise a

CNC machining system. By way of example the machining system 27 such as a CNC based machining tool can shape a filling element 9 based on the computer defined shape as discussed here before, for example from a block of polyurethane or other suitable material, especially plastic, or from an already formed standard filling element 9, as will be discussed hereafter.

In the same or alternative embodiments the computer system 22 can comprise a computer model of a standard filling element 9, wherein the computer program CP is further designed to define a computer machining program for machining said standard filling element 9 based on a comparison between the computer model of the standard filling element 9 and the computer defined shape of said at least one filling element 941. The said computer machining program can then be used for operating the machining system 27.

In the same or alternative embodiments the computer program CP can comprise a computer model of a preferred interspace 8 between said peripheral surface 7 of the opening 4 and said truncated conical surface 6 of the pile 2, wherein based on the scanning data from the scanners 21 deviations between the actual interspace 8 and the preferred interspace 8 are calculated, and wherein at least one and preferably each filling element 9 1s machined and/or chosen based on said calculated deviations.

Thus methods of forming and/or amending and/or choosing filling elements 9 for use in fitting a platform 3 with an opening 4 over an upper end 5 of a foundation pile 2 can comprise the steps of making a first scan

SC: of at least a first portion of the surface 6 of the pile 2 at a predetermined position and a second scan SC: of at least a first portion of a peripheral surface 7 of the opening 4 of the platform 3, opposite the first portion of the pile surface 6 and machining and/or choosing based on at least thickness T of the filling elements 9 for each position the at least one filling element 9 to be fitted between said first portion of the surface 6 of the foundation pile 2 and said first portion of the peripheral surface 7 of the opening 4. The filling element 9 is thus formed and/or amended and/or chosen such that it can be positioned in close contact with the first surface portions 6A, 7A. Said at least one filling element 901 15 preferably formed and/or machined and/or chosen such that during use it bridges the actual interspace 8 between said first surface portions 6, 7, for which the filling element can be partly compressed by the forces exerted thereon by the platform, especially the force of gravity.

As discussed, in a method according to the disclosure preferably a series of filling elements 9 is provided for positioning in the interspace 8 between the surface 6 of the foundation pile 2 at said predefined positions and the peripheral surface 7 of the opening 4, in a matrix arrangement of the filling elements 9, comprising rows 60 and columns 61 of filling elements 9, with channels 62, 63 there between. As discussed a large number of filling elements 9 can be used, for example but not limited to between 100 en 3000 or more such filling elements for a pile 2 with an upper diameter of the truncated conical upper end 5 of between for example but not limited to between 3 and 15 meters, for example between 7 and 10 meters and a height H of the opening 4 of for example between 0,5 and 3 meters. The number of filling elements can for example be chosen such that they each fill between 1 and 5 degrees, for example between 2 and 4 degrees of the circumference of the peripheral surface, leaving enough space for forming the channels, and between for example between 2 and 10 percent, such as for example between 2 and 6 percent of the height H of the platform opening. In such embodiments standard filling elements 9 can be used which are at least substantially flat. In embodiments such standard filling elements 9 can then be machined for fitting the curved surfaces.

Alternatively a standard filling element 9 can be formed having a predefined curved shape, especially as a relatively small number of such segments is used for filling the interspace 8. In other embodiments such standard flat filling elements can then be bent to fit, or can be compressed to fit.

In an assembly of a foundation pile 2 and a platform 3 mounted with an opening 4 over an upper end 5 of said foundation pile 2 according to the disclosure each of said filling elements 9 can have been machined and/or chosen for fitting at a specific position between said platform 3 and said pile 2, wherein the filling elements may have been machined on at least a surface 33 facing the surface 6 of the foundation pile 2 and/or a surface 34 facing the peripheral surface 7 of the opening 4, more preferably both of said side surfaces 33, 34, based on scanning data obtained of the relevant surface portion 6 of the pile 2 and/or scanning data obtained of the relevant surface portion 7 of the opening 4.

In embodiments the filling elements 9 can be mounted to one of the surfaces 6, 7 before mounting the platform 3 onto the foundation pile 2. This can be done with the pile and/or platform in a position as for example shown in fig. 5. Mounting the filling elements 9 can in embodiments be performed onshore. The filling elements 9 can for example be glued to one of the surfaces 6, 7. In a preferred, advantageous embodiment the filling elements 9 are mounted to the inner surface 7 of the opening 4 in the platform 3.

By using the model and the scanning data as disclosed, a model can be formed of the actual interspace 8 between the foundation pile 2 and the platform 3 to be used together. Then filling elements 9, 9,1 can be formed, and/or chosen from a variety of filling elements, for positioning in said actual interspace 8, for example using a system as discussed with reference to fig. 5. The filling elements 9 can be individually shaped, in order to properly fill the actual interspace 8 at a given position. In embodiments a standard filling element 9 can be used as starting point, for example a rectangular or square, flat or curved filling element, which can be machined on an inner surface 33 and/or an opposite outer surface 34, based on the scanning data and models as discussed. An example of a shaped filling element 9,01 1s shown in fig. 7, with the original inner surface 33 schematically shown partly in broken lines, and the shaped inner surface 33 in solid lines. The standard filling element 9 can be curved according to the diameters of the inner and outer surfaces 6, 7 of the model, such that a series of such elements can fill the interspace 8 in a side-by-side position, having side surfaces 37 fitting against each other or at least in close adjacent position.

Fig. 3 shows schematically a model of an interspace 8 formed between surfaces 6 of the pile and 7 of the opening 4, as discussed. In fig. 3 for part of said interspace 8 a series of filling elements 9 is shown, forming rows 60 and columns 61 of filling elements, with intermediate channels 62, 63 as will be discussed. It will be understood that for the full circumference of the pile and opening such an arrangement of filling elements 9 with intermediate channels 62, 63 will be provided. For the sake of clarity only said Limited number of filling elements is shown. Fig. 4 shows part of the series of filling elements 9, in frontal isometric view, adhered to an inner surface 7 of opening 4. In this embodiment the filling elements 9 are shown as square tiles. They are positioned forming a matrix for filling elements 9, which a network of intersecting first channels 62 and second channels 63 extending there between. In fig. 4A schematically, by way of example only, four filling elements are shown of such matrix, in which each filling element 9is a square tile with sides of 200 mm, the channels 62, 63 there between having a width of 20 mm. Obviously other dimensions can be chosen.

In fig. 4B a cross sectional view is shown along the line IV — IV in fig. 3, of a first possible embodiment of (part of) an interspace 8, wherein the width Ws , i.e. the shortest distance between opposite surfaces 6, 7, is substantially constant over the shown portion of the surfaces 6, 7. A series of filling elements 9 is shown, each having the same thickness T, consistent with said width Ws, measured between opposing surfaces 33, 34 of the filling elements 9. In this embodiment therefore all filling elements 9 can be the same.

In fig. 4C a similar cross sectional view is shown, of a second embodiment, in which the width Ws of the interspace 8 gradually increases in downward direction, i.e. in a direction away from the top 13 of the pile 2, from a width Ws) to a width Wg). In this embodiment the thickness T1 - 5 of the series of filling elements 9 also gradually increases in said downward direction, from a thickness T; at the upper end to a thickness T; at the lower end of said portion of the interspace 8, wherein each of said filling elements 9 can have a constant thickness T. Each filling element 91 - 5 is specifically chosen based on its thickness T 5 best fitting the intended position. During use the filling elements 9 can be compressed slightly, in order to adjust to the relevant somewhat trapezium or wedge shaped section of the interspace 8 in which the filling element is positioned. Such compression can be very limited when filling elements are used have a length L which is small compared to the height H of the opening 4.

In fig. 4D again a cross sectional view is shown along the line IV —

IVin fig. 3, similar to fig. 4B and 4C, but in this embodiment the part of the interspace 8 shown has a varying width Wg, due to a dent 64 in the surface 6 of the pile 2. At said dent 64 the width Wgent) 1s larger than the width

Wan, 2 at the upper end and lower end of the part of the interspace 8 shown. In this embodiment the five filling elements 9: .. 5 are again chosen from a series of filling elements depending on their thickness Ti - 5, best fitting the desired position. In this embodiment for example the first filling element 9; has a thickness T1, which is the same thickness Ts of the fifth filling element 95. The second filling element 9: has a slightly larger thickness Tz, whereas the third and fourth filling elements 93 and 94 have an even larger thickness Ts and T4. As is schematically shown in fig. 4D the fourth filling element 94 is to be compressed at an edge portion 94 in order to at least partly assume a wedge shaped form, indicated by the striped line 9B.

In fig. 4B- D vertical cross sections are shown. It shall however be clear that similarly filling elements 9 can be provided in horizontal direction, i.e. in a direction perpendicular to that shown in fig. B — D, in which again individual filling elements 9 can be chosen based on their thickness T for specific positions at said surfaces 6, 7, for example based on the discussed scans SC made. An embodiment is shown in fig. 4E, in cross sectional view along the line IVe — IVr in fig. 3, by way of example. In this embodiment part of the interspace 8 is shown, in top view, curved with substantially a radius of the relevant cross section of the pile 2. Ten filling elements 9 are shown, of which the left hand first two filling elements 9; and 9» and the and the right hand last five filling elements 9¢- 10 in fig. 4E have the same thickness T. The fourth filling element 94 has a larger thickness T4, in order to fill a larger distance between the surfaces 6, 7. The third and fifth filling elements 93, 9; are again wedge shaped, having an inclining eq declining thickness, for example having been machined as such or being compressed, in order to accommodate the changing distance between said surfaces 6, 7.

As is shown schematically in fig. 4, a camera or similar inspection tool 65 can be entered into at least some of the channels 62, 63, for inspection of for example the filling elements 9 and/or the surfaces 6, 7, and especially any coating provided on such surfaces 6, 7. The inspection tool 65 for example has a vision angle facing sideways, as schematically shown in fig. 4 by the dotted lines 66. The inspection tool 65 can be connected to a display unit and/or a computer system 72 or the like, in a known manner.

The inspection tool 65 can for example be an endoscope or periscope like instrument, or any other suitable such tool known in the art. Additionally or alternatively the inspection tool can comprise means for emitting and/or receiving other inspection radiation, for example for non-optical inspection.

In the embodiments shown in the drawings between each pair of adjacent filling elements 9 a channel 62, 63 is formed, such that a network of intersecting channels 62, 63 1s formed. A first series of channels 62 is formed extending in a direction between an upper side 12 of the platform 3 and a lower side 10 of the platform 3. The channels of the first series of channels 62 have at least an upper open end 67 or a lower open end 68, for introducing the inspection tool 65 into the channel 62. In preferred embodiments both the upper end 67 and the lower end 68 of each channel 62 of said first series is open, such that the tool 65 can be introduced from either end. Moreover, by providing at least some and preferably all of the channels 62 of said first series of channels is open on opposite ends 67, 68, such that water and air can pass therethrough freely, contrary to the prior art in which gaskets are provided in an interspace between for example a pile and a transition piece, filling and thus closing off such interspace. Thus the platform 3 can drain more easily.

The filling elements 9 can have a non-square or non-rectangular shape, seen in the direction the thickness direction, for example having rounded or chamfered corners, which will make it easier to maneuver an inspection tool 65 such as an endoscope or remote controlled camera to move from a first channel 62 into a second channel 63, the second channels extending in peripheral direction through the interspace 8. A filling element 9 can for example be a tile having a circular or oval shape, or a polygonal shape, for example having six or eight corners.

A tile should be understood in the present disclosure at least as a substantially flat object, preformed prior to providing it into an interspace 8, having a length dimension and a width dimension, also referred to as length

Ls and width Wo, which are substantially larger than a thickness T or at least than an average thickness T of said element 9. Each filling element or tile 9 can for example have but is not limited to having a shape with a length Lg and width Wg, such that it fits within an rectangle or square having sides between 10 and 60 cm, preferably between 15 and 30 cm, and an average, preferably a constant thickness T of between 1/40th and 1/4th of the largest of the length and the width, preferably between 1/20th and 1/6th, such as for example but not limited to between 1/15th and 1/8th,

The channels 62, 63 preferably have a width Wez, Wes, measured as the smallest distance between adjacent filling elements 9, which is substantially smaller that the smallest of the length Ls and width Ws of the filling elements 9, for example a width Wg2, Wes between 1/40 and 1/4th of the largest of the length Ls and width Ws, preferably between 1/20th and 1/6th, such as for example but not limited to between 1/15th and 1/8th’

By way of example, the elements 9 can be made of plastic material, such as PU, for example a PU with a density of about 1.1 g/cm? or more, for example 1.2 g/cm? or more, such as for example between 1.20 and 1.25 g/cm? (ASTM D 792-91). The filling elements can for example have an average thickness T, especially a constant thickness T, of between about 10 and about 70 mm, preferably between 20 and 50 mm. The filling elements 9 have overall dimensions which are relatively small compared to said diameter Die of the pile 2, for example a length and a width dimension, when considering a rectangular or square element 9, in the order of centimeters or decimeters, and a thickness as indicated. In fig. 4A an example is shown of a filling element 9 embodied by a tile, which has a length Ls measured in the direction of the column 61, parallel to the longitudinal axis A — A, of 20 cm, and a width Ws measured parallel to the row 60, of again 20 cm, the filling element 9 being square.

In the embodiments shown the filling elements all have substantially the same length Ls and width Ws dimensions, but may have different thicknesses. However, also filling elements, especially tiles can be used having differing length and/or width dimensions. In such embodiments preferably all filling elements 9 in any single row 60 of filling elements 9 at least have the same length dimension Ls, the length Ls measured in the direction perpendicular to the periphery of the pile 2.

As indicated different filling elements 9 can have different thicknesses T, such that for each position in said interspace 8 a filling element or tile 9 can be chosen having the appropriate thickness T, based on the scans. In order to easily distinguish between the tiles they can for example be coded, such as but not limited to color coded, in which each thickness tile has its own color indication. For example a series of tiles can be provided with thicknesses T increasing in steps of for example but not limited to 2 mm, each of said tiles in the series having a different color. This will make picking the appropriate tiles 9 more easy for a user. Coloring can be provided for example after producing the tiles or during production, for example by mixing the color though the material of which the tiles are made.

The filling elements are preferably made of a compressible material, such that the shape and dimensions of the filling elements can be amended to adapt to the interspace portion it is enclosed in, for example due to the weight of the platform. To this end the material used for the filling elements, such as but not limited to elastomers like PUR, wherein the filling elements are preferably chosen such that for each filling element 9 during use a compression of the relevant filling element or part thereof due to the weight of the platform 3 is less than 15% of the thickness of the filling element, preferably less than 10% of said thickness.

By using separate filling elements 9 in said interspace the further advantage is obtained that changes in the width of the interspace 8 can easily be adapted for by using filling elements with different thicknesses T next to each other, as for example schematically shown in fig. 4C and D and fig. 4E. Moreover, this can limit the compression necessary for the individual elements 9. Moreover, if desired this allows for using filling elements having different properties next to each other, for example filling elements made of different materials, having different densities, for example for providing different compressibility, or different shapes, in order to accommodate specific needs for support at different positions in said interspace 8.

Using sperate filling elements 9, which are relatively small compared to the surface area of the pile and opening between which they are to be used, a further advantage can be obtained in that single filling elements or even a group of a limited number of such filling elements 9 can be allowed to fail, for example due to overpressure, which could occur when for example the thickness of such tile does not match, especially is larger than the distance between the surfaces at the given position, or when for example contamination has entered between the said filling element and one of the surfaces 6, 7. Such filling element may be damaged or disintegrate without substantially influencing the stability or position of the platform relative to the pile. It would even be allowable if a filling element is not present in a given position, since neighboring filling elements will easily accommodate for the absence of support by such single filling element or small group of such filling elements.

The relevant surfaces 6, 7 of the pile 2 and opening 4 are preferably provided with, especially covered by a protective coating, such as but not limited to an anti-corrosion and/or anti-fouling coating, as known in the art of off shore, wherein the filling elements 9 are preferably adhered to the said coating on the surface of the opening 4 after application of the coating but prior to placing the platform 3 on the pile 2.

Fig. 6 shows an embodiment of part of a platform 3 on a pile 2, in top view. The pile 2 in this embodiment has been made of metal, rolled from metal plate wherein meeting ends of the plate are welded together, forming a closing weld 39. Due to the rolling process and/or the welding, bringing heat locally into the metal, the pile 2 can comprising a slightly bulging area 40 around the weld 39. This can mean that the pile2 at that location deviates from a desired circular cross section, as drawn in as a circle 41 in striped line. In embodiments like shown in fig. 10 this can be accommodated for by a filling element 9,1 which has been shaped such that the inner surface 33 is provided with a surface portion fitting said bulging deviation 40 of the pile 2. In fig. 10 only the one filling element is shown. The rest of the interspace 8 can be filled with further filling elements 9, 9,1, which may or may not be amended from standard filling elements 9.

Fig. 7 shows in cross sectional side view part of a platform 3 mounted over a pile 2, wherein part of the actual interspace 8 is shown,

filled with filling elements 9, wherein the actual surface 6; of the pile 2 is shown in solid line, the originally desired surface 6 in broken line, whereas the actual surface 7 of the opening 4 is shown in solid line, the originally desired surface 7 on broken line. Fig. 8B shows in cross sectional side view a filling element 9, machined for filling the relevant part of the interspace 8 in fig. 7, whereas fig. 8A shows such filling element 9 for filling the same part of a desired interspace 8. In fig. 8B the inside surface 33 of the filling element 9 has been made more concave and with a different incline than the inner surface 33 of the filling element of fig. 8A whereas the outer surface 341s made to have a different inclination as well than the outer surface of the element shown in fig. 8B.

Fig. 9 discloses a first alternative positioning of filling elements, especially tiles 9. In this embodiment again square tiles 9 are shown, placed in a grid or matrix of rows 60 and columns 61, with channels 62, 63 there between, but in this embodiment the grid or matrix has been rotated relative to the position as shown in fig. 3 and 4, for example over 45 degrees as shown in fig. 9. This means that the longitudinal axis 69 the first series of channels 62 extend at an angle a relative to the longitudinal axis A — A, where in said angle 1s in the embodiment shown 45 degrees, whereas the longitudinal axis 70 of the channels 63 of the second series of channels extend at a similar angle a but mirrored relative to said axis A — A, the longitudinal axis 69, 70 enclosing right angles. In such embodiments all of the channels will be open to the environment directly at opposite upper and lower ends 67, 68. The inspection tool 65 can thus be inserted into and moved through all of these channels 62, 63 more easily.

Fig. 10 schematically shows a further alternative positioning of filling elements, especially tiles 9, similar to that of fig. 9, but wherein the filling elements or tiles 9 are not square but rhombus shaped. In the embodiment shown the rhombus shaped filling elements or tiles 9 are placed such that their sharper angled corners face up- and downward. The channels 62, 63 therefore extend at angles a relative to the axis A — A deviating from 45 degrees, even though they can be the same but mirrored relative to the axis A — A. The angle a can for example be between 15 and 45 degrees. Alternatively the angle can be chosen between 45 and 75 degrees.

It shall be clear that the filling elements 9 can also be integrally made to fit an interspace 8, based on at least scanning data of the actual surfaces 6, 7 of the pile 2 and platform 3, instead of being made from a standard filling element. If the filling element is to be machined for fitting a specific position, a standard filling element preferably will have a thickness to fit an interspace 8 having a maximum expected width, such that the elements 9 can be reduced in size in order to fit smaller interspaces.

Alternatively or additionally material can be added to a standard filling element 9.

The invention is by no means limited to the embodiments disclosed herein by way of example only. Many amendments can be made within the concept of the disclosure, including combinations of some or all of the features of the methods and structures as disclosed.

For example, in the drawings filling elements 9 are shown as individual filling elements. It will however be clear that each filling element can also be configured of parts of filling elements fitted together, in thickness direction and/or in length and/or width direction, the combined parts forming a filling element as discussed here before, applied with channels as discussed. It will be clear that the number of filling elements used will depend on inter alia the relevant diameters of the pile and opening and the size of the filling element, wherein for example the compressibility of the filling elements can play a role. The number and size of filling elements used and the dimensions of the channels will also depend on the weight of the platform and the average inclination of the surfaces 6, 7. The filling elements can be shaped differently, for example as triangles or parallelepipeds. In embodiments filling elements can be used having different lengths and/or widths, for example such that such that filling elements in one or more rows have the same width as filling elements in one or more neighboring rows, but different lengths.

In the embodiments shown and discussed the channels 62 and 63 extend at right angles relative to each other.

Alternatively they can include different angles, for example when using triangular filling elements.

Claims

Conclusions

1. Method for placing a platform on an upper end of a foundation pile, wherein said upper end has a truncated conical outer surface, and wherein the platform has an opening that fits over said upper end of the pile, said opening being provided with a peripheral wall that defines a truncated conical shape, wherein a series of filling elements is provided between the truncated conical outer surface of the pile and the peripheral wall of the opening, wherein filling elements are positioned at a distance from each other, such that channels are formed between adjacent filling elements.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the filling elements are tiles.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the filling elements are positioned in rows and columns.

A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a channel is formed between each pair of adjacent filling elements, such that a network of intersecting channels is formed, a first series of channels being formed extending in a direction between a top side of the platform and a bottom side of the platform, wherein the channels of the first series of channels have at least an upper open end or a lower open end, for inserting an inspection tool into the channel.

5. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least a series of said filling elements are positioned above each other in a first direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the pile, wherein said filling elements have a changing thickness, preferably an increasing thickness. be placed in said first direction.

A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filling elements are positioned in a series of rings of spaced filling elements, wherein adjacent filling elements in said rings have a channel between each other.

A method according to claim 6, wherein the filling elements of adjacent rings are spaced apart, forming a channel between said adjacent ring filling configurations.

Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the filling elements are made using plastic material, preferably polymers, in particular urethane, such as polyurethane.

9. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, prior to placing the platform over the pile, at least one first scan is made of at least part of the truncated outer surface of the pile and at least one second scan is made of at least at least part of the peripheral wall of the opening, wherein the filling elements are specifically chosen based on their positions relative to said surfaces, based on said scans, and/or wherein the shape of at least one of the filling elements is formed and/ or adjusted based on the position of the filler elements relative to said surfaces, based on said first scan and second scan.

10. Method according to claim 9, wherein the or each first scan and the or each second scan is made using at least one scanner, preferably a laser scanner, wherein scan data from the at least one laser scanner is entered into a computer system, wherein a computer program is provided in said computer system for processing said scan data for defining shape and/or dimensions and/or positions of the filling elements.

11. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each filling element is formed and/or adapted and/or chosen based on a specific position between the platform and the pole.

A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a protective coating is provided on said outer surface part of the post and/or on the peripheral wall of the opening, wherein the filling elements are provided on the or each protective coating.

13. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the filling elements are attached to the peripheral wall of the opening of the platform, prior to placing the platform over the top end of the pole.

14. Assembly of a foundation pile and a platform placed with an opening over an upper end of said foundation pile, wherein the upper end of said foundation pile has a truncated conical outer surface part and said opening has a truncated conical inner surface part, the platform being provided on a predetermined certain position with respect to the foundation pile, such that a peripheral space is provided between said outer surface part of the pile and said inner surface part of the opening, wherein at least one series of filling elements is provided in the peripheral space, channels being formed between filling elements.

15. Assembly according to claim 14, wherein the filling elements are tiles that are spaced apart by means of channels formed between the tiles.

16. Assembly according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the filling elements have a length dimension, a width dimension and a thickness, wherein the length dimension and the width dimension are substantially greater than the thickness.

17. Assembly according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the filling elements have a substantially rectangular or square shape, with sides of between 10 and 60 centimeters, preferably between 15 and 30 cm.

18. Assembly according to claim 17, wherein channels are formed between adjacent filling elements that have a width, preferably a width smaller than the length of the sides of the filling elements, wherein the width of the channels is preferably between 1 and 15 cm, with larger ones preferably between 1 and 10 cm, even more preferably between 1 and 5 cm, IS.

19. Assembly as claimed in any of the claims 14 - 18, wherein filling elements are provided that have different thicknesses, wherein said thicknesses are smaller than the dimensions in the longitudinal direction and width direction.

20. Assembly as claimed in any of the claims 14 - 19, wherein the filling elements are provided in rows and columns around the circumference of the pile, wherein channels are formed between rows of filling elements and/or between columns of filling elements that space said filling elements apart.

21. Assembly according to any of the claims 14 - 20, wherein each channel has a longitudinal axis, wherein the longitudinal axis of the channel extends at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the pole, wherein said angle is preferably between 15 and 75 degrees relative to said axis, more preferably around 45 degrees.

22. Assembly as claimed in any of the claims 14 - 21, wherein the outer surface of the pole and/or the inner surface of the opening of the platform is provided with a protective coating, wherein the filling elements are provided on said coating.

23. Assembly as claimed in any of the claims 14 - 22, wherein different filling elements have different colors, wherein the different colors are indicative of different thicknesses of the filling elements.