US3906734A - Fixed marine platform with dispersed base - Google Patents

Fixed marine platform with dispersed base Download PDF

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Publication number
US3906734A
US3906734A US390805A US39080573A US3906734A US 3906734 A US3906734 A US 3906734A US 390805 A US390805 A US 390805A US 39080573 A US39080573 A US 39080573A US 3906734 A US3906734 A US 3906734A
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
apron
platform
water
floor
support leg
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US390805A
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Ivo C Pogonowski
Paul D Carmichael
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Texaco Inc
Original Assignee
Texaco Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Texaco Inc filed Critical Texaco Inc
Priority to US390805A priority Critical patent/US3906734A/en
Priority to GB3067274A priority patent/GB1436291A/en
Priority to CA205,011A priority patent/CA1013157A/en
Priority to NL7410274A priority patent/NL7410274A/nl
Priority to NO742938A priority patent/NO742938L/no
Priority to DE2439576A priority patent/DE2439576A1/de
Priority to DK447674A priority patent/DK447674A/da
Priority to BE147880A priority patent/BE819159A/xx
Priority to US05/537,161 priority patent/US3955372A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3906734A publication Critical patent/US3906734A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
    • E02B17/00—Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legs or offshore constructions; Construction methods therefor
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
    • E02B17/00—Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legs or offshore constructions; Construction methods therefor
    • E02B17/0008—Methods for grouting offshore structures; apparatus therefor
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
    • E02B17/00—Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legs or offshore constructions; Construction methods therefor
    • E02B17/0017—Means for protecting offshore constructions
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
    • E02B17/00—Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legs or offshore constructions; Construction methods therefor
    • E02B17/02—Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legs or offshore constructions; Construction methods therefor placed by lowering the supporting construction to the bottom, e.g. with subsequent fixing thereto
    • E02B17/027—Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legs or offshore constructions; Construction methods therefor placed by lowering the supporting construction to the bottom, e.g. with subsequent fixing thereto steel structures
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
    • E02B17/00—Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legs or offshore constructions; Construction methods therefor
    • E02B2017/0056—Platforms with supporting legs
    • E02B2017/0073—Details of sea bottom engaging footing
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
    • E02B17/00—Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legs or offshore constructions; Construction methods therefor
    • E02B2017/0056—Platforms with supporting legs
    • E02B2017/0073—Details of sea bottom engaging footing
    • E02B2017/0086—Large footings connecting several legs or serving as a reservoir for the storage of oil or gas

Definitions

  • ABSTRACT A fixedly positioned marine platform held at the ocean floor by piles and the like, having a relatively flat concrete apron disposed about the platform lower end and also supported on the ocean floor.
  • the apron functions to stabilize the platform against lateral forces caused by water and wave motion, and also avoids scouring which would otherwise occur about the platform legs and piles due to movement of water along the ocean floor.
  • the apron further lowers the center of gravity of the structure and improves its resistance to vibrations and resonance effects due to wave motion.
  • the lower end of the platform adjacent the ocean floor is provided with a relatively heavy apron or substantially horizontal skirt.
  • a primary function of this apron is to engage the lower end of the platform to provide an additional weight factor thereby stabilizing the overall structure.
  • the apron Since the apron is disposed adjacent to and about the respective legs of the platform, it in effect prohibits the scouring effect of ocean currents which would otherwise tend to erode away the sand and substrate and form shallow pits about the leg and anchoring piles.
  • the apron is formed preferably by pouring or depositing fluidized concrete or cement from a source above the waters surface, to the ocean floor.
  • the concrete is initially retained within a flexible walled container which defines a partial enclosure about the fluidized material.
  • the character of the flexible retainer is such that it will permit the fluidized material to normally flow about the platform legs, and yet maintain a desired depth. Thereafter, as the concrete hardens it will form a rigid yet widespread base or foundation.
  • the flexible retainer can then be removed if feasible, or merely be permitted to wear away in the course of time such that only the concrete apron remains.
  • FIG. .1 is a perspective view of a marine platform, as contemplated, shown fastened to the floor of a body of water.
  • FIG. 2 is an enlarged segmentary view of the lower portion of the structure shown in FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 33 of FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 4 is similar to FIG. 3, showing the flexible container in expanded condition, and
  • FIG. 5 is similar to FIG. 4 showing a reinforcing member in the apron section.
  • a characteristic marine structure 10 of the type proposed includes a plurality of substantially vertically disposed support legs or columns 11, 12 and 13. These legs are shown as canted slightly inward at the top toward the structures central axis. The canting, however, is normally for the purpose of providing a greater area of distribution at the lower end of the platform, thus contributing to its stability.
  • the respective upstanding support legs or columns are provided with sufficient cross bracing 14 and 16 to assure the physical and structural integrity of the unit.
  • the amount of structural reinforcing or stabilizing will be understandably greater.
  • a working deck 17 is normally positioned at the platform upper end, beyond the reach of water and waves.
  • deck 17 can contain pumping, separating, and other such equipment for handling crude materials as crude oil or gas.
  • deck 17 will be provided with the usual derrick, draw works, crew quarters, and the like to accomplish the desired drilling functions.
  • the lower end of the respective elongated support legs 11, 12 and 13 are normally partially embedded into the substrate to support the weight of the platform itself. It is understandable that for a relatively soft substrate as in the instance of a deltaic location, the platform will tend to sink, rather deeply before coming to rest. For a more substantial or consolidated substrate, the platform will tend to rest on the surface of the ocean floor rather than embed itself.
  • anchoring piles 18 In either instance the firm positioning of the platform is assured by inserting anchoring piles 18 to a predetermined point in the substrate where the stability of the platform is assured.
  • These anchoring piles are normally guidably driven through the respective support legs. Each leg is consequently sufficiently large to accommodate a number of the piles.
  • the depth to which the piles are forced is governed by several factors including the condition of the substrate, the expected weight to be carried by the platform, and the expected forces which will be exerted against it.
  • platform 10 can be provided with a series of flow lines which are brought along the ocean floor and diverted upwardly through the center of the platform, or along the respective legs, to the deck.
  • apron 22 comprises a relatively heavy slab or footing which, by virtue of its weight, will be partially embedded into the substrate about the platform to provide a firm foundation and anchor for the latter.
  • apron 22 is formed is cement or concrete such that the latter can be initially injected in fluid form and subsequently hardened into a desired shape. This is achieved by introducing the fluidized, hardenable material into flexible walled, collapsible containers 23 carried at the platform lower end.
  • Said containers 23, as shown in FIG. 3 can be initially folded or otherwise compacted into a relatively small unit depending from platform members, prior to the platform being submerged to its subsea position.
  • the flexible walled containers 23 are attached to structural members of the platform at the latters lower end such as cross brace 14.
  • the said flexible walled containers 23 are so designed to permit the heavy, fluidized material to flow in a desired pattern across the sea floor at the platform lower end.
  • apron 22 will be formed to substantially surround the support legs and the respective piles 18, which would ordinarily be subjected to the greatest amount of erosion due to water flowing thereabout.
  • flexible walled containers 23 are positioned to surround, or at least partially enclose the respective support legs in a manner to direct fluid cement about the legs that would ordinarily be subject to the most severe erosion conditions.
  • flexible walled member 23 includes a prefabricated bag-like member that is communicated with a source of the fluidized concrete through conduit 24. The latter extends along and is fastened to one or more platform legs 12 to the waters surface, preferably terminating at deck 17 such that fluid concrete can be deposited in the upper end thereof.
  • the shape or configuration of flexible member 23 is such that as fluidized concrete is introduced thereto it will tend to spread along the lower side of the said member as the heavy concrete assumes its normal horizontal disposition. Thus, the member 23 will be forced open by the weight of the concrete and expand to its fully unfolded position thereby defining at least a partial enclosure for the fluidized material.
  • a predetermined amount of the latter will thereafter be further introduced to provide the necessary thickness and additional weight required in the platform lower end as well as to provide the desired thickness to the poured apron 22.
  • Container 23 functions to form a resilient walled partial enclosure which can be subsequently removed or eroded away due to wear, water movement, abrasion and the like.
  • Said member 23 can therefore be formed of a reinforced, basically flexible material such as rubber reinforced canvas or the like. Also reinforced neoprene or other suitable plastic material which can be prefolded and yet be spread by inflowing concrete.
  • container 23 is, as shown, folded into a relatively tight compact body 26.
  • said body or pack 26 can futther be further within a rigid, temporary closure to prohibit its being prematurely opened as a result of contact with wind or water as the platform is moved.
  • conduit 24 the lower end of which terminates within the partial enclosure of said member 23.
  • the continuous flow of the concrete or cement into the enclosure will displace water to completely open the latter, regardless of its initial disposition.
  • the predetermined amount of concrete will flow outwardly away from the platform base.
  • flexible walled member 23 will be stretched to its maximum expanded position thereby permitting the concrete to build up to its desired thickness rather than merely to spread about the floor.
  • the enclosure is thus designed in such manner when in open position to accommodate the set amount of the concrete which will eventually form the desired apron 22.
  • a portion of the enclosure within flexible member 23 can be arranged to fall within the periphery of the respective support legs.
  • the concrete will reach into said area as well as external to the periphery of the base.
  • an upstanding plate 27 or similar cross member formed of spaced apart bars is disposed about the platform lower end forming a retaining wall for concrete thereby delivering it as required to the inner or the outer base sections.
  • the latter can be provided in the form of a steel mesh wire 28 or the like. Further, said material as shown in FIG. 5 can be initially rolled into such form as to open concurrently with the opening or expansion of the flexible walled member 23 which will enclose not only the subsequently poured cement, but also the reinforcing element. Flexible walled member 23 will thus serve as a retainer for the reinforcing element until such time as both members are released from the platform at its subsea position.
  • a marine structure having substantially vertical rigid support leg means, the lower ends of the latter being adapted for embedment into the floor of a body of water to anchor the structure in said body of water,
  • an apron disposed adjacent to and surrounding said support leg means when the latter is embedded, being firmly connected to said vertical support leg means to form a unitary part of said platform, said apron extending outwardly from the leg means and resting on the floor of said body of water,
  • said apron being formed of a hardenable, fluidized material which has hardened to provide a rigid sur face thereon after being deposited in fluid condition onto said floor about said support leg means.
  • said apron includes a plurality of apron segments fastened to and extending outwardly from said support leg means in a direction away from said marine structure.
  • said apron includes a plurality of apron segments, each segment thereof being connected to and disposed between spaced apart legs of said support leg means.
  • apron includes a plurality of apron segments being mutually interconnected to form a substantially continumeans.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Revetment (AREA)
  • Earth Drilling (AREA)
US390805A 1973-08-23 1973-08-23 Fixed marine platform with dispersed base Expired - Lifetime US3906734A (en)

Priority Applications (9)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US390805A US3906734A (en) 1973-08-23 1973-08-23 Fixed marine platform with dispersed base
GB3067274A GB1436291A (en) 1973-08-23 1974-07-11 Fixed marine platform with dispersed base
CA205,011A CA1013157A (en) 1973-08-23 1974-07-18 Fixed marine platform with dispersed base
NL7410274A NL7410274A (nl) 1973-08-23 1974-07-31 Buitengaats te gebruiken platform.
NO742938A NO742938L (nl) 1973-08-23 1974-08-15
DE2439576A DE2439576A1 (de) 1973-08-23 1974-08-17 Bohrinsel
DK447674A DK447674A (nl) 1973-08-23 1974-08-21
BE147880A BE819159A (fr) 1973-08-23 1974-08-23 Plate-forme marine fixe a base dispersee
US05/537,161 US3955372A (en) 1973-08-23 1974-12-30 Method of installing a fixed marine platform with dispersed base

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US390805A US3906734A (en) 1973-08-23 1973-08-23 Fixed marine platform with dispersed base

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US05/537,161 Division US3955372A (en) 1973-08-23 1974-12-30 Method of installing a fixed marine platform with dispersed base

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3906734A true US3906734A (en) 1975-09-23

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ID=23544012

Family Applications (1)

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US390805A Expired - Lifetime US3906734A (en) 1973-08-23 1973-08-23 Fixed marine platform with dispersed base

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (1) US3906734A (nl)
BE (1) BE819159A (nl)
CA (1) CA1013157A (nl)
DE (1) DE2439576A1 (nl)
DK (1) DK447674A (nl)
GB (1) GB1436291A (nl)
NL (1) NL7410274A (nl)
NO (1) NO742938L (nl)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4033281A (en) * 1976-01-07 1977-07-05 Poseidom Marketing And Development Co. Extra heavy duty hydrostatic anchor together with its extra heavy duty tether cable
US4692065A (en) * 1984-04-23 1987-09-08 Takenaka Komuten Co., Ltd. Offshore unit structure
US4693637A (en) * 1984-12-20 1987-09-15 Takenaka Komuten Co., Ltd. Gravity type oceanic structure and its stable installation
US6293733B1 (en) * 2000-04-28 2001-09-25 George Tezuka Low-depth water bottom observing system
WO2010003416A1 (en) * 2008-07-09 2010-01-14 Foot Foundation A/S Offshore construction
WO2014202948A1 (en) * 2013-06-20 2014-12-24 Linell Renewables Limited Gravity base for a marine structure

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NO850836L (no) * 1985-03-01 1986-09-02 Norske Stats Oljeselskap System for utvikling og utbygging av olje- og/eller gassfelter til havs.
GB2268954A (en) * 1992-07-24 1994-01-26 James William Bunce Flexible membrane support for jack-up rigs
DE10349109B4 (de) * 2003-10-17 2008-02-07 Aerodyn Engineering Gmbh Gründung für eine Offshore-Windenergieanlage
DE102012016915B4 (de) * 2012-08-22 2017-10-19 Salzgitter Mannesmann Line Pipe Gmbh Tragstruktur eines Offshore-Bauwerks, insbesondere einer Windenergieanlage, Verwendung einer derartigen Tragstruktur, sowie Verfahren zu deren Herstellung

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1421857A (en) * 1920-05-27 1922-07-04 Store Johan Method of constructing subaqueous concrete structures
US2589153A (en) * 1947-10-27 1952-03-11 Alonzo L Smith Drilling barge
US2940265A (en) * 1956-01-30 1960-06-14 Shell Oil Co Offshore platform and method of erecting the same
US3117423A (en) * 1959-02-09 1964-01-14 Gasaccumulator Svenska Ab Method for the production of underwater foundations
US3518835A (en) * 1968-07-15 1970-07-07 Mobil Oil Corp Method for alleviating scouring about a marine structure
US3654886A (en) * 1970-06-24 1972-04-11 Amoco Prod Co Tethered platform flotation

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1421857A (en) * 1920-05-27 1922-07-04 Store Johan Method of constructing subaqueous concrete structures
US2589153A (en) * 1947-10-27 1952-03-11 Alonzo L Smith Drilling barge
US2940265A (en) * 1956-01-30 1960-06-14 Shell Oil Co Offshore platform and method of erecting the same
US3117423A (en) * 1959-02-09 1964-01-14 Gasaccumulator Svenska Ab Method for the production of underwater foundations
US3518835A (en) * 1968-07-15 1970-07-07 Mobil Oil Corp Method for alleviating scouring about a marine structure
US3654886A (en) * 1970-06-24 1972-04-11 Amoco Prod Co Tethered platform flotation

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4033281A (en) * 1976-01-07 1977-07-05 Poseidom Marketing And Development Co. Extra heavy duty hydrostatic anchor together with its extra heavy duty tether cable
US4692065A (en) * 1984-04-23 1987-09-08 Takenaka Komuten Co., Ltd. Offshore unit structure
US4693637A (en) * 1984-12-20 1987-09-15 Takenaka Komuten Co., Ltd. Gravity type oceanic structure and its stable installation
US6293733B1 (en) * 2000-04-28 2001-09-25 George Tezuka Low-depth water bottom observing system
WO2010003416A1 (en) * 2008-07-09 2010-01-14 Foot Foundation A/S Offshore construction
WO2014202948A1 (en) * 2013-06-20 2014-12-24 Linell Renewables Limited Gravity base for a marine structure

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB1436291A (en) 1976-05-19
DK447674A (nl) 1975-04-21
NL7410274A (nl) 1975-02-25
BE819159A (fr) 1975-02-24
NO742938L (nl) 1975-03-24
DE2439576A1 (de) 1975-03-06
CA1013157A (en) 1977-07-05

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