WO2022271192A1

WO2022271192A1 - Sustainable foundation system

Info

Publication number: WO2022271192A1
Application number: PCT/US2021/040886
Authority: WO
Inventors: Darryl M. FORGENIE; Andres Antonio LEZAMA MARTINEZ
Original assignee: Forgenie Darryl M; Lezama Martinez Andres Antonio
Priority date: 2021-06-23
Filing date: 2021-07-08
Publication date: 2022-12-29

Abstract

Provided herein is an amphibious foundation system for mitigating the impact of water currents on coastal erosion and deep-water machinery. The system is modular in design and is made up of tires stacked in a columnar arrangement, where adjacent tires are secured with at least three polyester straps. A geotextile bag filled with a filler is placed within the core at the center of the column to stabilize the column in the vertical direction. The foundation system may have any shape such as a hexagon and a wedge and is deployable in the deep-water zone or the surf zone.

Description

SUSTAINABLE FOUNDATION SYSTEM

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

This international application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of provisional applications U.S. Serial No. 63/213,798, filed June 23, 2021, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention is in the field of coastal erosion mitigation and current management. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a foundation system designed to minimize the negative impact of water currents on shoreline soil erosion and to deep-water systems.

Description of the Related Art

Shoreline erosion is a serious threat to many coastal communities. Loop current conditions also impact the risk of deep-water operations including offshore leading to increased costs and riser fatigue. Various breakwater systems including concrete/rubble embankments and geotextile tubes are therefore routinely deployed to protect shorelines and deep-water rig operations. Conventional breakwater systems are however expensive, require skilled labor and regular maintenance. Moreover, their deployment requires materials and methods that are not considered eco-friendly. Overall, there is a deficiency in the art for sustainable solutions that prevent the negative impact of water currents on economy.

Thus, there is a recognized need for improved systems and methods for mitigating damage to costal regions and to deep-water equipment by ocean currents. The present invention fulfills this longstanding need and desire in the art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a modular foundation system. The modular foundation system has a modular arrangement comprising a plurality of tires and a plurality of straps securing together adjacent tires within the modular arrangement. The present invention is directed to a related modular foundation system further comprising a geotextile bag filled with a filler that is disposed within at least one of a central core formed within each of the plurality of tires.

The present invention also is directed to an amphibious foundation system for deployment within a body of water. The amphibious foundation system comprises a plurality of columns, a plurality of straps and a plurality of geotextile bags. Each of the plurality of columns comprises a stack of tires. The plurality of straps secure adjacent tires. Each of the plurality of geotextile bags contain a filler and are disposed within a central core formed within each of the plurality of columns.

Other and further aspects, features, benefits, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention given for the purpose of disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the matter in which the above-recited features, advantages and objects of the invention, as well as others that will become clear, are attained and can be understood in detail, more particular descriptions of the invention briefly summarized above may be had by reference to certain embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. These drawings form a part of the specification. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and therefore are not to be considered limiting in their scope.

FIG. 1 is a schematic of one column of stacked tires secured with polyester straps and with a geotextile bag core filled with sand.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the column of stacked tires shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a top view of the column of stacked tires shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 4 shows the placement of the geotextile bag within the column of stacked tires shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows a modular foundation system comprising a plurality of columns of stacked tires secured with polyester straps and geotextile bags.

FIG. 6 is a perspective top view of the modular foundation system shown in

FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

For convenience, before further description of the present invention, certain terms employed in the specification, examples and appended claims are collected herein. These definitions should be read in light of the remainder of the disclosure and understood as by a person of skill in the art. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

The articles "a" and "an" when used in conjunction with the term “comprising” in the claims and/or the specification, may refer to “one”, but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more”, “at least one”, and “one or more than one”. Some embodiments of the invention may consist of or consist essentially of one or more elements, components, method steps, and/or methods of the invention. It is contemplated that any composition, component or method described herein can be implemented with respect to any other composition, component or method described herein.

The term “or” in the claims refers to “and/or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or the alternatives are mutually exclusive, although the disclosure supports a definition that refers to only alternatives and “and/or”.

The terms "comprise" and "comprising" are used in the inclusive, open sense, meaning that additional elements may be included.

The term "including" is used herein to mean "including, but not limited to". "Including" and "including but not limited to" are used interchangeably.

As used herein, the term “about” refers to a numeric value, including, for example, whole numbers, fractions, and percentages, whether or not explicitly indicated. The term “about” generally refers to a range of numerical values (e.g., +/- equivalent to the recited value (e.g., having the same function or result). In some instances, the term “about” may include numerical values that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. For example, a tensile strength of about 2000 pound-force (Ibf) encompasses 1800 pound-force (Ibf) pounds to 2200 pound-force (Ibf).

As used herein, the terms “modular foundation system”, “amphibious foundation system” and “foundation system” are used interchangeably.

As used herein, the term “deep water” refers to water of depth, from the sea floor (mud line) to the sea level, between 1000 ft and 5000 ft such as used by the oil and gas exploration and production industry.

In one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a modular foundation system comprising a modular arrangement comprising a plurality of tires; and a plurality of straps securing together adjacent tires within the modular arrangement.

Further to this embodiment the modular foundation system comprises a geotextile bag filled with a filler disposed within at least one of a central core formed within each of the plurality of tires. Particularly in this further embodiment the filler may be sand. In both embodiments the system may be deployable in a deep-water zone or in a surf zone.

In both embodiments each of the plurality of columns independently may have at least 2 tires. Also the plurality of columns within the modular arrangement may be at least 7.

In both embodiments each of the plurality of tires may be secured to each of the tires adjacent thereto with at least three of the plurality of straps. Particularly, the each of the plurality of straps may comprise a polyester material. Also, the modular arrangement may have a hexagonal shape. Alternatively, the modular arrangement may have a wedge shape.

In another embodiment of the present invention there is provided an amphibious foundation system for deployment in a body of water comprising a plurality of columns each comprising a stack of tires; a plurality of straps securing adjacent tires; and a plurality of geotextile bags, each containing a filler and each disposed within a central core formed within each of the plurality of columns. In this embodiment the body of water may be a deep-water zone or a surf zone. In this embodiment each of the tires in the stack may be secured to each of the tires adjacent thereto with at least three of the plurality of straps. Particularly, each of the plurality of straps may comprise a polyester material. Also, the filler may be sand.

In this embodiment each of the stack of tires independently may have at least 2 tires. Also, the plurality of columns may comprise at least 7. In addition the plurality of columns may be strapped together in a hexagonal shape. Alternatively, the plurality of columns may be strapped together in a wedge shape.

Provided herein is a sustainable foundation system, such as a modular foundation system or an amphibious foundation system, structured to mitigate the impact of water currents, eddies and waves on coastal erosion and deep-water machinery, for example, but not limited to, drilling rigs. The system is modular in design and comprises arrangements of pluralities of tires, straps and geotextile bags filled with sand and/or other suitable aggregate(s).

The plurality of tires are used tires that are no longer useful on the roads. Tires support pressures over 200 psi, which corresponds to over 1500 Ibf applied to the inner ring. The cavity of the tires absorb a significant impact of the wave energy thus making them a material of choice for the modular foundation system.

The foundation systems may have a modular arrangement of multiple columns of coaxially stacked tires. At a minimum, each column has a stack of two tires. Generally, the modular foundation system may have any shape suitable for a deep-water zone or a surf zone application. The number of columns in the foundation system varies with the size of the area for which protection is sought. In a non-limiting example, for applications near oil or gas drilling rigs, the overall shape of the modular foundation system may be hexagonal. For shoreline applications the overall shape of the modular foundation system may be in the form of a wedge, where the columns closest to the shoreline are relatively taller than the columns away from the shoreline. Also, in some configurations of the columns, the columns with the plurality of tires may rest on the seabed. Alternatively, the columns may be floated. Either configuration of the foundation system may be stabilized further with anchors or other anchoring means such as are known in the art. Depending on the end application under consideration and the distance from the surface to the sea floor of the body of water and/or the distance from the shore to deep water, the desired height of the columns, the number of tires in each column and the overall shape of the foundation system, the number of columns and how the columns are placed and secured to effectively divert or suppress the flow and/or eddy of the currents is well within the ordinary skill in the art.

At least three straps are utilized to secure each tire to adjacent tire(s). The straps are manufactured from any suitable material that is resistant to degradation by the elements including, but not limited to, a polyester, a polypropylene, a nylon, and steel. A combination of these materials also may be utilized. Particularly, polyester straps are employed due to their high tensile strength of over 5800 Ibf, with a working load of about 2000 Ibf. The straps are secured around each tire in at least three positions, which provide a combined working load of about 6000 Ibf. This ensures that damage to the straps on exterior tires due to for example, vandalism does not compromise the overall structure of the modular foundation system, thereby enabling stability and durability of the foundation system.

A geotextile bag (Geo-core) is placed within the core formed at the center of each column of tires. The geotextile bag is sized depending on the number of tires in a column and may extend partially or fully into the core. The geotextile bag is filled with a filler that applies a downward force to all the tires in the column thereby generating friction between the tires and, additionally, a lateral force that pushes the Geo-core inside the cavity of the tire to “lock” the tire in a vertical direction. The filler may be sand or any aggregate. A combination of sand and other aggregates also may be used. The Geo-core may be manufactured from any material including, but not limited to, a polyester, a polypropylene, a polyethylene, or a polyamide. A combination of these materials also may be utilized.

Particularly, embodiments of the present invention are better illustrated with reference to the Examples and the Figures, however, such reference is not meant to limit the present invention in any fashion. The embodiments and variations described in detail herein are to be interpreted by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

FIG. 1 illustrates a representative column 1 in the foundation system. A plurality of stacked tires 2a,b,c,d are secured with three sets of polyester straps represented by 3. A geotextile bag 4 is disposed within the core 5 formed by the column of stacked tires and is filled with sand 7. With continued reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2 is a side view of the representative column 1 showing the stacked tires 2a,b,c,d and the geotextile bag 4. The stacked tires are secured with a set of straps 3.

With continued reference to FIG. 1 , FIG. 3 is a top view of the representative column 1. The placement of the straps represented by 3 and the opening of geotextile bag 4 protruding from the tires and containing a filler 7 is shown.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 4 illustrates the placement of the geotextile bag 4 within the core 5 formed by the column comprising the plurality of stacked tires.

FIG. 5 shows a modular foundation system 6 comprising seven of the columns 1 each comprising a plurality of stacked tires 2a,b,c,d, secured with polyester straps represented by 3. Each column has a geotextile bag 4 filled with a filler 7 disposed within the core 5.

With continued reference to FIG. 5, FIG. 6 is a top view showing the arrangement of the seven tires 2a in the columns to better show the hexagonal shape of the modular foundation system 6.

EXAMPLE 1

Polyester Strap Strength

Table 1 shows a comparison of physical properties for tie down straps made from polyester, polypropylene, and nylon. The working load of polyester straps was found to be 2000 Ibf, which is only 34% of its tested tensile strength (>5800 Ibf). Further, by using 3 polyester straps for each tire, a combined working load of about 6000 Ibf is achievable. After deployment, each tire has a mass of 234 Ibf, which is only 3.9% of the combined working load. Thus, polyester straps offer the most advantage among the tested polymers and its benefits are significantly improved by using 3 straps/tire.

Using the tensile strength of a polymer to quantify degradation due to precipitation, UV radiation, temperature, wind and freeze-thaw, Yang et at. (in Geotextiles and Geomembranes 2006;24:103e9) showed that after 14 months, the tensile strength of a 25mm polyester strap (5,891 Ibf) did not drop below the MFG rating of 3,300 Ibf. It was also determined that the degradation rate of this strap was 40 Ibf/month. Considering this degradation rate, and that each tire is secured with polyester straps in at least three positions, the combined tensile strength of 17,673 Ibf (=5,891 Ibf x 3), which is computed to last for at least 36 years.

TABLE 1

Comparison of tie down straps

The present invention is well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those that are inherent therein. The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the present invention may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A modular foundation system, comprising: a modular arrangement comprising a plurality of tires; and a plurality of straps securing together adjacent tires within the modular arrangement.

2. The modular foundation system of claim 1, further comprising a geotextile bag filled with a filler disposed within at least one of a central core formed within each of the plurality of tires.

3. The modular foundation system of claim 2, wherein the filler is sand.

4. The modular foundation system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of tires are stacked in a coaxial relationship in a plurality of columns within the modular arrangement.

5. The modular foundation system of claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of columns independently has at least 2 tires.

6. The modular foundation system of claim 4, wherein the plurality of columns within the modular arrangement is at least 7.

7. The modular foundation system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of tires is secured to each of the tires adjacent thereto with at least three of the plurality of straps.

8. The modular foundation system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of straps comprises a polyester material.

9. The modular foundation system of claim 1, wherein the modular arrangement has a hexagonal shape.

10. The modular foundation system of claim 1, wherein the modular arrangement has a wedge shape.

11. The modular foundation system of claim 1, wherein the system is deployable in a deep-water zone or in a surf zone.

12. An amphibious foundation system for deployment in a body of water, comprising: a plurality of columns each comprising a stack of tires; a plurality of straps securing adjacent tires; and a plurality of geotextile bags, each containing a filler and each disposed within a central core formed within each of the plurality of columns.

13. The amphibious foundation system of claim 12, wherein each of the tires in the stack is secured to each of the tires adjacent thereto with at least three of the plurality of straps.

14. The amphibious foundation system of claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of straps comprises a polyester material.

15. The amphibious foundation system of claim 12, wherein the filler is sand.

16. The amphibious foundation system of claim 12, wherein each of the stack of tires independently has at least 2 tires.

17. The amphibious foundation system of claim 12, wherein the plurality of columns comprises at least 7.

18. The amphibious foundation system of claim 12, wherein the plurality of columns are strapped together in a hexagonal shape.

19. The amphibious foundation system of claim 12, wherein the plurality of columns are strapped together in a wedge shape.

20. The amphibious foundation system of claim 12, wherein the body of water is a deep-water zone or a surf zone.