Floating structure and method for assembling such a structure

Abstract

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

Description

[0001] The field of the present invention is that of floating structures, such as artificial islands or pontoons. The invention also relates to a method for assembling floating modules to form such a floating structure.

[0002] In the state of the art, monolithic floating structures, formed from a single structural element, are known. These monolithic floating structures have the disadvantage of limited dimensions, making it impossible to create a floating structure adapted to the desired dimensions, or requiring specific infrastructure during their manufacture or transport from the manufacturing site to the destination site, thus considerably increasing their manufacturing cost.

[0003] Modular floating structures are also known, comprising several distinct floating modules, often made of concrete, assembled to form the modular floating structure. One method of ensuring cohesion between the different floating modules is to create a cavity within the wall thickness of each floating module at the junction between the first and second floating modules. This cavity, formed by the first and second known floating modules, is then filled with a material, such as concrete, often liquid concrete. Once solidified, this material ensures cohesion between the first and second floating modules of the modular floating structure. These known modular floating structures are not entirely satisfactory and have drawbacks.Indeed, since the cavity is formed within the wall thickness, the thickness of concrete poured into the cavity is only equal to a fraction of the wall thickness. Thus, when the first and second floating modules are assembled, only this fraction of the wall thickness provides the mechanical resistance of the assembly between the first and second floating modules, thereby causing a structural weakness, particularly in terms of static, dynamic, hydrodynamic fatigue resistance and watertightness, at the assembly between the first and second known floating modules of the known modular floating structure.

[0004] US document 2016 / 214683 A1 is considered a relevant prior art item.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a floating structure that fully addresses the aforementioned drawbacks and offers additional advantages. Specifically, the invention aims to create a modular floating structure comprising two floating modules joined together and connected by a material cast into a cavity between the first and second floating modules. This cavity has the same thickness as the walls of the floating modules in the structure to ensure complete mechanical continuity between the first and second modules, resulting in a modular floating structure that behaves like a monolithic structure with the same mechanical strength as the typical cross-section of a floating module.

[0006] The invention achieves this, according to a first aspect, by means of a floating module comprising a plurality of walls extending between a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, the floating module comprising a first partition and a second partition connecting each wall of the plurality of walls by defining with these walls an internal volume of the floating module, characterized in that the floating module comprises at least one extension emerging from an external face of the wall, the extension extending longitudinally in projection from the first longitudinal end or the second longitudinal end, the extension and the wall from which the extension originates being made by continuity of material.

[0007] The walls extend primarily along a longitudinal axis. When implementing the floating module in a floating structure, the longitudinal axis is intended to be horizontal. The first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end refer to the longitudinal ends of a wall, not the longitudinal ends of the floating module.

[0008] The first partition and the second partition extend in a vertical and transverse plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0009] The walls and partitions define the internal volume, which ensures the buoyancy of the floating module. This internal volume is either fully enclosed or nearly so; in the latter case, the floating module includes an opening, typically for technical purposes, in a wall or partition. Therefore, when deploying the floating module on a body of water, such as a sea, ocean, or harbor, it is configured to prevent or minimize water penetration into the internal volume. Specifically, the internal volume of the floating module is designed to be filled with a material having a density less than 1, meaning a density lower than that of water.The said material may be, for example, air or a foam such as polyurethane, polyethylene or polystyrene foam, so that the floating module has an overall density of less than 1, thus ensuring the flotation of the floating module on the water.

[0010] Each wall comprises an inner face and an outer face located opposite the inner face, with the inner face of the wall oriented towards the internal volume. Thus, the wall thickness is measured between the inner and outer faces of the wall.

[0011] Thus, the extension emerges from the outer face of the wall, also projecting longitudinally from one end of the wall, with the extension and the wall from which it originates being formed by a continuous material structure. In other words, the extension and the wall from which it originates are made of the same material and exhibit no separation of materials.

[0012] This configuration according to the invention makes it possible to create a modular floating structure comprising at least one floating module conforming to the first aspect of the invention. This floating structure exhibits complete mechanical continuity between the assembled floating modules and behaves like a monolithic structure with the same mechanical strength as the typical cross-section of a floating module, unlike a known modular floating structure. Indeed, the extension and the wall from which the extension of a first floating module conforming to the invention originates define a first cavity.The extension, emerging from the outer face of the wall and projecting longitudinally from its end, comprises a cavity with one dimension, referred to as the first dimension, along a vertical axis perpendicular to a longitudinal and transverse plane formed by the inner face of the wall. This first dimension can represent at least the entire thickness of the wall measured between its outer and inner faces, and it can also exceed the wall thickness measured perpendicularly between its outer and inner faces. Thus, during the assembly of the first floating module and a second floating module, the cavity allows for the positioning of the material connecting the two modules, which can then occupy the entire first dimension of the cavity.Thus, this configuration ensures total mechanical continuity between the first floating module and a second floating module, and provides a modular floating structure that behaves like a monolithic structure with the same mechanical resistance as the current section of a floating module, the cavity delimited by the wall and the extension having a first dimension that can represent at least the entire thickness of the wall.

[0013] On the other hand, the mechanical resistance of the extension is ensured by the continuity of material between the extension and the wall from which the extension originates.

[0014] The floating module conforming to the first aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one of the improvements below, the technical characteristics forming these improvements being able to be taken alone or in combination: An edge at one longitudinal end of the wall and the extension define at least part of a cavity. The edge refers to the face located at the end of the wall along the longitudinal axis. Thus, when two floating modules are placed opposite each other for assembly, the cavity of the first floating module, called the first cavity, is opposite the cavity, called the second cavity, of the second floating module. The first and second cavities together form a hollow into which material, such as concrete, can be poured to structurally connect the first and second floating modules. The thickness of the cavity is equal to or greater than the thickness of the wall from which the extension emerges. The thicknesses mentioned here are measured along parallel lines. In other words, an internal face of the extension extends in a plane beyond a plane in which an external face of the wall lies.Towards an external environment of the floating module, an external face of the wall and an internal face of the extension are in the same plane. The external face of the wall is located opposite the internal face of the wall. The internal face of the extension is oriented towards the cavity. It is understood that the external face of the wall and the internal face of the extension are in the same plane if the difference in plane is less than or equal to 5%, the difference in plane being measured by taking as a reference the wall thickness measured between the internal face of the wall and the external face of the wall. In this particular embodiment, the internal face of the extension and the external face of the wall are coplanar. The first dimension, measured between the internal face of the extension and a longitudinal and transverse plane formed by the internal face of the wall,is equal to a second dimension measured between the outer face of the wall and the inner face of the wall. In other words, the second dimension corresponds to the wall thickness. Thus, the configuration in which the first dimension of the cavity is equal to or substantially equal to the wall thickness ensures complete mechanical continuity between the first floating module and a second floating module, and results in a modular floating structure that behaves like a monolithic structure with the same mechanical strength as the typical cross-section of a floating module, particularly in comparison to known floating modules in which the first dimension of the cavity represents only a fraction of the second dimension of the wall. Indeed, according to the invention, the extension, extending from the outer face of the wall, allows the cavity to be configured so that the first dimension of the cavity is equal to the wall thickness.the cavity being intended to be filled with a bonding material, such as concrete, in order to connect a first floating module and a second floating module of a floating structure, thus allowing the floating structure to ensure total mechanical continuity between the first floating module and a second floating module, and to obtain a modular floating structure that behaves like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical resistance as the current section of a floating module to resist the mechanical stresses to which it is subjected, in particular compressive stresses allowing to keep the first floating module and the second floating module assembled,or the mechanical forces exerted by the movements of the body of water on or in which the floating structure rests; an extension is located on each of the lateral walls of the floating module and on a lower wall of the floating module. The lateral walls are defined as the walls extending primarily in a longitudinal and vertical plane when the floating module is deployed on a body of water. The lower wall is defined as the wall of the floating module extending primarily in a longitudinal and transverse plane when the floating module is deployed on a body of water, the lower wall being located at the level of a lower part of the floating module, intended in particular to be submerged when the floating module is deployed on a body of water, relative to an upper part of the floating module intended to be above water when the floating module is deployed on the body of water. Advantageously,The lower wall connects the side walls of the floating module to each other below a waterline. An upper wall located on the upper part of the floating module connects the side walls of the floating module to each other, the side walls thus being partially submerged and partially exposed. This configuration makes it possible to seal the volume between a first floating module and a second floating module intended to be assembled, particularly on a body of water, while allowing access, notably to an operator who must carry out various steps necessary for the assembly between the first and second floating modules, to the volume between the first and second floating modules, particularly at the level of the upper part of the floating module, the upper wall in particular being without extension.thus forming a passage allowing access for an operator; the extension extends across the entire width of the wall along a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; advantageously, the extension located on the first wall is achieved by material continuity with an extension located on a second wall directly adjacent to the first wall. This configuration ensures complete mechanical continuity between the first floating module and a second floating module.and to obtain a modular floating structure that behaves like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical strength as the standard cross-section of a floating module and the watertightness of a junction between the extension located on the first wall and the extension located on the second wall; the wall comprises a first extension located at the first longitudinal end and a second extension located at the second longitudinal end. The wall refers in particular to a single wall of the floating module, or to each wall of the floating module, or to all the side walls and / or bottom walls of the floating module. This configuration allows for simple assembly between the first floating module and the second floating module conforming to the first aspect of the invention.The first floating module and the second floating module are then connected to each other at their respective extensions. More specifically and advantageously, a first extension located on the first floating module is intended to be connected to a second extension located on the second floating module; The multiple walls—the first partition, the second partition, and the extension—are constructed using a continuous material, namely concrete. In other words, the overall framework of the floating module is made of concrete. This configuration ensures complete mechanical continuity between the first and second floating modules, resulting in a modular floating structure that behaves like a monolithic structure with the same mechanical strength as a standard floating module cross-section, resisting mechanical stresses, particularly compression. Furthermore, this configuration allows for simple fabrication of the floating module, which can be formed using formwork into which liquid concrete is poured. Advantageously, the concrete is reinforced, meaning it is penetrated by at least one metal reinforcement, enhancing the floating module's resistance to mechanical stresses, especially tension.Advantageously, the concrete is prestressed, meaning that a prestressing cable extends through the concrete. A tensile force is applied to the prestressing cable, resulting in a compressive force corresponding to the floating modulus. The concrete, forming the floating modulus, is thus subjected to the compressive force, to which the concrete is highly resistant compared to a tensile force, to which the concrete is only weakly resistant. A steel reinforcement extends inside the wall and opens into the cavity. Thus, the steel reinforcement extends along the longitudinal axis. In other words, the steel reinforcement is located within the thickness of the wall, that is, between the inner and outer faces of the wall.The metal reinforcement is considered to be at the cavity's edge when it is flush with the cavity, that is, when the metal reinforcement extends longitudinally to the edge of the wall's longitudinal end, or when the metal reinforcement extends inside the cavity. The metal reinforcement enhances the floating modulus's resistance to mechanical stresses, particularly tensile stress.Furthermore, the steel reinforcement of a first floating module is designed to be coupled with steel reinforcement of a second floating module to ensure complete mechanical continuity of the reinforcement between the first and second floating modules. This results in a modular floating structure that behaves like a monolithic structure with the same reinforcement strength as the typical cross-section of a floating module, thus resisting mechanical stresses, particularly tensile stresses, exerted on the combined floating structure formed by the first and second modules. Advantageously, coupling the steel reinforcement of the first and second floating modules ensures the correct relative positioning of the first and second modules during their assembly.Advantageously, in combination with the preceding characteristic, the framework of the floating module is made of concrete, ensuring complete mechanical continuity of the concrete between the first and second floating modules. This results in a modular floating structure that behaves like a monolithic structure with the same concrete strength as a typical floating module cross-section for resisting compressive forces, while the steel reinforcement provides tensile strength. The floating module includes a prestressing sleeve extending within a wall and opening into the cavity. Thus, the prestressing sleeve extends along the longitudinal axis. In other words, the prestressing sleeve is located within the thickness of the wall, that is, between the inner and outer faces of the wall.The prestressing duct is considered to open into the cavity when it is flush with the cavity, that is, when the prestressing duct extends longitudinally to the edge of the longitudinal end of the wall, or when the prestressing duct extends inside the cavity. The prestressing duct is designed to receive a prestressing cable made up of multiple strands, the prestressing cable being housed inside the duct. More specifically, the prestressing duct is designed to receive a metallic prestressing cable made up of multiple metallic strands, the metallic strands preferably being twisted.Thus, when a plurality of floating modules aligned on the same axis are joined together, the prestressing cable is inserted into the prestressing sleeve of each floating module. Each prestressing sleeve of the first floating module is arranged to align with a prestressing sleeve of an adjacent second floating module. Therefore, the prestressing cable extends through the cavity of the first floating module and the cavity of the second floating module when the first and second floating modules are joined.The prestressing cable is then tensioned to exert a compressive force on all the floating modules aligned along the alignment axis. This tensioning allows each floating module, made of concrete, to experience a compressive force, to which concrete has high resistance. The floating module is then potentially subjected only to a low tensile force, to which concrete has low resistance. The configuration in which the prestressing cable extends through the cavity of the first floating module and the cavity of the second floating module ensures that the compressive force exerted by the cable is applied in the plane of the cavity of the first floating module and the cavity of the second floating module. In other words, the compressive force exerted by the prestressing cable is not eccentric with respect to the surface on which the compressive force is applied.This configuration also allows, particularly in a specific embodiment where a floating structure comprises at least three floating modules assembled along the same axis, for all of these floating modules to be connected by the prestressing cable. The compressive force is then exerted by the prestressing cable on all of the floating modules, ensuring complete mechanical continuity between the first and second floating modules, and resulting in a modular floating structure that behaves like a monolithic structure with the same mechanical strength as the typical cross-section of a floating module. Preferably, the prestressing cable has a diameter larger than that of a metal reinforcement; advantageously, the floating module has a longitudinal dimension between five meters and one hundred meters, or any length.The invention can be used to ensure complete mechanical continuity between the first floating module and a second floating module, thus enabling the creation of a modular floating structure that behaves like a monolithic structure with the same mechanical strength as the typical cross-section of a floating module. The longitudinal dimension of the floating module is measured between a first longitudinal termination and a second longitudinal termination of the floating module. The first longitudinal termination is located at the first end of the first extension projecting longitudinally from the wall, and the second longitudinal termination is located opposite the floating module from the first termination along the longitudinal axis. The second termination can, in particular, be formed by the second end of a second extension located opposite the wall from the first extension along the longitudinal axis.In other words, the floating module extends longitudinally between the first longitudinal termination and the second longitudinal termination. This configuration allows for the fabrication of a large floating module while remaining easily constructible and transportable using existing means; The plurality of walls of the floating module comprises between three and six walls, in particular four walls; preferably, the floating module can be rectangular. Alternatively, the floating module can be L-shaped, thus creating an angle in the walls of the floating module. Preferably, this angle is close to 90° plus or minus 10°, thus creating a floating structure with an overall rectangular shape, the floating module then forming a corner of the floating structure. Alternatively, the floating module can be any other shape; the floating module described below may include a sealing device integral with the extension. In particular, this sealing device can be located on an end that delimits the extension, this end forming a longitudinal termination of the floating module.

[0015] According to a second aspect, the invention also relates to a floating structure comprising at least one floating module conforming to the first aspect of the invention.

[0016] This configuration, according to the second aspect of the invention, makes it possible, in particular, to form a floating structure, such as a bridge, an oil platform, a port, a jetty, a floating renewable energy platform, a nuclear facility, an artificial island, or any other type of floating structure. More specifically, this configuration allows the construction of a so-called modular floating structure, that is to say, one formed of several distinct floating modules assembled together. Indeed, the construction of a large modular floating structure is simplified compared to the construction of a monolithic floating structure formed from a single large structural element.Indeed, the construction of a monolithic floating structure requires, for example, specific infrastructure or adapted means of transport to move the monolithic floating structure from its place of manufacture to its destination, whereas in the case of a modular floating structure, the individual floating modules forming the modular floating structure are smaller than the overall size of the modular floating structure. Furthermore, the floating modules can also be assembled to form the modular floating structure directly at the destination site, eliminating the transport constraints.On the other hand, the invention makes it possible to ensure total mechanical continuity between the first floating module and a second floating module, and to obtain a modular floating structure which behaves like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical resistance as the current section of a floating module, unlike a known modular floating structure due to the use of a floating module conforming to the first aspect of the invention.

[0017] The floating structure conforming to the second aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one of the improvements below, the technical characteristics forming these improvements being able to be taken alone or in combination: Advantageously, the floating structure comprises a plurality of floating modules, all of the floating modules in the plurality of floating modules conforming to the first aspect of the invention. Alternatively, only a fraction of the floating modules in the plurality of floating modules conform to the first aspect of the invention; a sealing device is located between a first floating module and a second floating module, the sealing device being interposed between an extension of the first floating module and an extension of the second floating module. This may be the sealing device detailed above in relation to the floating module. Advantageously, the sealing device is interposed between a side wall and / or a bottom wall of the first floating module and a side wall and / or a bottom wall of the second floating module.The sealing device ensures a watertight connection between the first and second floating modules. Thus, when the first and second floating modules are joined, the sealing device, exhibiting a degree of elasticity, is compressed, sealing the interface between the first and second floating modules. Advantageously, the sealing device is integral with one or the other extension of either the first or second floating module. Preferably, the sealing device is a gasket, in particular a rubber or plastic gasket. A hollow, defined by a cavity in the first floating module and a cavity in the second floating module, is filled with concrete. This configuration allows for the assembly and cohesion between the first and second floating modules of the floating structure. More specifically, and advantageously, this configuration allows for a monolithic assembly, as the first and second floating modules are connected by a concrete pour in the hollow, ensuring material continuity between them. Both modules are advantageously made of concrete. In other words, the material in the hollow is identical to the material forming the first and second floating modules. Thus, this configuration ensures complete mechanical continuity between the first and second floating modules.and to obtain a modular floating structure that behaves like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical resistance as the current section of a floating module to resist the mechanical forces, particularly in compression, of the floating structure, the concrete poured into the cavity ensuring the transmission of mechanical forces between a wall of the first floating module and a wall of the second floating module, thus ensuring the transfer of forces, particularly in compression, between the first floating module and the second floating module; continuity between a metal reinforcement of the first floating module and a metal reinforcement of the second floating module,and / or continuity between a prestressing sheath of the first floating module and a prestressing sheath of the second floating module is achieved within the hollow. Continuity between the steel reinforcement of the first floating module and the steel reinforcement of the second floating module is achieved, in particular, by a coupler, thus allowing the transfer of mechanical forces, especially tensile forces, between the first and second floating modules. Continuity between the prestressing sheath of the first floating module and the prestressing sheath of the second floating module is achieved, in particular, by a hollow sleeve, thus allowing the passage of the prestressing cable between the first and second floating modules, thereby enabling the transmission of the compressive force, exerted by the tensile force applied to the prestressing cable, between the first and second floating modules. Thus,This configuration ensures continuity of material, particularly reinforced and / or prestressed concrete, between the first and second floating modules to form a monolithic floating structure with the same mechanical resistance as a standard floating module section. Thus, the floating structure behaves like a non-modular monolithic structure capable of withstanding, throughout its various life phases, the static and dynamic stresses, hydrodynamic forces, and fatigue phenomena applied to it, in accordance with international regulations; the wall thickness of the first floating module is equal to the wall thickness of the second floating module.The wall thickness of the first floating module and the wall thickness of the second floating module are equal to or less than the thickness of the cavity. The thickness of each wall is defined as the distance between its outer and inner faces. The cavity thickness corresponds to the first dimension of the first cavity and the first dimension of the second cavity. It is understood that two thicknesses are equal if the difference in thickness is less than or equal to 5%, taking the cavity thickness as the reference. Advantageously, the outer face of the wall of the first floating module and the outer face of the wall of the second floating module lie in the same plane. In one embodiment, the inner face of the extension from the first floating module and the inner face of the extension from the second floating module lie in the same plane, said plane advantageously beingThe plane formed by the outer face of the wall of the first floating module and the wall of the second floating module. Similarly, the inner face of the wall of the first floating module and the inner face of the wall of the second floating module are in the same plane. Thus, this configuration allows for complete continuity of the wall thickness of the first floating module and the wall of the second floating module at the level of the hollow, the hollow being intended to be filled, notably with concrete. Therefore, this configuration ensures total mechanical continuity between the first floating module and a second floating module, and allows for a modular floating structure that behaves like a monolithic structure with the same mechanical resistance as the standard cross-section of a floating module.The thickness of the hollow represents the entire thickness of the wall of the first floating module as well as the entire thickness of the second floating module; the floating structure may include, in particular, a bridge, an oil platform, a port, a jetty, a floating renewable energy platform, a nuclear structure, an artificial island, or any other type of floating structure.

[0018] According to a third aspect, the invention also relates to a method of assembling a floating structure according to the second aspect of the invention, the assembly method comprising a step of aligning the first floating module with respect to the second floating module, a step of removably coupling the first floating module to the second floating module, a step of coupling the reinforcements, the prestressing sheath and the prestressing cables, and a step of pouring concrete into the hollow.

[0019] The alignment step of the first floating module with the second floating module allows the first and second cavities to be aligned. Thus, a longitudinal end of the first floating module is aligned with a longitudinal end of the second floating module. In other words, the alignment step of the first floating module with the second floating module positions the first and second floating modules on the same longitudinal axis. The first and second floating modules are then brought closer together to allow the removable coupling step.

[0020] The removable coupling step involves a connecting frame to secure the position of the first and second floating modules during the assembly process, particularly when the assembly is performed directly on a body of water, which could cause movement of the first floating module relative to the second. The connecting frame is located around the perimeter of the floating modules and is removably connected to both the first and second modules. Thus, when the assembly process according to the third aspect of the invention is complete, the connecting frame can be removed. In one embodiment, the connecting frame is secured to the first floating module before the first and second modules are brought together.Alternatively, the connecting frame is secured to the first floating module and then to the second floating module once the first and second floating modules have been brought into close proximity. Furthermore, the removable coupling step also allows the sealing device to ensure a watertight seal at the interface between the first and second floating modules.

[0021] During the pouring stage, concrete is poured in liquid form into the hollow formed by the first cavity and the second cavity, the concrete thus ensuring, after solidification, the mechanical resistance to compressive forces as well as the cohesion between the first floating module and the second floating module, the first floating module and the second floating module together forming a monolithic assembly.

[0022] The assembly method according to the third aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one of the improvements below, the technical characteristics forming these improvements being able to be taken alone or in combination: The assembly process includes a step of draining a space defined by the bulkheads and extensions of the first and second floating modules. This space is located between the first and second floating modules. This configuration allows the assembly process to be carried out on a body of water, as water can enter the space before the coupling step, when the sealing device has not yet sealed the interface between the first and second floating modules. Thus, the draining step removes the water present in the space, particularly in the cavity located between the first and second floating modules.Advantageously, the draining step is carried out directly following the removable coupling step, that is, as soon as the sealing device ensures the watertightness of the space between the first floating module and the second floating module. The assembly process includes a mechanical bonding step between the metal reinforcement of the first floating module and the metal reinforcement of the second floating module. This mechanical bonding step takes place before the concrete pouring step. Since the metal reinforcement is located within the thickness of the wall and extends into the cavity, it is necessary to carry out the mechanical bonding step before filling the cavity with concrete. Advantageously, the mechanical bonding step takes place following the removable coupling step or following the draining step if one is present, thus facilitating the mechanical bonding step. The assembly process includes a mechanical bonding step between the prestressing sleeve of the first floating module and the prestressing sleeve of the second floating module. This mechanical bonding step takes place before the concrete pouring step. Because the prestressing sleeve is located within the wall thickness and opens into the cavity, this mechanical bonding step must be performed before the cavity is filled with concrete.Advantageously, the mechanical connection step takes place after the removable coupling step or after the draining step if present, thus facilitating the mechanical connection step. The assembly process includes, after the concrete pouring step, a step of installing at least one prestressing cable passing through the prestressing sheath of the first floating module and through the prestressing sheath of the second floating module, a tensile force being then applied to the prestressing cable. In an embodiment in which at least two, preferably at least three, floating modules are aligned on the same axis for assembly, thus forming a multitude of floating modules, the prestressing cable passes through the prestressing sheath of each of the floating modules in the multitude of floating modules, the tensile force being then applied to the prestressing cable.The tensile force applied to the prestressing cable creates a compressive force corresponding to the floating modules through which the cable passes, thus ensuring that the numerous floating modules remain pressed against each other. Furthermore, the compressive force exerted by the prestressing cable ensures that the concrete within the walls and / or cavity is subjected to a compressive mechanical stress, to which concrete has high resistance, and not a tensile mechanical stress, to which concrete has low resistance.

[0023] Other features, details and advantages of the invention will become clearer upon reading the following description on the one hand, and several illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments given with reference to the attached schematic drawings on the other hand, in which: there figure 1 is a partial, cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of a floating module conforming to the first aspect of the invention; the figure 2 is a perspective view of the floating module illustrated in the figure 1 ; there figure 3 is a detailed, cross-sectional view at the level of a first longitudinal termination of the floating module illustrated in figures 1 And 2 ; THE figures 4 And 5 illustrate partial views, respectively in section and perspective, of an example of the realization of a first floating module and a second floating module intended to be assembled to form a floating structure conforming to the second aspect of the invention; the figure 6 is a partial view of an example of the realization of a first floating module and a second floating module during assembly; the figures 7 And 8illustrate partial views, respectively in section and perspective, of the first floating module and the second floating module visible at the figure 6 ; THE figures 9 And 10 illustrate partial views, respectively in section and perspective, of an example of an embodiment of a floating structure conforming to the second aspect of the invention; the figures 11a et 11b illustrate a first assembly method and a second assembly method, respectively, between a first floating module and a second floating module intended to form a floating structure; figures 12a à 12e illustrate examples of the realization of a floating structure conforming to the second aspect of the invention.

[0024] The features, variants, and different embodiments of the invention can be combined in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may include only a selection of features, described hereafter in isolation from the other described features, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from prior art.

[0025] In particular, all the variants and embodiments described can be combined with each other if there are no technical obstacles to this combination.

[0026] There figure 1 This illustrates a partial, cross-sectional view of an example of an embodiment of a floating module 1 conforming to the first aspect of the invention. Thus, the floating module 1 extends primarily along a longitudinal axis X between a first termination 26 and a second termination 28. The floating module also extends along a vertical axis Z perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, the longitudinal axis X and the vertical axis Z forming a plane D illustrated in the figure. figure 1 Thus, the figure 1 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of floating module 1. Floating module 1 finally extends along the transverse axis Y perpendicular to plane D.

[0027] The floating module 1 comprises a plurality of walls, each wall 2 extending along the longitudinal axis X between a first longitudinal end 4 and a second longitudinal end 6. The walls 2 are connected to each other by a first partition 8 and a second partition 10 located respectively near the first longitudinal end 4 and the second longitudinal end 6. Thus, the plurality of walls, the first partition 8 and the second partition 10 define an essentially closed internal volume 12, intended to be filled with a material having a density less than the density of water in order to ensure the buoyancy of the floating module 1.Thus, a first portion 41 of the floating module 1 is submerged, that is to say located below a water line 43, a second portion 42 located opposite the floating module with respect to the first portion 41 along the vertical axis Z being on the other hand emerged, that is to say located above the water line, in the air.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the internal volume 12 is traversed by an intermediate wall 2' extending mainly along the longitudinal axis between the first partition 8 and the second partition 10, the internal volume 12 thus forming a first chamber 13 and a second chamber 15. The intermediate wall 2' serves to reinforce the structure of the floating module 1.

[0029] Thus, each wall 2 comprises an internal face 17 and an external face 16 located opposite the wall 2 with respect to the internal face, said internal face 17 being oriented towards the internal volume 12.

[0030] A plurality of metal reinforcement bars 22 extend longitudinally through the floating module, each metal reinforcement bar 22 being designed to be connected to a metal reinforcement bar 22 of a second floating module. Thus, the metal reinforcement bars 22 allow several floating modules to be linked together. Furthermore, the metal reinforcement bars 22 ensure the resistance of the floating module 1 and the floating structure to mechanical stresses, and more specifically to tensile mechanical stresses, particularly in cases where the walls 2, the first partition 8, and the second partition 10 of the floating module are made of a material, such as concrete, that is highly resistant to compressive mechanical stresses but has low resistance to tensile mechanical stresses. It should be noted that in the illustrated embodiment, a metal reinforcement bar 22 extends inside the intermediate wall 2'.

[0031] Similarly, the floating module 1 comprises a plurality of prestressing ducts 24 extending longitudinally through the floating module 1, each prestressing duct 24 being intended to be connected to a prestressing duct 24 of a second floating module. Each prestressing duct 24 is configured to receive, once all the floating modules aligned on the same axis are assembled, a prestressing cable passing through the prestressing duct 24. Once the prestressing cable passes through the prestressing duct of each of the floating modules aligned on the same axis, a tensile force is applied to the prestressing cable, thereby exerting a compressive force corresponding to said floating modules.In the illustrated embodiment, a prestressing sleeve 24 extends inside each wall 2, said prestressing sleeve being disposed through the material constituting the wall, between the inner face 17 and the outer face 16. It should be noted that a metal reinforcement 22 and / or a prestressing sleeve 24 can be located at any point in the floating module, in particular inside a wall 2, the metal reinforcement 22 and / or the prestressing sleeve 24 extending mainly longitudinally.

[0032] An extension 14 emerges from the external face 16 of the first longitudinal end 4. Another extension 14 also emerges from the second longitudinal end 6 of each wall 2. In other words, each wall 2 comprises a first extension 29 at its first longitudinal end 4 and a second extension 31 at its second longitudinal end 6. Thus, the extension 14 and the wall 2 are made by continuity of material.

[0033] Each extension 14 extends longitudinally outward from the longitudinal end 4, 6 of the wall 2 from which said extension 14 extends, that is to say that the extension 14 extends longitudinally beyond an edge 11 of the wall formed by the first longitudinal end 4 or the second longitudinal end 6 of said wall, the extension 14 and the edge 11 of the wall thus delimiting a cavity 18. The cavity 18 is intended to be filled with a material, such as concrete, enabling total mechanical continuity between the first floating module and a second floating module, and obtaining a modular floating structure which behaves like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical resistance as the current section of a floating module.

[0034] The floating module 1 includes two first stops 33, each extending longitudinally from the first partition 8 in the opposite direction to the internal volume 12. Similarly, the floating module 1 includes two second stops 35, each extending longitudinally from the second partition 10 in the opposite direction to the internal volume 12. Thus, the first stops 33 and the second stops 35 are intended to come into contact with stops present on a second floating module intended to be connected with the floating module 1, the first stops 33 and the second stops 35 thus making it possible to define, when the floating module 1 is brought together with the second floating module to form a floating structure, the moment at which the floating module 1 and the second floating module are sufficiently close to each other.

[0035] There figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the floating module shown in the figure 1 We can thus see that the floating module 1 also extends in a plane E, called the second plane E, comprising the transverse axis Y and the vertical axis Z, the second plane E being thus perpendicular to the longitudinal and vertical plane D, called the first plane D.

[0036] The floating module 1 comprises an upper part 50 intended to be oriented vertically upwards when the floating module 1 is deployed on a body of water. The floating module also comprises a lower part 51 located opposite the floating module 1 with respect to the upper part 50 along the vertical axis Z, the lower part being intended to be submerged when the floating module 1 is deployed on a body of water.

[0037] The upper part 50 comprises an upper wall 52 extending mainly in a third plane F comprising the transverse axis Y and the longitudinal axis X. Similarly, the lower part 51 comprises a lower wall 53 extending mainly in the third plane F.

[0038] The floating module 1 comprises a first side wall 54 and a second side wall 55 extending mainly in the first plane D. The first side wall 54, the second side wall 55, the upper wall 52 and the lower wall 53 are arranged such that the first side wall 54 and the second side wall 55 are connected to each other by the upper wall 52 and the lower wall 53, the upper wall 52 and the lower wall 53 being connected to each other by the first side wall 54 and the second side wall 55. The upper wall 52, the lower wall 53, the first side wall 54 and the second side wall 55 can in particular each form a wall 2 in the sense of the invention.

[0039] It is noted that in the illustrated embodiment example, the lower wall 53, the first side wall 54 and the second side wall 55 each include an extension 14. In contrast, the upper wall 52 is without an extension, the upper wall 52 thus forming a passage 56, making it possible in particular to facilitate access for an operator to a space located between the floating module and a second floating module intended to be assembled to form a floating structure.

[0040] There figure 3 is a detailed, cross-sectional view at the level of the first longitudinal termination 26 of the floating module 1 illustrated in figures 1 And 2 .

[0041] Thus, we can see that the extension 14 and the edge 11 of the wall are arranged so that the external face 16 of the wall and an internal face 20 of the extension 14, said internal face 20 of the extension being oriented towards the cavity 18, are in the same plane P. More particularly, the cavity 18 extends along a first dimension 30 measured between the internal face 20 of the extension and a plane P formed by the internal face 17 of the wall 2 from which the extension 14 emerges. Similarly, the wall 2 extends along a second dimension 32 measured between its external face 17 and its internal face 16, the second dimension 32 thus corresponding to the thickness of the wall 2, the first dimension 30 being equal to the second dimension 32.It should be noted that the inner face of the extension and the outer face of the wall are considered to be in the same plane P as long as the difference between the first dimension 30 and the second dimension 32 does not exceed 5% of the second dimension 32.

[0042] According to an alternative, the invention envisages that the first dimension 30 is greater than the second dimension 32. In such a case, the extension overflows more peripherally and the minimum thickness necessary to ensure the continuity of material between two adjacent floating modules is ensured.

[0043] Thus, the material intended to fill cavity 18 allows the wall 2 to be extended longitudinally along the entire second dimension of wall 2, in other words, along the entire thickness of the wall. Therefore, this configuration, when the floating module 1, referred to as the first floating module, is assembled with an adjacent floating module, referred to as the second floating module, to form a floating structure conforming to the second aspect of the invention, ensures complete mechanical continuity between the first floating module and a second floating module, and results in a modular floating structure that behaves like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical resistance as the standard cross-section of a floating module to withstand mechanical stresses, particularly compression, through the material filling the cavity, and more specifically the entire cavity 18 along the first dimension 30 of said cavity.

[0044] A sealing device 102 is located on a longitudinal end 111 of the first extension 29. The sealing device 102 is, in particular, a seal designed to be compressed between a first floating module and a second floating module in order to seal a space located between the first and second floating modules. This sealing device 102 may be integral with either the first or the second floating module.

[0045] The metal reinforcement 22 extends longitudinally outward from the first longitudinal end 4 of the wall. Similarly, the prestressing sleeve 24 extends longitudinally outward from the first longitudinal end 4 of the wall, and in particular inside the wall, the prestressing sleeve thus opening into the cavity 18.

[0046] THE figures 4 And 5illustrate a partial view, respectively in cross-section and perspective, of an example of the realization of a first floating module 3 and a second floating module 5 intended to be assembled to form a floating structure. Thus, the figures 3 And 4 illustrate the alignment step of the assembly process in accordance with the third aspect of the invention.

[0047] The first floating module and the second floating module are represented at the figure 4 in a third plane F comprising the longitudinal axis X and the transverse axis Y. In other words, the figure 4 is a cross-sectional, top view of the first floating module and the second floating module.

[0048] Thus, a first longitudinal termination 26 of the first floating module is aligned with a second longitudinal termination 28 of the second floating module. In this way, a cavity of the first floating module, called the first cavity 19, faces a cavity of the second floating module, called the second cavity 21. Similarly, the first extension 29 of the first floating module 3 is aligned with the second extension 31 of the second floating module 5.

[0049] The first stops 33 of the first floating module 3 are opposite the second stops 35 of the second floating module 5, the first stops 33 being distant from the second stops 35 of the second floating module 5.

[0050] Furthermore, each prestressing duct 24 originating from the first floating module 3, referred to as the first prestressing duct, is opposite a prestressing duct 24 originating from the second floating module 5, referred to as the second prestressing duct, to which it is intended to be coupled. Similarly, each metal reinforcement 22 originating from the first floating module 3, referred to as the first metal reinforcement, is opposite a metal reinforcement 22 originating from the second floating module 5, referred to as the second metal reinforcement, to which it is intended to be coupled.

[0051] There figure 6 is a partial view of an example of the realization of a first floating module 3 and a second floating module 5 during assembly. Thus, the figure 6 illustrates the removable coupling step of the assembly method according to the third aspect of the invention. The first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 are illustrated according to the first longitudinal and vertical plane D, the figure 6 thus representing a side view of the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5.

[0052] Thus, a connecting frame 110 ensures the position of the first floating module 3 relative to the second floating module 5. More specifically, the connecting frame 110, forming a rigid structure, notably composed of a structure that is at least partially metallic, is fixed to a wall 2, more particularly to an external face 16 of a wall, of the first floating module 3 and to a wall, more particularly to an external face 16 of a wall, of the second floating module 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting frame 110 is fixed to the upper wall 52 of the first floating module 3 and to the upper wall 52 of the second floating module 5. The fixing of the connecting frame 110 to the second floating module 5 can be carried out prior to the fixing of the connecting frame 110 to the first floating module 3.Thus, the second floating module 5 is brought closer to the first floating module 3 so that it is flush with the latter, ensuring sufficient proximity between the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5. The connecting frame 110 is then fixed to the second floating module 5, thereby securing the relative position of the second floating module 5 with respect to the first floating module 3. Alternatively, the connecting frame 110 can be fixed to the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 simultaneously, or nearly simultaneously, once the proximity between the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 has been achieved.

[0053] When the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 are brought together, the sealing device 102, located at the first longitudinal end 26 of the first floating module 3, and interposed between the first extension 29 of the first floating module 3 and the second extension 31 of the second floating module 5, is compressed between the first extension 29 and the second extension 31. Thus, the first cavity 19 and the second cavity 21 form a hollow 104 delimited transversely by the first extension and the second extension, the hollow being delimited longitudinally by the edge 11 of a wall of the first floating module 3 and the edge 11 of a wall of the second floating module 5.In addition, the sealing device 102 also ensures the sealing of a space 106 delimited transversely by the first extension 29 and the second extension 31, the space 106 being delimited longitudinally by the first partition 8 of the first floating module 3 and by the second partition 10 of the second floating module 5.

[0054] We thus understand that the hollow 104 corresponds to the sum of the first cavity 19 and the second cavity 21, while the space 106 corresponds to the volume delimited vertically by the extensions 14 and longitudinally by the partitions 8,10 of the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5.

[0055] The upper wall 52 of the first floating module 3 and the upper wall 52 of the second floating module 5 being both without extension, thus forming the passage 56, thus allow access to the space 106, in particular for later stages of the assembly of the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5, such as a stage of emptying the space 106, or a stage of mechanical connection between the metal reinforcements of the first floating module 3 and the metal reinforcements of the second floating module 5.

[0056] Thus, since the sealing device 102 ensures the watertightness of space 106, particularly at the side and bottom walls of the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5, it is possible to perform a step to drain said space 106. Indeed, as the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 are assembled on a body of water, and are therefore each partially submerged, water is present inside space 106 when the first floating module 3 and the second floating module are brought close to each other. The step of draining space 106 therefore allows the water present in space 106 to be removed, in order to carry out or facilitate subsequent steps of the assembly between the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5.

[0057] The first stops 33 of the first floating module 3, although brought closer to the second stops 35 of the second floating module 5, are still separated from the second stops 35 of the second floating module 5, thus indicating that the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 still need to be brought closer together in order to complete their assembly.

[0058] THE figures 7 And 8 illustrate a view, respectively in section and perspective, of the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 visible at the figure 6 . There figure 7 illustrates the first floating module and the second floating module 5 in the third plane F, the figure 7 thus being a top view. More specifically, the figures 7 And 8illustrate a mechanical connection step between the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5. To facilitate understanding, the connecting frame 110 is not shown. The figure 7 illustrates a top view, that is to say, from the foreground

[0059] The first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 are connected to each other by a mechanical link between the first and second metal reinforcements. This mechanical link is provided by a coupler 34, ensuring that the first and second floating modules remain supported against each other. Furthermore, the connection between the first and second metal reinforcements transmits mechanical forces, particularly tensile forces, between the first and second floating modules.

[0060] Similarly, each first prestressing sheath is connected to a second prestressing sheath by a hollow sleeve 36, ensuring the sealing of the inside of each prestressing sheath 24 while allowing communication between the inside of the first prestressing sheath and the inside of the second prestressing sheath, thus allowing the passage of the prestressing cable through said first prestressing sheath and said second prestressing sheath.

[0061] The mechanical connection step also ensures that the proximity of the first floating module 3 to the second floating module 5 is sufficient. Indeed, the first floating module 3 is brought closer to the second floating module 5, notably due to the connection between the first and second metal reinforcements by the coupler 34, so that the first stops 33 of the first floating module 3 bear against the second stops 35 of the second floating module 5. Thus, the first stops 33 and second stops 35 allow identification when the proximity between the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 is sufficient, in particular to ensure adequate compression of the sealing device 102 interposed between the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5, in order to ensure the sealing of the space 106.

[0062] The mechanical linking step, i.e. the linking of the first metal reinforcement to the second metal reinforcement by the coupler 34, as well as the connection between the first prestressing sheath and the second prestressing sheath by the sleeve 36, is facilitated if the draining step has been carried out beforehand, in the case where the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 are assembled on a body of water.

[0063] We can see on the figure 7 that, in the illustrated embodiment, the thickness of the hollow 104, corresponding to the first dimension 30 of the cavity of the first floating module 3 as well as to the first dimension 30 of the cavity of the second floating module 5, is equal to the second dimension 32 of the wall 2 of the first floating module 3. Similarly, the thickness of the hollow 104 is equal to a third dimension 32' of the wall of the second floating module 5, the third dimension 32' being measured between the external face 16 and the internal face 17 of the wall 2 of the second floating module 5.Thus, this configuration ensures complete mechanical continuity between the first floating module and a second floating module, resulting in a modular floating structure that behaves like a monolithic structure with the same mechanical resistance as the standard section of a floating module. The floating structure exhibits material continuity along the entire length of the second dimension 32 and the third dimension 32' between the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 via the hollow 104. This hollow is designed to be filled with concrete, and its thickness is equal to the length of the second dimension 32 and the third dimension 32'. Furthermore, the hollow is aligned along the vertical axis Z with the wall 2 of the first floating module and the wall 2 of the second floating module.More specifically, the outer face 16 of the wall of the first floating module 3 and the outer face 16 of the wall 2 of the second floating module 5 are in the same plane, this plane also being the extension plane of the inner face 20 of the first extension 29 of the first floating module 3 and the inner face 20 of the second extension 31 of the second floating module 5. Similarly, the inner face 17 of the wall of the first floating module 3 and the inner face 17 of the wall 2 of the second floating module 5 are in the same plane. This configuration ensures complete mechanical continuity between the first floating module and a second floating module, and provides a modular floating structure that behaves like a monolithic structure with the same mechanical strength as the standard cross-section of a floating module, thus resisting mechanical stresses in the floating structure between the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5.

[0064] THE figures 9 And 10 illustrate a partial view, respectively in cross-section and perspective, of an example of an embodiment of a floating structure 100 conforming to the second aspect of the invention. The figure 9 illustrates the floating structure 100 in the third plane F, the figure 9 thus being a top view. More specifically, the illustrated floating structure 100 is formed at least of the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 visible at figures 7 And 8 .

[0065] Thus, once the coupler 34 and the sleeve 36 are installed, as illustrated in figures 7 And 8By thus establishing the mechanical link between the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5, a material, in particular concrete, is poured into the cavity 104 so that the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 form a monolithic assembly. More specifically, the first longitudinal end 4 of the first floating module 3 is connected by the concrete poured into the cavity 104 to the second longitudinal end 6 of the second floating module 5. Thus, the cavity 104, being formed by the first cavity 19 and the second cavity 21, extends along the first dimension 30.Thus, the first dimension 30 being equal to the second dimension 32 corresponding to the thickness of the wall 2, this configuration allows the concrete present in the hollow 104 to take over mechanical stresses, in particular in compression, because it allows to ensure total mechanical continuity between the first floating module and a second floating module, and to obtain a modular floating structure which behaves like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical resistance as the current section of a floating module, unlike a known configuration in which the first dimension of the hollow represents only a portion of the thickness of the wall.

[0066] It is also noted that the prestressing sheath 24 opening into the hollow 104 is thus covered by the concrete present in the hollow. Therefore, the prestressing cable 25 inserted inside the prestressing sheath 24 extends along the longitudinal axis of the wall of the first floating module 3 and the wall of the second floating module 5, within said walls, thus allowing the compressive force exerted by the tensile force applied to the prestressing cable to be centered with respect to the wall of the first floating module 3 and the wall of the second floating module 5, particularly in comparison to a known configuration in which the prestressing cable extends longitudinally on the external or internal face of the wall of the first floating module and the wall of the second floating module, the compressive force exerted by the tensile force applied to the prestressing cable then being eccentric.

[0067] Thus, a floating structure 100, advantageously presenting an extension 14 defining a cavity 18 on each of its walls, exhibits high resistance to mechanical forces in compression, ensured by the concrete poured in each cavity 18, which makes it possible to ensure total mechanical continuity between the first floating module and a second floating module, and to obtain a modular floating structure which behaves like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical resistance as the current section of a floating module.On the other hand, each wall 2 of the first floating module 3 being connected to a wall 2 of the second floating module 5 by a hollow 104 of concrete through which a metal reinforcement 22 and / or a prestressing sheath 24 is located inside which is a tensioned prestressing cable 25, the floating structure 100 exhibits a high resistance to the shear and bending movements which are exerted between the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5, in particular due to the movements caused by waves at the level of the body of water on which the floating structure 100 rests.

[0068] THE figures 11a et 11b illustrate a first assembly method and a second assembly method, respectively, between a first floating module 3 and a second floating module 5 intended to be assembled to form a floating structure 100. figures 11a et 11b illustrate top views, according to the third plane F, of the first floating module 3, the second floating module 5 and the floating structure 100.

[0069] More specifically, the figure 11a illustrates a floating structure 100 substantially rectilinear formed by a first floating module 3 and a second floating module 5 similar to each other, and extending mainly in the same direction.

[0070] There figure 11b This illustrates a floating structure 100 comprising an angle 57. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle 57 formed is a right angle, that is, its value is equal to 90°. The angle is measured between the principal extension axis of the first floating module 3 and the principal extension axis of the second floating module 5, with which the first floating module 3 is assembled to form the floating structure 100. More specifically, the floating structure is formed by a first floating module 3 and a second floating module 5. The first floating module 3 includes the angle 57, while the second floating module 5 is substantially straight. The first floating module 3 thus includes an extension 58 extending perpendicularly to the principal extension axis of the first floating module 3. The second floating module 5 is connected to the extension 58 of the first floating module 3, thereby enabling the formation of the floating structure 100 comprising the angle 57.This configuration thus allows for a wide variety of floating structure conformations, the angle not being limited to the value of 90° but being able to take any value, notably between 90° and 180°, an angle of 180° then forming a rectilinear floating module.

[0071] THE figures 12a à 12e illustrate examples of the realization of a floating structure conforming to the second aspect of the invention. More particularly, the figures 12a à 12e each illustrate a form that a floating structure conforming to the second aspect of the invention, according to the third plane F, can take. In other words, the figures 12a à 12e are top views of the floating structure 100 illustrated in each of said figures, each floating structure 100 comprising in particular several floating modules 1 conforming to the first aspect of the invention.

[0072] The floating structures illustrated in figures 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d et 12eform, respectively, a square, a rectangle, a regular hexagon, a circle, and a floating structure substantially in the shape of a "V". It is understood that the floating structure 100 can take any other shape without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0073] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples just described and many modifications can be made to these examples without going out of the scope of the invention, which is defined exclusively by the claims.

[0074] The invention, as described above, achieves its intended goals and provides a floating module that ensures complete mechanical continuity between a first and a second floating module, resulting in a modular floating structure that behaves like a monolithic floating structure with the same mechanical strength as the standard cross-section of a floating module. Variations not described herein could be implemented without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined exclusively by the claims. According to the invention, the floating module comprises an extension emerging from the outer face of a wall, the extension projecting longitudinally from a longitudinal end of the wall, the extension and the wall from which the extension originates being formed by continuous material.The present invention allows for the connection of two floating reinforced and prestressed concrete modules in water, ensuring complete continuity of the concrete, reinforcement, and prestressing steel between the two connected floating modules with the same mechanical strength as the standard cross-section of a single floating module. It can be used to create a monolithic floating concrete structure of any shape from a modular construction. The resulting connection is watertight and capable of withstanding, throughout the various phases of the structure's life, the static and dynamic stresses, hydrodynamic forces, and fatigue phenomena applied to it in accordance with international regulations. This invention can be used in the construction of bridges, oil platforms, ports, jetties, floating platforms for renewable energy, in the nuclear industry, and in any other field.

Claims

1. Floating structure (100) comprising at least a first floating module (3), a second floating module (5) and characterized by a sealing device (102) located between the first floating module (3) and the second floating module (5), the first floating module (3) and the second floating module (5) each comprising a plurality of walls (2) extending between a first longitudinal end (4) and a second longitudinal end (6), the first floating module (3) and the second floating module (5) comprising a first partition (8) and a second partition (10) connecting each wall (2) of the plurality of walls (2) by defining with these walls (2) an internal volume (12) of each floating module (1), said structure comprising the first floating module (3) and the second floating module (5) each having at least one extension (14) emerging from an external face (16) of the wall, the extension (14) extending longitudinally projecting from the first longitudinal end (4) or the second longitudinal end (6), the extension (14) and the wall (2) from which the extension (14) originates being made by continuity of material, the sealing device (102) being interposed between an extension (14) of the first floating module (3) and an extension (14) of the second floating module (5), in which a hollow (104) delimited by a cavity (19) of the first floating module (3) and by a cavity (21) of the second floating module (5) is filled with concrete.

2. Floating structure (100) according to the preceding claim, in which an edge (11) of the longitudinal end (4, 6) of the wall (2) and the extension (14) delimit at least in part a cavity (18).

3. Floating structure (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein a thickness of the cavity (18) delimited by the edge (11) of the longitudinal end (4, 6) of the wall (2) and by the extension (14) is equal to or greater than a thickness of the wall (2) from which the extension (14) emerges.

4. Floating structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the external face (16) of the wall (2) and an internal face (20) of the extension (14) are in the same plane (P).

5. Floating structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an extension (14) is located on each of the side walls of the first floating module (3) and the second floating module (5) and on a lower wall of the first floating module (3) and the second floating module (5) .

6. Floating structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wall (2) comprises a first extension (29) located at the first longitudinal end (4) and a second extension (31) located at the second longitudinal end (6).

7. Floating structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of walls (2), the first partition (8), the second partition (10) and the extension (14) are made by continuity of material, said material being concrete.

8. Floating structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims in combination with claim 2, wherein a metal reinforcement (22) extends inside a wall (2) and opens into the cavity (18) delimited by the edge (11) of the longitudinal end (4, 6) of the wall (2) and by the extension (14).

9. Floating structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims in combination with claim 2, comprising a prestressing sheath (24) extending inside the wall (2) and opening into the cavity (18) delimited by the edge (11) of the longitudinal end (4, 6) of the wall (2) and by the extension (14).

10. Floating structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims in combination with claim 8, wherein continuity between a metal reinforcement (22) of the first floating module (3) and a metal reinforcement (22) of the second floating module (5) is achieved in the hollow (104).

11. Floating structure (100) any one of the preceding claims in combination with claim 9, wherein continuity between a prestressing sleeve (24) of the first floating module (3) and a prestressing sleeve (24) of the second floating module (5) is achieved in the hollow (104).

12. Floating structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a wall thickness (2) of the first floating module (3) is equal to a wall thickness (2) of the second floating module (5), the wall thickness (2) of the first floating module (3) and the wall thickness (2) of the second floating module (5) being equal to a thickness (30) of the hollow (104).

13. Method of assembling a floating structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, the assembly method comprising a step of aligning the first floating module (3) with respect to the second floating module (5), a step of removably coupling the first floating module (3) to the second floating module (5), a step of pouring concrete into the hollow (104).

14. Assembly method according to the preceding claim, the assembly method comprising a step of emptying a space (106) delimited by the partitions (8, 10), by the extension (14) of the first floating module (3) and by the extension (14) of the second floating module (5).

15. Assembly method according to any one of claims 13 or 14, the assembly method comprising a mechanical linking step between a metal frame (22) of the first floating module (3) and a metal frame (22) of the second floating module (5).

16. Assembly method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, the assembly method comprising, after the concrete pouring step, an installation step of at least one prestressing cable (25) passing through a prestressing sheath (24) of the first floating module (3) and through a prestressing sheath (24) of the second floating module (5), a tensile force then being applied to the prestressing cable (25).

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