Method for attaching a scaffold above the top of a foundation pile and a foundation pile provided with such a scaffold

Abstract

A method for mounting a scaffolding on an upper end of a foundation pile, the upper end having a frusto-conical outer surface, the scaffolding having an opening for mounting above the upper end of the pile. The opening is provided with a peripheral wall defining a frusto-conical shape. A series of filler elements are provided between the outer surface of the pile and the wall of the opening. The filler elements are positioned spaced apart from one another so that channels are formed between adjacent filler elements. The present disclosure further relates to a foundation pile and scaffolding assembly, wherein spaced apart filler elements are provided between opposing surface portions of the pile and the scaffolding to define a channel therebetween.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a foundation pile having a scaffold attached above its upper end.

[0002] For structures supported by at least one foundation pile, such as offshore wind turbines, it is known to provide scaffolding on the foundation pile, for example, at or near the top of the foundation pile, such that the scaffolding extends around the top of the foundation pile, for example, near the bottom of a tower supported on the foundation pile. Such scaffolding may, for example, provide landing arrangements for personnel, access to the tower and / or pile, and support for maintenance workers when performing, for example, maintenance on the tower or pile, the wind turbine, or other equipment supported by the foundation pile.

[0003] EP2011924 discloses a concrete scaffold attached to a foundation pile using a transition piece. The transition piece is made of concrete and is slid over the cylindrical upper end of the foundation pile, which has a cylindrical portion on a flange at the upper end. The scaffold has a cylindrical opening that fits above the cylindrical portion so that it can rest on the flange.

[0004] WO2020 / 106146 discloses an offshore scaffold mounted above the upper end of a foundation pile, the upper end of which has a frusto-conical outer surface, and the scaffold is provided with an opening having a similar frusto-conical peripheral surface so that the scaffold can slide over the upper end of the foundation pile to form a slip joint between the outer surface of the foundation pile and the peripheral surface of the opening in the scaffold.

[0005] Providing a footing above the top of a foundation pile using a slip joint has the advantage that positioning of the construction element is achieved by sliding the element over the top of the pile, with the joint being formed substantially by gravity. However, it has been found that, particularly with the increasing diameter of foundation piles currently in use and installed, the surfaces of the mounting openings of the footing and foundation pile that must match do not always result in a proper fit. Manufacturing tolerances that can be achieved without excessive manufacturing costs can lead to surface irregularities that hinder proper fit. This can lead to instability of the slip joint and misalignment between the footing and the foundation pile. This can also lead to excessive wear of the surface. This can also lead to improper positioning of the footing relative to the foundation pile, particularly in its axial position relative to the top of the foundation pile. In other words, the footing may, for example, be positioned too low or too high on the foundation pile and / or rest at an angle.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an alternative method for attaching a scaffolding above the upper end of a foundation pile. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for attaching a scaffolding above the upper end of a foundation pile, at least partially overcoming at least one of the problems of the prior art. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for positioning a scaffolding on a foundation pile without using a transition piece. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for attaching a scaffolding to a foundation pile, in which a tower of a construction element such as a wind turbine generator can be attached directly onto the foundation pile above the scaffolding without a transition piece. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for forming a slip joint between the scaffolding and the foundation pile, in which tolerances in the manufacture of the foundation pile and / or the scaffold can be easily compensated for.

[0007] At least one of these and other objects may be obtained, at least in part, by a method or assembly according to the present disclosure.

[0008] A method according to the present disclosure for mounting a scaffolding on the upper end of a foundation pile comprises using a foundation pile, the upper end having a frusto-conical outer surface, and a construction element having an opening that mounts above the upper end of the pile, the opening being provided with a perimeter wall that defines the frusto-conical shape.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a series of filler elements are provided between the frustoconical outer surface of the pile and the peripheral wall of the opening, the filler elements being spaced apart and positioned such that channels are formed between adjacent filler elements.

[0010] By providing a filler element between the outer surface of the pile and the inner surface of the opening in the footing, the position of the footing relative to the pile can be easily defined and the filler element can, for example, compensate for imperfections in said surface, for example due to manufacturing tolerances in the deviation of the surface. Furthermore, the filler element can protect the surface from direct contact and thus from damage to said surface, and in particular, but not exclusively, to any protective coating that may be provided on said surface, during positioning of the footing over the pile.

[0011] By providing a channel between adjacent filler elements, the possibility for inspection is provided, for example by introducing a camera through said channel, allowing inspection of the filler elements as well as the surface of the piles and scaffolding, for example to inspect any coatings provided thereon.

[0012] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the filler elements are provided as tiles. The tiles may be provided individually on either one or both of the surfaces, for example glued to them. Preferably, the filler elements are attached to the inner surface of the scaffold opening before the scaffold is mounted onto the pile. This further limits the risk of damage, especially to the filler elements.

[0013] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the filler elements are provided in rows and columns, preferably with rows extending circumferentially around the associated surface and columns extending in a direction between the top and bottom of the scaffold opening. Preferably, in such a configuration, a series of first channels are formed between the rows of filler elements and a series of second channels are formed between adjacent rows of filler elements, the first and second channels forming an intersecting network of channels. Preferably, the first channels are open toward at least one of the top side of the scaffold and the bottom side of the scaffold for introducing an inspection tool into the first channel.

[0014] In one aspect of the disclosure, at least a series of said filler elements may be positioned on top of each other in a first direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pile, said filler elements being arranged with a varying, preferably increasing, thickness in said first direction. By providing separate filler elements, each filler element may be selected according to its particular position between the pile and the scaffolding, further optimizing the attachment of the scaffolding on the pile.

[0015] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the filler element may be made using a plastic material, preferably a polymer, particularly a urethane such as polyurethane, which is more flexible than the materials used for the piles and footing, particularly steel and / or concrete, which allows the filler element to be partially compressed when the footing is placed on the pile, further allowing compensation for imperfections in the surface of the pile and / or footing opening.

[0016] In one aspect of the present disclosure, prior to installing the scaffolding over the pile, a first scan is taken of at least a portion of the truncated outer surface of the pile and a second scan is taken of at least a portion of the peripheral wall of the opening, and filler elements are specifically selected based on their position relative to the surface based on the first and second scans, and / or the shape of at least one of the filler elements is formed and / or modified based on their position relative to the surface based on the first and second scans.

[0017] By scanning one or more relevant portions of the surfaces, the space between the surfaces can be calculated based on the scans and the desired position of the footing relative to the pile. A filler element can then be specifically selected for each position in the space, particularly with regard to the thickness of the filler element at such defined positions. Additionally or alternatively, the shape, particularly the thickness profile, of one or more filler elements can be shaped to accurately fit relative to the scanned surface portion, taking into account, for example, any deviations of the surface portion from the intended frustoconical outer surface portion of the foundation pile and / or the frustoconical peripheral surface portion of the opening.

[0018] By providing filler elements with length and width dimensions that are relatively small compared to the height and circumference of the inner surface of the scaffold opening, an optimal filler element can be selected and / or shaped for each location along the height and circumference. Individual filler elements can be, for example, substantially flat, substantially square, or rectangular elements that can have a constant thickness. Adjacent filler elements can then have different thicknesses to compensate for changes, such as an increase or decrease in the distance between the inner surface of the opening and the outer surface of the post at those locations. Because adjacent filler elements are spaced apart by channels between them and are compressible, they can easily adjust to such changes in distance without unacceptable stress on the surfaces or filler elements and without damaging any coatings that may be provided on such surfaces.

[0019] In an embodiment, the foundation piles may be made of a first material, the footing may be made of a second material, and the filler elements may be made of a third material, the third material being more flexible than the first and second materials. The first and second materials may be the same material or may be different materials, for example, steel and / or concrete.

[0020] By providing a series of filler elements, the filler elements can be easily handled, but they can be used to partially fill the space between the surface of the opening and the pile.

[0021] In an embodiment, the computer program includes a computer model of the desired frustoconical surface of the foundation pile and a computer model of the desired perimeter wall of the opening, and the computer program is designed to compare the scan data with the computer models and, based on such comparison, to define an optimal distribution of filler elements and / or a computer-defined shape of at least one filler element.

[0022] In such an embodiment, for example, the ideal shape of the frustoconical surface is defined, i.e., without deviations due to, for example, the formation of the surface, and compared to the actual shape of the surface with such deviations. Filler elements are then selected and / or fabricated taking into account the deviations so that they fit properly between the surfaces.

[0023] In an embodiment, the computer system includes a computer model of a standard filler element or a series of different filler elements, and the computer program is further designed to select a filler element and / or define a computer machining program for machining the standard filler element based on a comparison between the computer model of the standard filler element and the computer-defined shape of the at least one filler element.

[0024] In an embodiment, the computer program includes a computer model of the preferred spacing between the peripheral surface of the opening and the frusto-conical surface of the pile, and based on the scan data, the deviation between the actual spacing and the preferred spacing is calculated, and each filler element is selected and / or machined based on the calculated deviation.

[0025] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to an assembly of a foundation pile and a scaffolding attached to the foundation pile with an opening above the top end of the foundation pile, the top end of the foundation pile having a frusto-conical outer surface portion and the opening having a frusto-conical inner surface portion, the scaffolding being provided in a predetermined position relative to the foundation pile such that a peripheral space is provided between the outer surface portion of the foundation pile and the inner surface portion of the opening, and a series of filler elements are provided in the peripheral space, with channels formed between the filler elements.

[0026] The filler element preferably provides proper alignment and positioning of the footing relative to the foundation pile, both axially and radially, aligning the longitudinal axis of the foundation pile with the longitudinal axis of the opening. By using the filler element according to the present disclosure, the footing can be easily attached using a slip joint after the pile is driven into the ground, without the need for a transition piece to attach the footing. Furthermore, the use of a slip joint to attach the footing reduces or even eliminates the need for welding brackets to the foundation pile. Such brackets traditionally must be welded to the foundation pile before driving the foundation pile into the ground, which is costly and very cumbersome during the manufacturing and handling of the foundation pile.

[0027] By providing the filler elements as individual, spaced apart elements, channels are provided between the filler elements, allowing the footing to more easily compress the individual filler elements to a certain extent for a snug fit. Furthermore, the channels allow for inspection of the connection between the footing and the pile after placement of the footing. Furthermore, the channels allow water to pass through to drain the footing surface. Furthermore, by providing separate, relatively small filler elements along the periphery of the surface, it is easier to compensate for misalignments and deviations from the ideal shape of the surface at any location along that surface. Furthermore, using individual, relatively small filler elements makes the filler elements substantially easier to handle than using a single gasket-shaped filler element that fills the entire space, or even a series of ring-shaped filler elements that are positioned one on top of the other and fit snugly together.

[0028] By individually arranging the packing elements, they can be selected and / or shaped in a relatively easy manner to fit into a particular location. Such packing elements can be relatively easily handled, for example, individually replaced as needed.

[0029] The use of individual filler elements may have the further advantage that individual filler elements can be easily replaced, for example, when damaged or when, for example, the thickness of a filler element in a particular location is found to be incorrect. Furthermore, if one of the filler elements is damaged during use, for example by overpressure due to contamination or misalignment, this will not significantly affect the support offered by the slip joint formed between the scaffold and the pile. Adjacent filler elements will easily compensate for the loss of that filler element.

[0030] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the filler elements, which may advantageously be tiles, have length, width, and thickness dimensions, the length and width dimensions being substantially greater than the thickness. The filler elements may have any suitable shape, such as a rectangle or square having a length and width substantially less than the height of the opening measured along the inner surface between the upper and lower scaffolding sides at the opening, and substantially less than the minimum diameter of the opening, such that at least 100 or more filler elements, e.g., at least 1000 or more filler elements, may be positioned between adjacent filler elements in channels extending between the surfaces along both the length and width of the filler elements. By way of example, and without limitation, the filler elements may have lengths and widths of, for example, 10 to 60 centimeters, e.g., 15 to 30 centimeters, whereas the channels may have widths of, for example, 1 to 10 centimeters, e.g., 1 to 5 centimeters, e.g., 1 to 15 centimeters, measured as the shortest distance between adjacent filler elements, for mounting the scaffolding on the piles, where the scaffolding has an opening height of, for example, 0.5 to 3 meters and a minimum diameter, measured at the top of the opening, of, for example, 3 to 15 meters. The filler elements preferably have a thickness that is less than their length and width, e.g., a maximum of one-third (1 / 3) or less, e.g., a maximum of one-fifth (1 / 5) or less, e.g., a maximum of one-eighth (1 / 8) of their minimum length and width. The filler elements may have a thickness of, for example, 0.5 to 5 cm.

[0031] The dimensions of the filler element 9 can be selected, for example, based on the diameter of the pile 2 and the opening 4 at the level of the filler element 9. For example, the length and width of the filler element can increase with increasing diameter. For example, but not limited to, the dimensions of the filler element, particularly the width dimension extending during use substantially parallel to the curvature of the surface, can be selected so that when using flat filler elements, the filler elements only need to bend to a very small extent to adhere them to the associated surface. For example, the width-to-diameter ratio can be selected to be 0.02 to 0.04, although other ratios can also be used, depending, in particular, on the bending resistance of the filler element in the bending direction. The filler element can, for example, cover less than 90% of the surface area of the opening, with additional surface area exposed within the channel.

[0032] In one aspect of the present disclosure, packing elements may be provided that have different thicknesses, each packing element having a coding according to said thickness, which may for example be a coloring of the packing element or a part thereof, so that it is possible to directly see what thickness the packing element has based on said coding, in particular said color.

[0033] The channels formed between the filler elements are preferably substantially straight. In embodiments, a first series of channels may extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pile and opening, and a second series of channels may extend perpendicular to the first series of channels. In embodiments, the channels may all extend at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis, e.g., the first series of channels may extend at a first angle, such as, but not limited to, 45 degrees, relative to the longitudinal axis, which may extend perpendicularly, while the second series of channels may extend at a second angle relative to the axis. The first and second angles may, for example, be the same angle but mirror images relative to a vertical line or plane. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] The invention will be further explained on the basis of exemplary embodiments represented in the drawings, which are given as non-limiting illustrations of the invention. [Figure 1]1 shows a schematic top view of a scaffold mounted above the top end of a foundation pile. [Figure 2] 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of a scaffolding mounted above the upper end of a foundation pile along line II-II of FIG. 1; [Figure 3] Schematic isometric view of the inner surface of the scaffold opening and the surface area of the outer surface portion of the top end of the foundation pile, shown transparently, showing a series of filler elements positioned between said surfaces. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic representation of a portion of the inner surface of an opening in a scaffold, with a series of filler elements provided thereon. [Figure 4A] For example, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, several packing elements are shown, which schematically illustrate some possible dimensions and interrelationships of such packing elements. [Figure 4B] Schematically and by way of example only, different possible contours of surface portions are shown here in vertical cross section, between which filler elements are positioned. [Figure 4C] Schematically and by way of example only, different possible contours of surface portions are shown here in vertical cross section, between which filler elements are positioned. [Figure 4D] Schematically and by way of example only, different possible contours of surface portions are shown here in vertical cross section, between which filler elements are positioned. [Figure 4E] Schematically and by way of example only, here shown in horizontal section are possible contours of surface portions, between which filler elements are positioned. [Figure 5] 10 shows a schematic diagram of a system for scanning the surface of the top end of a foundation pile and the surface portion of the perimeter inner surface of a footing opening. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 shows a schematic top view of a portion of a scaffold mounted above the upper end of a foundation pile, the pile having a deviation from round, for example at a welded seam, and a filler element being provided between the scaffold and the pile to compensate for the deviation. [Figure 7]1 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of a portion of the top end of a footing and / or foundation pile, with the actual space shown adjacent to it by striped lines along with the desired pile surface, and a filler element shown adapted to attach to the actual space and fill the space. [Figure 8A] 8 shows a standard filler element from which the filler element according to FIG. 8 is made and an adapted filler element based on scan data from opposite surface portions of the foundation pile and footing, respectively, in cross-sectional side view. [Figure 8B] 8 shows a standard filler element from which the filler element according to FIG. 8 is made and an adapted filler element based on scan data from opposite surface portions of the foundation pile and footing, respectively, in cross-sectional side view. [Figure 9] 10A-10C show schematic representations of alternative positioning of the filler element; [Figure 10] 10A and 10B show diagrammatically further positioning of the filler element.

[0035] Embodiments of the present invention are described herein, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings. These embodiments should not be understood as limiting the scope of the present disclosure in any way. At least all combinations of aspects, elements, and features of the embodiments shown and discussed are also considered to be disclosed herein. In this specification, the same or similar elements and features are referred to by the same or similar reference numerals. The drawings are not to scale and may show exaggerations to more clearly show features of the claimed invention.

[0036] In this specification, orientation expressions such as top, bottom, vertical, etc. are used for convenience only and refer to the orientation of the foundation piles as seen in the accompanying drawings, particularly Figures 1 and 2, where the piles are positioned vertically in the ground, offshore, or onshore.

[0037] In this specification, it should be understood to mean that substantially and generally, relatively small deviations from the characteristic or value they refer to are also considered to be encompassed, for example, deviations of 15% or less or 10% or less.

[0038] Disclosed herein are embodiments of foundation piles supporting a scaffold, on which a wind turbine generator (WTG) is or will be supported, directly or indirectly, preferably without a transition piece.

[0039] As used herein, a foundation pile is a pile that is supported underground and / or above ground, for example, by driving the foundation pile into a body of water, such as an offshore seabed, or into the land surface. While the foundation pile is shown in the drawings as a single pile, for example, made of metal, it may also be a pile made of different segments, made of different materials, such as, but not limited to, concrete, or a combination of materials, such as, but not limited to, concrete and metal. The foundation pile is preferably substantially hollow, at least over a majority of its height. The foundation pile may have a circular cross-section as viewed in a top view perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, as shown, for example, in FIG. 1 , but may also have different shapes in cross-section, such as polygonal, elliptical, etc., or combinations thereof. The foundation pile may have a diameter of several meters to more than 10 meters, for example, up to 15 meters or more at its lower end, and, if made of metal, may have a wall thickness of several centimeters, for example, more than 4 centimeters, for example, 8-10 centimeters or more. These dimensions are given by way of example only and should not be considered limiting of the present disclosure.

[0040] In the present disclosure, the scaffolding may be made of any suitable material or combination of materials. The scaffolding may be made of, for example, but not limited to, concrete, or concrete and metal, or metal and / or other materials. The scaffolding may have, for example, but not limited to, a substantially circular shape, or an elongated shape with an opening extending therethrough, for example, a central opening, or an opening provided off-center, as shown in FIG. 1 . The opening may have, for example, a central longitudinal axis extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the foundation pile, preferably coaxial therewith during use. The opening may have a substantially circular cross-section, as viewed in top view, for example, as shown in FIG. 1 , with a diameter increasing downward, as described. The opening may also have different shapes, as discussed, depending primarily on the shape and dimensions of the top end of the foundation pile.

[0041] In the present disclosure, the filler elements as discussed are preferably made of a plastic material such as, but not limited to, polyurethane (PU), e.g., high-density PU, which may also be referred to as PUR. The material of the filler elements may be more flexible than the material of the scaffolding and more flexible than the material of the foundation piles. Alternatively, the filler elements may be made of a different plastic material, such as, but not limited to, PE, e.g., HDPE, which is preferably at least water-resistant, particularly saltwater-resistant, or any other suitable material and structure.

[0042] In an embodiment, the foundation piles are provided as monopiles made substantially of metal, the footings are made substantially of concrete or made using metal such as sheet metal forming a substantially hollow structure, and the filler elements are made substantially of PU.

[0043] The use of a filler element 9 made of a plastic material, such as, but not limited to, PU, has the added advantage that the element 9 protects the relevant surfaces of the pile 2 and opening 4 during attachment of the scaffolding to the pile, in particular any coatings provided on such surfaces, such as, but not limited to, paint or anti-corrosion coatings, sealants, etc.

[0044] The drawings generally show an assembly 1 of a foundation pile 2 and a footing 3 attached by an opening 4 above an upper end 5 of the foundation pile 2. A further structure may be attached on and / or above the upper end 5, such as, for example, the tower of a wind turbine generator 50, which may be attached to the foundation pile 2 in any suitable manner, such as, for example, by a slip joint or a bolted connection, preferably without a transition piece. The upper end 5 of the foundation pile 2 has a frustoconical outer surface portion 6. The opening 4 of the footing 3 has a frustoconical inner surface portion 7, which is formed substantially complementary to the outer surface portion 6 of the foundation pile 2. When the footing 3 is provided in position relative to the foundation pile 2, a peripheral space 8 is provided between the surface portion 6 of the foundation pile 2 and the surface portion 7 of the opening 4 of the footing 3. The predetermined location may be a predetermined axial position, i.e., for example, a predetermined height h1 of the underside 10 of the footing 3 above the lower end 11 of the frusto-conical upper end 5 of the foundation pile 2, or a predetermined distance h2 of the upper surface 12 of the footing below the upper end surface 13 of the upper end 5 of the foundation pile 2. In Figure 3, by way of example, a schematic diagram of such a peripheral space 8 is shown for an embodiment in which the upper end 5 and opening 4 of the foundation pile 2 have a substantially circular cross-section. It will be immediately clear to those skilled in the art how such a space would be shaped if the upper end 5 and opening 4 have a different cross-sectional shape.

[0045] In the peripheral space 8, filler elements 9 are provided between and in contact with said surfaces 6 and 7. Preferably, a series of filler elements 9 are provided in said space 8, more preferably in rows 60 and columns 61, as shown, for example, in Figures 3, 4, and 4A-4E, 9, and 10. According to the present disclosure, the filler elements 9 are individually selected and / or individually formed and / or modified in shape and / or size, as will be further discussed, for attachment to specific locations between said surface 6 of the upper end 5 of the foundation pile 2 and the associated footing surface 7.

[0046] As can be seen by way of example in Figure 3, the desired ideal peripheral space 8 can be represented by a model showing a hollow truncated cone defined by an ideal representation of the peripheral surface 7 of the opening 4 and an ideal representation of the surface portion 6 of the upper end 5 of the foundation pile 2. The upper and lower ends of the space 8 are then formed by two imaginary rings 44A, 44B. Such a model can be used, for example, to represent the calculated surfaces 6, 7 (6 soll and 7 soll The eigenvalues can be represented by a computer model using the eigenvalues (also referred to as eigenvalues).

[0047] To mount the scaffolding 3 onto the upper end 5 of the foundation pile 2, the upper end 2 has a frusto-conical outer surface 6, the scaffolding 3 has an opening 4 that fits above the upper end 5 of the pile 2, the opening 4 being provided with a perimeter wall 7 that defines a frusto-conical shape, and it is known in the art to use a slip joint connection between the scaffolding 3 and the foundation pile 2, and the scaffolding 3 is lowered onto the upper end 5 of the pile 2 so that the conical surfaces 6, 7 meet and gravity presses the scaffolding 3 against the pile 2.

[0048] It is known that the manufacturing processes used to produce foundation piles and scaffolding, as well as the materials used, lead to deviations from the ideal shape and dimensions of the surfaces in question. Manufacturing tolerances inevitably lead to such deviations, since they can, for example, cause deformations of parts of such surfaces. For example, if the piles are rolled from steel plates and the seams are then welded, this can, for example, lead to local non-circularities at the locations of the seams due to the welding process. These problems with manufacturing tolerances and deviations can be easily solved by adjusting the diameter D of the foundation piles used. pile The diameter increases with increasing load and is expected to increase further in the future, for example due to the increasing size and power of wind turbine generators, especially offshore. Foundation piles have an outer diameter D of 7-10 m or more, measured below the truncated section 5. pileSuch deviations have been found to be detrimental to slip joint connections, at least because they reduce contact between the surface of the opening and the pile, which can decrease stability and increase wear. Furthermore, this can lead to misalignment of the foundation pile and the structure supported thereby, such as a wind turbine generator. If possible, improving the manufacturing process or machining the surface of the scaffolding and / or pile without compromising the structural integrity of the parts and the structure formed thereby would lead to high costs. Using the filler element 9 according to the present disclosure can overcome these problems in a practical and economical manner.

[0049] In the method and assembly according to the present disclosure, the footing 3, particularly its opening 4, and the foundation pile 2, particularly its upper end 5, are designed so that, with the footing 3 in place, a peripheral space 8 is formed between the frustoconical outer surface 6 of the pile 2 and the peripheral wall 7 of the opening 4 in the footing 3. The opening 4 in the footing 3 is intentionally designed to be larger than would be necessary to form a direct slip joint between surfaces 6 and 7. A filler element 9 is provided in the space 8, substantially filling a width W8 of the space 8, the width W8 being measured as the shortest distance between the two surfaces 6 and 7 at any given location. Thus, W8 may be different at different locations within the space 8.

[0050] Preferably, the filler element 9 is glued to the inner surface 7 of the opening 4. This significantly reduces the risk of the filler element 9 being damaged, knocked off, or scraped off when installing the footing 3. When the footing 3 is installed with the filler element 9 over the top of the pile 2, a slip joint is formed between the inner surface 33 of the filler element 9 and the outer surface 6 of the pile 2. If the filler element 9 is attached to the outer surface 6 of the pile before deploying the footing 3, such a slip joint will be formed between the outer surface 34 of the filler element 9 and the peripheral inner surface 7 of the opening 4 of the footing 3. The width W8 of the designed space 8, measured between the opposing surfaces 6 and 7, may be, for example, without limitation, about 35 mm on average.

[0051] In the embodiment as considered, a filler element 9 is preferably used having a thickness T that is constant across the filler element 9. In an embodiment, the thickness T may be greater than the width W, so that the filler element can be shaped to fit to fill a portion of the space 8 by removing material from the standard filler element. In other embodiments, the thickness T may be approximately the same as the width W8. In an advantageous embodiment, different filler elements 9 are used, preferably all having the same length L9 and width W9, as will be described, to fit different widths of the space 8 at different locations.

[0052] In the method according to the present disclosure, filler elements 9 may be selected such that they are fabricated or adapted to fit into the space 8 against the surface portion opposite the surfaces 6, 7. In an embodiment, prior to attaching the scaffolding 3 over the pile 2, a first scan SC1 is performed on at least a portion 6 of the truncated outer surface 6 of the pile 2, and a second scan SC2 is performed on at least a portion 7 of the peripheral wall 7 of the scaffolding. In such an embodiment, the shape of at least one of the filler elements 9 may be formed and / or modified based on the first scan SC1 and the second scan SC2. Preferably, a series of filler elements 9 are provided between the pile 2 and the scaffolding 3, and the shape of each filler element 9 is formed and / or modified based on the first scan SC1 and the second scan SC2. Each filler element 9 may be specially fabricated for a particular location between the scaffolding and the pile. In an alternative method, different filler elements 9 are selected from a range of filler elements having different thicknesses T so that for each position a filler element 9 is provided having a thickness T that matches the average distance between the opposing surface portions 6 and 7 at the given position.

[0053] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a system 20 for use in the method of the present disclosure. According to such a system 20, the or each first scan SC1 and the or each second scan SC2 are performed using at least one scanner 21. In an embodiment, the or each scanner 21 is a laser scanner. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the system 20 includes a computer system 22 to which the or each scanner 21 is connected via wire 23 or wirelessly. Scan data from the at least one scanner 21 is sent to the computer system 22. A computer program CP is provided to the computer system 22 for processing the scan data. It should be noted that the computer system 22 may comprise a single computer or multiple computers or similar data processing units, but may also be provided differently, for example, fully or partially cloud-based.

[0054] In the embodiment of FIG. 5 , the system 20 is designed to scan the inner surface 7 of the opening 4 or at least a relevant part thereof, as well as the outer surface 6 of the upper end 5 of the foundation pile 2 or at least a relevant part thereof. In the embodiment shown, the foundation pile 2 is placed for this purpose in a horizontal position, for example rotatable about its horizontally extending longitudinal axis AA, as shown in FIG. 5 . A first scanner 21A is positioned next to the relevant surface 6 or part thereof, so that a first scan SC1, represented schematically by a striped line 24, can be made of the surface 6 or part thereof. The scan data is sent to the computer system 20. The scaffolding 3 is positioned with its bottom surface 10 on the surface area 25. A second scanner 21B is positioned inside the opening 4, so that a second scan SC2, represented schematically by a striped line 26, can be made of the surface 7 or part thereof. The scan data is sent to the computer system 20. Based on the scan data, the computer system can model the surfaces 6, 7, or portions thereof 6A, 7A, including any deviations from the desired surface or surface portion. These models of the surfaces or surface portions can be used to model the surfaces 6, 7, or portions thereof 6A, 7A. ist and 7ist It shall also be referred to as

[0055] The scanners 21A, 21B may be handheld or semi-automated, e.g., tripod-mounted, robot-mounted, or otherwise mounted. Such scanners and scanner systems are well known in the art. It will be apparent that the scan data discussed above may be acquired differently, e.g., when the scaffolding and / or piles are in different orientations. In the illustrated embodiment, the scan data is acquired at a manufacturing site on land, e.g., before the piles have been installed or even shipped to the installation site, which may be on land or offshore. However, it will be apparent that the scan data may also be acquired at a different location, e.g., the scan may be performed after the foundation piles have been installed in the designated location. The filler element 9 may then also be used to adjust any, e.g., non-vertical, positions of the foundation piles.

[0056] In an embodiment of the system 20 and method according to the present disclosure, the computer program CP calculates the desired frustum surface 6 of the foundation pile 2. soll and a computer model of the desired peripheral wall surface 7 of the opening 4 of the scaffold 3. soll and a computer model of the surface 6 based on the scan data. ist and 7 ist , and the desired surface 6 as provided to the computer system 22. soll and 7 soll The computer program CP is designed to compare the model of the space 8 with a computer model of the space 8. Comparing these models will show where deviations exist and what these deviations are, and may result in a model of the space 8, for example, as shown in Figure 3. The computer program CP may, in an embodiment, determine at least one filler element 9 based on such a comparison, for example, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. soll, and the thickness T of the filler element 9. Accordingly, each filler element 9 may be specifically manufactured for a particular location between the footing 3 and the pile 2. Additionally or alternatively, the computer program CP may be designed to select for each location a filler element 9 based on its thickness T that best matches the average distance between the surface portions 6 and 7 at that location.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 5, the system 20 forms and / or machines the filler element 9. soll The filler element 9 may comprise or be connected to a machining system 27, shown here schematically, for mounting the filler element 9 in its intended position as a filler element 9. The machining system 27 may comprise, for example, a CNC machining system. By way of example, the machining system 27, such as a CNC-based machining tool, may shape the filler element 9 based on a computer-defined shape as discussed herein above, for example, from a block of polyurethane or other suitable material, particularly plastic, or from an already-formed standard filler element 9, as discussed below.

[0058] In the same or alternative embodiment, the computer system 22 may include a computer model of a standard filler element 9, and the computer program CP may include a computer model of the standard filler element 9 and a computer program for programming the at least one filler element 9. soll The method is further designed to define a computer machining program for machining the standard filler element 9 based on a comparison of the standard filler element 9 with the computer-defined shape of the standard filler element 9. The computer machining program can then be used to operate the machining system 27.

[0059] In the same or an alternative embodiment, the computer program CP may include a computer model of the preferred space 8 between the peripheral surface 7 of the opening 4 and the frustoconical surface 6 of the pile 2, and based on scan data from the scanner 21, the deviation between the actual space 8 and the preferred space 8 is calculated, and at least one, preferably each, filler element 9 is machined and / or selected based on the calculated deviation.

[0060] Thus, a method of forming and / or modifying and / or selecting filler elements 9 for use in attaching a footing 3 through an opening 4 above an upper end 5 of a foundation pile 2 may include: performing a first scan SC1 of at least a first portion of a surface 6 of the pile 2 at a predetermined location and a second scan SC2 of at least a first portion of a peripheral surface 7 of the opening 4 of the footing 3 opposite the first portion of the pile surface 6; and machining and / or selecting at least one filler element 9 for attachment between the first portion of the surface 6 of the foundation pile 2 and the first portion of the peripheral surface 7 of the opening 4 based on at least a thickness T of the filler element 9 for each location. Thus, the filler element 9 is formed and / or modified and / or selected so that it can be positioned in intimate contact with the first surface portion 6A, 7A. The at least one filler element 9 soll is preferably shaped and / or machined and / or selected such that, in use, it bridges the actual space 8 between said first surface portions 6 and 7, so that the filling element can be partially compressed by forces exerted thereon by the scaffold, in particular gravity.

[0061] As discussed, in the method according to the present disclosure, a series of filler elements 9 are preferably provided for positioning in the space 8 between the surface 6 of the foundation pile 2 in its predetermined position and the peripheral surface 7 of the opening 4 in a matrix arrangement of filler elements 9, including rows 60 and columns 61 of filler elements 9 with channels 62, 63 therebetween. As discussed, a large number of filler elements 9 can be used, for example, but not limited to, 100 to 3,000 or more such filler elements for a pile 2 having an upper diameter of the frusto-conical upper end 5 between 3 and 15 meters, e.g., 7 to 10 meters, and a height H of the opening 4 between 0.5 and 3 meters. The number of filler elements can be selected, for example, so that they fill, for example, 1 to 5 degrees, e.g., 2 to 4 degrees, of the circumference of the peripheral surface and, for example, 2 to 10 percent, e.g., 2 to 6 percent of the height H of the footing opening, respectively, leaving sufficient space for the channels to form. In such an embodiment, standard filler elements 9 that are at least substantially flat can be used. In embodiments, such standard filler elements 9 may then be machined to fit the curved surface. Alternatively, standard filler elements 9 may be formed to have a predetermined curved shape, particularly when a relatively small number of such segments are used to fill the space 8. In other embodiments, such standard flat filler elements may then be bent to fit or compressed to fit.

[0062] In an assembly of a foundation pile 2 and a scaffolding 3 attached by an opening 4 above the upper end 5 of the foundation pile 2 according to the present disclosure, each of the filler elements 9 may be machined and / or selected for attachment to a specific position between the scaffolding 3 and the pile 2, and the filler elements may be machined on at least the surface 33 facing the surface 6 of the foundation pile 2 and / or the surface 34 facing the peripheral surface 7 of the opening 4, more preferably on both of the side surfaces 33, 34, based on scan data obtained from the relevant surface portion 6 of the pile 2 and / or scan data obtained from the relevant surface portion 7 of the opening 4.

[0063] In an embodiment, the filler element 9 may be attached to one of the surfaces 6, 7 before attaching the scaffolding 3 onto the foundation pile 2. This may be done, for example, with the pile and / or scaffolding in position as shown in Figure 5. Attaching the filler element 9 may, in an embodiment, be carried out on land. The filler element 9 may, for example, be glued to one of the surfaces 6, 7. In a preferred, advantageous embodiment, the filler element 9 is attached to the inner surface 7 of the opening 4 in the scaffolding 3.

[0064] By using the disclosed model and scan data, a model can be created of the actual space 8 between the foundation pile 2 and the footing 3 used together. Filler elements 9, 9 can then be added for positioning within the actual space 8, for example using the system discussed with reference to FIG. soll may be formed and / or selected from a variety of filler elements. Filler elements 9 may be individually shaped to properly fill the actual space 8 at a given location. In embodiments, a standard filler element 9 may be used as a starting point, e.g., a rectangular or square, flat or curved filler element, which may be machined on the inner surface 33 and / or the opposing outer surface 34 based on the scan data and model as discussed. The shaped filler element 9 soll An example is shown in Figure 7, where the original inner surface 33 is shown partially diagrammatically in dashed lines and the molded inner surface 33' is shown in solid lines. Standard filling elements 9 can be curved according to the diameters of the inner and outer surfaces 6, 7 of the model, so that a series of such elements can fill the space 8 in a side-by-side position with their side surfaces 37 attached to each other or at least in close adjacent position.

[0065] FIG. 3 shows a schematic model of the space 8 formed between the surface 6 of the pile and the 7 of the opening 4, as discussed above. In FIG. 3, a series of filler elements 9 are shown for a portion of the space 8, forming rows 60 and columns 61 of filler elements with intermediate channels 62, 63, as discussed above. It will be understood that such an arrangement of filler elements 9 with intermediate channels 62, 63 is provided around the entire perimeter of the pile and opening. For clarity, only a limited number of filler elements are shown. FIG. 4 shows, in a front isometric view, a portion of the series of filler elements 9 adhered to the inner surface 7 of the opening 4. In this embodiment, the filler elements 9 are shown as square tiles. They are positioned to form a matrix of filler elements 9, with a network of intersecting first and second channels 62, 63 extending between them. In FIG. 4A, four filler elements of such a matrix are shown, simply by way of example, where each filler element 9 is a square tile with sides of 200 mm, and the channels 62, 63 between them have a width of 20 mm. Obviously, other dimensions may be chosen.

[0066] In Figure 4B there is shown a cross-section along line IV-IV in Figure 3 of a first possible embodiment of (a part of) space 8, in which width W8, i.e. the shortest distance between opposing surfaces 6 and 7, is substantially constant over the shown portion of surfaces 6, 7. A series of filler elements 9 are shown, each having the same thickness T, measured between opposing surfaces 33, 34 of the filler element 9, which corresponds to said width W8. Thus, in this embodiment, all filler elements 9 may be the same.

[0067] In FIG. 4C, a similar cross-sectional view of the second embodiment is shown, where the width W8 of the space 8 is 8(1) Width W 8(2) 2. In this embodiment, the thickness T 1-5 may also gradually increase in the downward direction from a thickness T1 at the top to a thickness T5 at the bottom of the portion of the space 8, and each of the filler elements 9 may have a constant thickness T. 1-5 is its thickness T1-5 , and is specifically selected to optimally fit in its intended location. During use, the filler element 9 can be slightly compressed to adjust to the associated somewhat trapezoidal or wedge-shaped section of the space 8 in which it is positioned. If the filler element has a small length L compared to the height H of the opening 4, such compression can be very limited.

[0068] 4B and 4C, a cross-section is shown along line IV-IV of FIG. 3, but in this embodiment, a portion of the space 8 shown has a variable width W8 due to a recess 64 in the surface 6 of the peg 2. 8(dent) is the width W at the upper and lower ends of the portion of the space 8 shown 8(1) , ( 2) In this embodiment, five packing elements 9 1-5 are the thickness T that best fits the desired position. 1-5 4D, the fourth filler element 94 is again selected from the series of filler elements depending on the thickness T1 of the fifth filler element 95. In this embodiment, for example, the first filler element 91 has a thickness T1, which is the same thickness T5 of the fifth filler element 95. The second filler element 92 has a slightly larger thickness T2, while the third and fourth filler elements 93 and 94 have even larger thicknesses T3 and T4. As shown schematically in FIG. 4D, the fourth filler element 94 is at least partially wedged at the edge portion 9 A It will be compressed by

[0069] 4B-4D show vertical cross sections. However, it will be apparent that the filler elements 9 may equally be provided in a horizontal direction, i.e. perpendicular to the direction shown in Figures B-D, and here too the individual filler elements 9 may be selected based on their thickness T for a particular location on the surface 6, 7, for example based on the scan SC considered and performed. An embodiment may be shown, for example, along line IV in Figure 3. E -IV E4E. In this embodiment, in top view, a portion of the space 8 is curved with substantially the radius of the relevant cross section of the pile 2. The first two filler elements 91 and 92 on the left side of FIG. 4E and the last five filler elements 9 6-10 Ten filler elements 9 are shown having the same thickness T. A fourth filler element 94 has a greater thickness T4 to accommodate the greater distance between surfaces 6 and 7. The third and fifth filler elements 93, 95 are again wedge-shaped with thicknesses that decrease at a slope cq, e.g., machined or compressed, to accommodate the varying distance between surfaces 6 and 7.

[0070] As shown schematically in FIG. 4 , a camera or similar inspection tool 65 may enter at least some of the channels 62, 63, e.g., for inspection of the filler element 9 and / or surfaces 6, 7, and in particular any coatings provided on such surfaces 6, 7. As shown schematically in FIG. 4 by dotted line 66, the inspection tool 65 may have, e.g., a sideways-facing viewing angle. The inspection tool 65 may be connected in a known manner to a display unit and / or a computer system 72, or the like. The inspection tool 65 may be, e.g., an instrument such as an endoscope or periscope, or any other suitable such tool known in the art. Additionally or alternatively, the inspection tool may comprise means for emitting and / or receiving other inspection radiation, e.g., for non-optical inspection.

[0071] In the embodiment shown in the drawings between each pair of adjacent filler elements 9, the channels 62, 63 are formed such that a network of intersecting channels 62, 63 is formed. A first series of channels 62 is formed extending in a direction between the upper side 12 of the scaffolding 3 and the lower side 10 of the scaffolding 3. The channels of the first series of channels 62 have at least an open upper end 67 or an open lower end 68 for introducing an inspection tool 65 into the channel 62. In a preferred embodiment, both the upper end 67 and the lower end 68 of each channel 62 of the first series are open, thereby allowing the tool 65 to be introduced from either end. Furthermore, by providing at least some, and preferably all, of the channels 62 of the first series of channels to be open at the opposing ends 67, 68, water and air can pass freely therethrough, filling and thus closing the space, in contrast to, for example, prior art techniques in which a gasket is provided in the space between the pile and the transition piece, thereby closing such space. Thus, the scaffolding 3 can be more easily drained.

[0072] The filler elements 9 may have a non-square or non-rectangular shape seen through the thickness, for example with rounded or chamfered corners, which will make it easier to manipulate an inspection tool 65, such as an endoscope or remotely controlled camera, to move from the first channel 62 to the second channel 63, which extends peripherally through the space 8. The filler elements 9 may be tiles having, for example, a circular or oval shape, or a polygonal shape, for example with six or eight corners.

[0073] A tile is to be understood in the present disclosure as an at least substantially flat body that is pre-formed before providing the tile in the space 8, having length and width dimensions, also referred to as length L9 and width W9, that are substantially greater than the thickness T of the element 9, or at least greater than the average thickness T. Each filler element or tile 9 may have a shape, for example but not limited to, having a length L9 and a width W9, thereby fitting within a rectangle or square with sides of 10 to 60 cm, preferably 15 to 30 cm, and an average, preferably constant thickness T of at most 1 / 40 to 1 / 4, preferably 1 / 20 to 1 / 6, for example but not limited to 1 / 15 to 1 / 8, of the length and width.

[0074] The channels 62, 63 preferably have a width W measured as the smallest distance between adjacent packing elements 9. 62 , W 63 and the width W9 is substantially smaller than the minimum of the length L9 and width W9 of the packing element 9, for example, 1 / 40 to 1 / 4, preferably 1 / 20 to 1 / 6, for example, but not limited to, 1 / 15 to 1 / 8, of the maximum of the length L9 and width W9. 62 , W 63 is.

[0075] For example, element 9 may be made of PU, e.g., about 1.1 g / cm 3 For example, 1.2 g / cm 3 or more, for example, 1.20 to 1.25 g / cm 3 The filling elements 9 may be made of a plastic material such as PU having a density of (ASTM D792-91). The filling elements 9 may have an average thickness T, in particular a constant thickness T, of, for example, about 10 to about 70 mm, preferably 20 to 50 mm. The filling elements 9 may have a diameter D of the pile 2, in the order of a few centimeters or a few decimeters, when considering rectangular or square elements 9. pile4A shows an example of a filler element 9 embodied by a tile having a length L9 of 20 cm measured parallel to the longitudinal axis AA in the direction of the columns 61 and a width W9 of 20 cm also measured parallel to the rows 60, the filler element 9 being square.

[0076] In the embodiment shown, the filler elements all have substantially the same length L9 and width W9 dimensions, but may have different thicknesses. However, filler elements, particularly tiles, having different length and / or width dimensions may also be used. In such an embodiment, preferably, all filler elements 9 in any single row 60 of filler elements 9 have at least the same length dimension L9, where length L9 is measured in a direction perpendicular to the perimeter of the pile 2.

[0077] As shown, different filler elements 9 can have different thicknesses T so that a filler element or tile 9 having an appropriate thickness T can be selected for each location within the space 8 based on the scan. To easily distinguish between tiles, the tiles can be coded, such as, but not limited to, color-coding, where each thickness tile has a unique color designation. For example, a series of tiles can be provided with increasing thicknesses T, such as, but not limited to, in 2 mm steps, each of which has a different color. This makes it easier for a user to select an appropriate tile 9. The coloring can be provided after or during tile production, for example, by blending color into the material from which the tiles are made.

[0078] The filling elements are preferably made of a compressible material so that, for example, due to the weight of the scaffold, the shape and dimensions of the filling element can be modified to fit the space it is enclosed in. To this end, the material used for the filling elements, such as, but not limited to, an elastomer such as PUR, is preferably selected so that for each filling element 9 in use, the compression of the associated filling element or part thereof due to the weight of the scaffold 3 is less than 15% of the thickness of the filling element, preferably less than 10% of said thickness.

[0079] The use of separate packing elements 9 within the space has the further advantage that variations in the width of the space 8 can be easily accommodated by using packing elements having different thicknesses T adjacent to one another, as shown, for example, diagrammatically in Figures 4C-4D and 4E. This can further limit the compression required for the individual elements 9. Furthermore, if desired, this allows for the use of packing elements having different properties adjacent to one another, for example packing elements made of different materials, packing elements having different densities, for example to provide different compressibility, or packing elements having different shapes, to accommodate specific needs for support at different locations in the space 8.

[0080] The use of separate filler elements 9 that are relatively small compared to the surface area and opening of the piles used may have the further advantage that a single filler element or even a limited group of such filler elements 9 may be allowed to fall off due to overpressure, which may occur, for example, if the thickness of such tiles is inconsistent, particularly if it is greater than the distance between the surfaces at a given location, or if, for example, contaminants get between the filler element and one of the surfaces 6, 7. Such filler elements may be damaged or collapsed without substantially affecting the stability or position of the footing relative to the pile. The absence of a filler element at a given location may also be tolerated, since neighboring filler elements will easily accommodate the lack of support provided by such a single or small group of such filler elements.

[0081] The pile 2 and the relevant surfaces 6, 7 of the opening 4 are preferably covered and provided with a protective coating, such as, in particular but not limited to, an anti-corrosion and / or anti-fouling coating, as is known in the offshore art, and the filler element 9 is preferably adhered to said coating on the surface of the opening 4 after application of the coating and before placing the scaffolding 3 on the pile 2.

[0082] 6 shows, in a top view, an embodiment of a portion of a scaffolding 3 on a pile 2. The pile 2 in this embodiment is made of metal, rolled from metal plates, with the joining edges of the plates welded together to form a closed weld 39. Due to the rolling process and / or welding, which introduces heat locally into the metal, the pile 2 may include a slightly expanded area 40 around the weld 39. This may mean that the pile 2 at that point deviates from the desired circular cross-section, as depicted as a striped circle 41. In an embodiment such as that shown in FIG. 10, this is achieved by filling elements 9 shaped to provide a surface portion on the inner surface 33 that attaches to the expansion deviation 40 of the pile 2. soll In Fig. 10, only one packing element is shown. The remainder of the space 8 can be filled with further packing elements 9, 9 soll , which may or may not be modified from the standard packing element 9.

[0083] FIG. 7 shows in cross-sectional side view a portion of the scaffolding 3 mounted above the pile 2, with part of the actual space 8 shown filled with filling elements 9 and the actual surface 6 of the pile 2. ist is shown in solid lines and the original desired surface 6 is shown in dashed lines, while the actual surface 7 of the opening 4 istis shown in solid lines, and the original desired surface 7 is shown in dashed lines. Figure 8B shows in cross-sectional side view a filler element 9 machined to fill the relevant portion of space 8 of Figure 7, while Figure 8A shows such a filler element 9 to fill the same portion of desired space 8. In Figure 8B, inner surface 33 of filler element 9 is made to be more recessed and have a different slope than inner surface 33 of the filler element of Figure 8A, while outer surface 34 is made to have a different slope like the outer surface of the element shown in Figure 8B.

[0084] FIG. 9 discloses a first alternative positioning of filler elements, particularly tiles 9. In this embodiment, square tiles 9 are again shown, arranged in a grid or matrix of rows 60 and columns 61 with channels 62, 63 therebetween; however, in this embodiment, the grid or matrix is rotated relative to the position shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , e.g., greater than 45 degrees as shown in FIG. 9 . This means that the longitudinal axes 69 of the first series of channels 62 extend at an angle α to the longitudinal axis AA, which in the embodiment shown is 45 degrees, while the longitudinal axes 70 of channels 63 of the second series of channels extend at a similar angle α but are mirror images of the axis AA, with the longitudinal axes 69, 70 at right angles. In such an embodiment, all of the channels would be open directly to the environment at opposing upper and lower ends 67, 68. An inspection tool 65 may therefore be more easily inserted and moved through all of these channels 62, 63.

[0085] FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a further alternative positioning of packing elements, particularly tiles 9, similar to FIG. 9, but where the packing elements or tiles 9 are diamond-shaped rather than square. In the illustrated embodiment, the diamond-shaped packing elements or tiles 9 are arranged with their acute angles pointing upward and downward. Thus, channels 62, 63 extend at an angle α relative to axis AA, deviating from 45 degrees, although they may be identical and mirror images of axis AA. Angle α may be, for example, between 15 degrees and 45 degrees. Alternatively, the angle may be selected between 45 degrees and 75 degrees.

[0086] It will be clear that the filler elements 9, instead of being made from standard filler elements, can also be made integrally to fit into the spaces 8 based on at least scan data of the actual surfaces 6, 7 of the piles 2 and footings 3. If the filler elements are to be machined to fit into specific locations, the standard filler elements will preferably have a thickness to fit into spaces 8 with the largest expected width so that the elements 9 can be reduced in size to fit into smaller spaces. Alternatively or additionally, material can be added to the standard filler elements 9.

[0087] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein, which are by way of example only, and many modifications may be made within the concept of the present disclosure, including combinations of some or all of the features of the disclosed methods and structures.

[0088] For example, in the drawings, filler elements 9 are shown as individual filler elements. However, it will be apparent that each filler element may also be composed of filler element parts attached together in the thickness direction and / or length and / or width direction, the combined parts forming the filler element as discussed herein above and applied with channels as discussed above. It will be apparent that the number of filler elements used will depend, inter alia, on the relevant diameters of the posts and openings, as well as the size of the filler elements, which may affect, for example, the compressibility of the filler elements. The number and size of the filler elements used, as well as the dimensions of the channels, will also depend on the weight of the scaffolding and the average slope of the surfaces 6, 7. The filler elements may be shaped differently, for example, as triangles or parallelepipeds. In embodiments, filler elements may be used with different lengths and / or widths, such that, for example, one or more rows of filler elements have the same width but different lengths as one or more adjacent columns of filler elements. In the illustrated and discussed embodiment, channels 62 and 63 extend at right angles to each other. Alternatively, they may include different angles, for example, when using triangular filler elements.

Claims

1. 1. A method for attaching a scaffolding onto an upper end of a foundation pile, the upper end having a frusto-conical outer surface, the scaffolding having an opening that mounts above the upper end of the pile, the opening being provided with a peripheral wall that defines a frusto-conical shape, and a series of filler elements being provided between the frusto-conical outer surface of the pile and the peripheral wall of the opening, the filler elements being positioned spaced apart from one another so that channels are formed between adjacent filler elements.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the filler elements are tiles.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the filler elements are positioned in rows and columns.

4. 10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein channels are formed between each pair of adjacent filler elements so as to form a network of intersecting channels, a first series of channels being formed extending in a direction between an upper side of the scaffold and a lower side of the scaffold, the channels of the first series of channels having at least an upper open end or a lower open end for introducing an inspection tool into the channel.

5. 10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a series of said filler elements are positioned on top of each other in a first direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the pile, said filler elements being arranged with a thickness that varies, preferably an increasing thickness, in said first direction.

6. 10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the packing elements are positioned in a series of spaced apart rings of packing elements, adjacent packing elements within a ring having channels therebetween.

7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the packing elements of adjacent rings are spaced apart from one another to form channels between the adjacent rings in a packed configuration.

8. 10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filling element is made using a plastic material, preferably a polymer, in particular a urethane such as polyurethane.

9. 10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, prior to attaching the scaffolding over the pile, at least one first scan is taken of at least a portion of the truncated outer surface of the pile and at least one second scan is taken of at least a portion of the peripheral wall of the opening, and the filler elements are specifically selected based on their position relative to the surface based on the scans, and / or the shape of at least one of the filler elements is formed and / or modified based on their position relative to the surface based on the first and second scans.

10. 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the or each first scan and the or each second scan are performed using at least one scanner, preferably a laser scanner, and scan data of the at least one laser scanner is sent to a computer system, the computer system being provided with a computer program for processing the scan data for determining the shape and / or dimensions of the filler element and / or for positioning the filler element.

11. 10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each filler element is formed and / or modified and / or selected based on its particular position between the scaffold and the pile.

12. 10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a protective coating is provided on the outer surface portion of the pile and / or on the peripheral wall of the opening, and wherein the filler element is provided on the or each protective coating.

13. 10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filler element is glued to the peripheral wall of the opening in the scaffold before attaching the scaffold above the upper end of the scaffold.

14. An assembly of a foundation pile and a scaffolding attached to the foundation pile and having an opening above the upper end thereof, wherein the upper end of the foundation pile has a frusto-conical outer surface portion and the opening has a frusto-conical inner surface portion, the scaffolding being provided in a predetermined position relative to the foundation pile such that a peripheral space is provided between the outer surface portion of the pile and the inner surface portion of the opening, and at least one series of filler elements are provided within the peripheral space, with channels formed between the filler elements.

15. 15. The assembly of claim 14, wherein the filler elements are tiles and are spaced apart from one another by channels formed between the tiles.

16. 16. The assembly of claim 14 or 15, wherein the packing element has a length dimension, a width dimension, and a thickness, the length dimension and the width dimension being substantially greater than the thickness.

17. Assembly according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the packing element has a substantially rectangular or square shape with sides of 10 to 60 centimetres, preferably 15 to 30 cm.

18. 18. The assembly of claim 17, wherein channels are formed between adjacent packing elements, the width of the channels being preferably smaller than the length of the sides of the packing elements, the width of the channels being preferably 1 to 15 cm, more preferably 1 to 10 cm, even more preferably 1 to 5 cm.

19. Assembly according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the packing elements are provided with different thicknesses, said thickness being smaller than the length and width dimensions.

20. 20. An assembly according to any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the filler elements are provided in rows and columns around the circumference of the pile, with channels formed between the columns of filler elements and / or between the rows of filler elements separating the filler elements.

21. 21. An assembly according to any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein each channel has a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis of the channel extending at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the pile, the angle preferably being between 15 and 75 degrees, more preferably about 45 degrees, to the axis.

22. 22. The assembly according to any one of claims 14 to 21, wherein the outer surface of the pile and / or the inner surface of the opening in the footing is provided with a protective coating, and the filler element is provided on the coating.

23. Assembly according to any one of claims 14 to 22, wherein different packing elements have different colours, said different colours indicating different thicknesses of the packing elements.

Images