Method of transporting columnar structures

Abstract

To miniaturize equipment used for temporarily storing columnar structures such as monopiles. [Solution] A method for transporting a horizontal columnar structure (e.g., monopile 1) includes: inserting a flexible lifting device 40 (e.g., a cable-like member 41) under the columnar structure; positioning traveling bodies 22 on both the left and right sides of the columnar structure in the longitudinal direction; attaching the lifting device 40 to a lifting device support section (e.g., a lifting frame 30) mounted on the traveling body 22; raising the lifting device support section relative to the traveling body 22 using a lifting device (e.g., a jack 24) mounted on the traveling body 22, thereby raising the columnar structure via the lifting device 40; and transporting the columnar structure by driving the traveling body 22 while the columnar structure is raised.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for transporting a lying columnar structure.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for transferring a monopile that can form a pile foundation for an offshore wind power generation facility from a transport ship to an onshore transport vehicle. This method includes installing a pair of temporary support gantries on land, unloading the monopile from the transport ship, placing both ends of the monopile on the pair of temporary support gantries in a lying state, and transferring the monopile placed on the pair of temporary support gantries to the transport vehicle. Patent Document 1 also discloses constructing a pair of crushed stone mounts on the floor surface of the temporary storage area for placing both ends of the monopile in a lying state.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, when transferring the monopile placed on a pair of temporary support gantries to a transport vehicle, it is necessary for the transport vehicle to enter under the lying monopile. To secure the space for the transport vehicle to enter, the temporary support gantry may require a height of about 2 m, for example. The same applies to the aforementioned crushed stone mount.

[0005] By the way, in future construction of offshore wind power generation facilities, the wind turbines will be enlarged, so the size of the monopile can also be about 10 m in diameter. The temporary storage facilities (such as the aforementioned temporary support gantries and crushed stone mounts) for monopiles of such a size may become excessive. There is a problem that excessive temporary storage facilities lead to an increase in construction costs.

[0006] In view of these circumstances, the present invention aims to miniaturize equipment for temporarily storing columnar structures such as monopiles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Therefore, the first aspect of the method for transporting a columnar structure according to the present invention is a method for transporting a horizontal columnar structure. This method includes: inserting a flexible lifting device under the columnar structure; positioning a vehicle on both the left and right sides of the columnar structure in the longitudinal direction; attaching a lifting device to a lifting device support mounted on the vehicle; raising the lifting device support relative to the vehicle using a lifting device mounted on the vehicle, thereby raising the columnar structure via the lifting device; and transporting the columnar structure by driving the vehicle while the columnar structure is raised.

[0008] A second aspect of the method for transporting a columnar structure according to the present invention is a method for transporting a horizontal columnar structure. This method includes: inserting a flexible lifting device under the columnar structure; positioning a vehicle on both the left and right sides of the columnar structure in the longitudinal direction; attaching a lifting device to a lifting device support mounted on the vehicle; raising the columnar structure via the lifting device by moving the lifting device support relative to the vehicle using a moving device mounted on the vehicle; and transporting the columnar structure by driving the vehicle while the columnar structure is raised.

[0009] A third aspect of the method for transporting a columnar structure according to the present invention is a method for transporting a columnar structure that is placed on the main body of a support frame and lying down. This method includes: positioning a traveling body below the arms of the support frame on both the left and right sides in the longitudinal direction of the columnar structure; raising the arms of the support frame relative to the traveling body using a lifting device mounted on the traveling body, thereby raising the columnar structure via the main body of the support frame; and transporting the columnar structure by traveling the traveling body while the columnar structure is raised. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, since the vehicle does not enter directly beneath the horizontal columnar structure, the temporary storage equipment for the columnar structure can be made smaller. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of an offshore wind power generation facility. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the transport equipment in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a multi-axle bogie in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a front view of the transport equipment in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows the schematic configuration of the lifting frame in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of an example of a temporary support stand in the first embodiment described above. [Figure 7] This figure shows the method for transporting the monopile in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a front view of a transport equipment according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This figure shows the method for transporting the monopile in the second embodiment described above. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below. In the following description, a monopile that can constitute a pile foundation for offshore wind power generation equipment will be given as an example of the "columnar structure" of the present invention, but the "columnar structure" of the present invention is not limited to this.

[0013] First, we will explain a typical example of offshore wind power generation equipment based on the schematic diagram in Figure 1.

[0014] The offshore wind power generation facility 70 has a monopile 1, a transition piece 2, a tower 3, a nacelle (power generation unit) 4, and a plurality of blades 5.

[0015] The monopile 1 is a columnar structure having a circular cross-section, a cylindrical structure, a pile-like structure, and is driven into the ground (subsea ground) deeper than the subsea BW to form a pile foundation for the offshore wind power generation facility 70. The upper end of the monopile 1 is positioned above the water surface DL.

[0016] The transition piece 2 is a tower-like structure for adjusting the verticality connected to the upper end of the monopile 1, and the inner circumference of the lower end of the transition piece 2 is connected and fixed in a state of fitting to the outer circumference of the upper end of the monopile 1.

[0017] The tower 3 is erected on the upper end of the transition piece 2. Incidentally, a deck (scaffolding facility) 2d for installing the tower 3 and maintaining and managing the power generation facility is provided at the upper end of the transition piece 2.

[0018] The nacelle 4 is a power generation unit installed at the top of the tower 3. The blades 5 are attached to the front end of the horizontal axis (rotor shaft) of the nacelle 4, are arranged radially in a plurality, and rotate by wind power to generate power in the nacelle 4.

[0019] When installing a large number of the offshore wind power generation facilities 70 described above in the sea near the port, the constituent members (monopile 1, transition piece 2, tower 3, nacelle 4, and blade 5) of the offshore wind power generation facility 70 are transported by a carrier ship from overseas for all the bases and then constructed (driving of the monopile 1, installation of the transition piece 2, tower 3, nacelle 4, and blade 5).

[0020] Also, when dividing into foundation construction (driving of the monopile 1 and installation of the transition piece 2) and upper construction (installation of the tower 3, nacelle 4, and blade 5 which are wind turbine members), the foundation construction will be carried out after the monopiles 1 and transition pieces 2 for all the bases are transported.

[0021] However, since the components for the foundation construction of all the units (monopile 1 and transition piece 2) are transported from overseas in multiple shipments by ship, this transport process can take anywhere from one to several years.

[0022] Therefore, if construction is to begin only after all the necessary components for the foundation have been assembled, the components will need to be unloaded from the transport ship each time it arrives, transported to a temporary storage area, and temporarily stored there, which can last for several years.

[0023] Furthermore, when construction takes place a few years later, the equipment will be transported from the temporary storage area to the dock and loaded directly onto the offshore wind turbine installation vessel, or loaded onto a transport vessel and supplied to the offshore wind turbine installation vessel.

[0024] This embodiment is a method for transporting the monopile 1 from the dock to the temporary storage area (or from the temporary storage area to the dock) using transport equipment and temporarily storing it in the above-described case. Monopile 1 is required to be transported in a lying position (lying down, with a low center of gravity) and temporarily placed in the same lying position. In this embodiment, the monopile 1 has a diameter of approximately 8 to 12 m and a length of approximately 85 to 100 m in the longitudinal direction.

[0025] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the transport equipment in the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of a multi-axle trolley. Specifically, Figure 3(a) is a side view of an example of a multi-axle trolley, and Figure 3(b) is a diagram showing the jack-up state and jack-down state corresponding to the view of arrow AA in Figure 3(a). Figure 4 is a front view of the transport equipment. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the lifting frame. Specifically, Figure 5(a) is a partial enlargement of part P in Figure 4, and Figure 5(b) is a view of arrow BB in Figure 5(a). Note that in Figures 2 and 4, the multi-axle trolley is simplified and shown as a rectangular parallelepiped and a rectangle. Furthermore, the longitudinal direction of the lying monopile 1 is defined as the front-rear direction, and the front-rear and left-right directions are defined below in the following explanation.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the transport equipment 10 in this embodiment is composed of a plurality of multi-axle carriages 20 (four in this embodiment), a plurality of lifting frames 30 provided on each multi-axle carriage 20 (three on each in this embodiment), and a lifting device 40 consisting of a plurality of cable-like members 41 (six in this embodiment). However, the number of each of the multi-axle carriages 20, lifting frames 30, and cable-like members 41 that constitute the transport equipment 10 is not limited to those described above. For example, a pair of left and right multi-axle carriages 20 may be provided with a pair of left and right lifting frames 30, and one cable-like member 41 may be provided for this pair of left and right lifting frames 30.

[0027] In the transport equipment 10 of this embodiment, four multi-axle trolleys 20 are arranged on the left front side, right front side, left rear side, and right rear side of the monopile 1, respectively. In other words, a pair of left and right multi-axle trolleys 20 are arranged on the front side of the monopile 1, and another pair of left and right multi-axle trolleys 20 are arranged on the rear side of the monopile 1.

[0028] As shown in Figures 3(a) and (b), the multi-axle trolley 20 comprises a running body 22 having multiple wheels 21, a loading platform 23, and a jack (loading platform lifting jack) 24 mounted on the running body 22 for raising and lowering the loading platform 23 relative to the running body 22. Here, the jack 24 is an example of the "lifting device" and "moving device" of the present invention, and can realize the functions of the said "lifting device" and "moving device".

[0029] The vehicle 22, which travels on the floor (including the ground), has two pairs of coaxial wheels 21 in the lateral direction (see Figure 3(a)) and sixteen pairs in the longitudinal direction (see Figure 3(a)), resulting in a 32-axis configuration. Each pair of wheels 21 is capable of rotatable around its respective vertical axis. Note that the number of wheels 21 on the vehicle 22 is not limited to those described above.

[0030] The loading platform 23 of the multi-axle trolley 20 can be raised and lowered (jacked up and jacked down) by the extension and retraction of the jacks 24. Figure 3(a) shows the jacked-up state with the loading platform 23 raised (the jacked-up state of the multi-axle trolley 20, or in other words, the jacked-up state of the transport equipment 10) and the jacked-down state with the loading platform 23 lowered (the jacked-down state of the multi-axle trolley 20, or in other words, the jacked-down state of the transport equipment 10). Furthermore, Figure 3(i) shows the height H1 of the multi-axle trolley 20 in the jacked-up state and the height H2 of the multi-axle trolley 20 in the jacked-down state. Naturally, H1 > H2.

[0031] In this embodiment, four independent multi-axle trolleys 20 are configured to be able to move in conjunction with each other, thereby enabling stable movement of the transport equipment 10. Furthermore, each multi-axle bogie 20 may be constructed by connecting multiple small multi-axle bogies in series in the front-to-back direction.

[0032] As shown in Figure 4, the lifting frame 30 is positioned to sandwich the lower part of the monopile 1 from both the left and right sides. Here, the lifting frame 30 is an example of the "lifting device support part" of the present invention. The lifting frame 30 also serves as a stopper to restrict the lateral movement of the monopile 1. The lifting frame 30 is mounted on the running body 22 of the multi-axle trolley 20 via the base portion 35 and the loading platform 23 of the multi-axle trolley 20.

[0033] The pair of left and right lifting frames 30 shown in Figure 4 are symmetrical and have the same configuration. In the following, the right-hand lifting frame 30 of the pair of left and right lifting frames 30 shown in Figure 4 will be described using Figures 4 and 5.

[0034] The lifting frame 30 comprises a triangular frame 31 in front view. The frame 31 has a first plate-like portion 31a, a second plate-like portion 31b, and a third plate-like portion 31c that form its triangular outer shell, and reinforcing ribs 31d that extend radially from the center of gravity position 31g in this triangular shape toward the three corners 31p, 31q, and 31r. The frame 31 is made of steel, for example.

[0035] The triangular frame 31 has a corner 31p located on its upper side, a corner 31q located on the side closer to the monopile 1 (lower left side in Figure 5(a)), and a corner 31r located on the side further away from the monopile 1 (lower right side in Figure 5(a)). The first plate-like portion 31a extends from corner 31p toward corner 31q. The second plate-like portion 31b extends from corner 31p toward corner 31r. The third plate-like portion 31c extends from corner 31q toward corner 31r. The first plate-like portion 31a may be bent or curved to match the outer circumference shape of the adjacent monopile 1.

[0036] A pair of front and rear rollers 32 are provided at the corners 31p of the frame 31, allowing them to rotate freely around an axis 32a extending in the front-rear direction. The monopile 1 can contact the rollers 32. The rollers 32 are made of resin or metal.

[0037] A pair of front and rear rollers 33 are provided at the corners 31q of the frame 31, allowing them to rotate freely around an axis 33a extending in the front-rear direction. The monopile 1 can contact the rollers 33. The rollers 33 are made of resin or metal.

[0038] The corners 31r of the frame 31 are fixed to the base 35 by a pin structure using pins 34 that extend in the front-rear direction. The base 35 is installed on the loading platform 23 of the multi-axle bogie 20. In this embodiment, the base 35 is made of H-shaped steel. Because the corners 31r of the frame 31 are fixed to the base 35 by a pin structure using pins 34, the frame 31 can pivot around the pins 34 as the pivot point.

[0039] A tubular member 36 extends from the second plate-shaped portion 31b to the third plate-shaped portion 31c of the frame 31, penetrating them. A cable-like member 41 (suspension device 40) can be inserted into the tubular member 36. The tubular member 36 is made of, for example, steel.

[0040] A seat portion 37 for receiving the plate 45 is provided near the open end on the second plate-like portion 31b side of the tubular member 36.

[0041] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the lifting device 40 is composed of multiple (six in this embodiment) cable-like members 41 extending to the left and right. These cable-like members 41 are arranged at intervals along the longitudinal direction (front-to-back direction) of the monopile 1. In this embodiment, the cable-like members 41 are described as PC steel wires, but the cable-like members 41 may also be belt slings.

[0042] As shown in Figures 2, 4, and 5(a), the cable-like member 41 is provided with manhole sections 42 at both ends. The manhole sections 42 have male threads, and nuts 48 are screwed onto these male threads.

[0043] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the right end of the cable-like member 41 passes through the tubular member 36 of the right-side lifting frame 30 and is fixed to the seat portion 37 of the right-side lifting frame 30 by a plate 45 and a nut 48. The left end of the cable-like member 41 also passes through the tubular member 36 of the left-side lifting frame 30 and is fixed to the seat portion 37 of the left-side lifting frame 30 by a plate 45 and a nut 48. The intermediate portion of the cable-like member 41 between the left and right ends can abut against the lower part of the monopile 1 so as to embrace it.

[0044] Figure 4 shows a temporary support frame 50 for temporarily placing the monopile 1. The temporary support frame 50 is composed of multiple base materials 51 extending to the left and right. The base materials 51 are made of steel, such as H-beams. The height of the base materials 51 is preferably 200 to 600 mm, and more preferably 300 to 500 mm. Stopper members 52 may be provided at both ends of the base materials 51 to restrict the movement of the monopile 1 in the left and right direction. In addition, the generation of concentrated loads may be suppressed by interposing a cushioning material, such as EPS (expanded polystyrene) or rubber, between the base materials 51 and the monopile 1, and / or between the stopper members 52 and the monopile 1.

[0045] Figure 6 is a perspective view of an example of a temporary support frame 50. In this example, the temporary support frame 50 is composed of four bedding materials 51. In this embodiment, temporary support frames 50, each containing four bedding materials 51, are placed on the front and rear sides of the monopile 1. The configuration of the temporary support frame 50 (material, dimensions, number, spacing of the bedding materials 51, etc.) can be appropriately set according to the dimensions and weight of the monopile 1.

[0046] Each floor covering material 51 is placed on a steel plate 53 laid on the floor surface. Cable-like members 41 can be placed in the space 54 between adjacent floor covering materials 51 in the front-to-back direction.

[0047] Next, the method for transporting the monopile 1 in this embodiment will be explained using Figures 2 to 6, as well as Figure 7. Figure 7 shows the method for transporting the monopile 1 in this embodiment. In Figure 7, the monopile 1 is shown by a dashed line. Also, Figure 7 illustrates only the main parts of the method for transporting the monopile 1.

[0048] [Monopile temporary placement process] First, as shown in Figure 7(a), the monopile 1 is placed on top of multiple bedding materials 51 in a lying position. For example, when unloading the monopile 1 from a transport ship, the monopile 1 in its lying position is lifted by a crane or similar device and lowered onto the multiple bedding materials 51.

[0049] [Lifting device placement process] Next, as shown in Figure 7(a), the cable-like member 41 is passed through the space 54 between the bedding materials 51 beneath the monopile 1, thereby allowing the cable-like member 41 to tuck beneath the monopile 1.

[0050] [Traction body arrangement process] Next, as shown in Figure 7(c), two multi-axle trolleys 20 are placed on each side of the monopile 1 in the longitudinal direction. In this step, each multi-axle trolley 20 is in a jacked-down state.

[0051] [Installation of lifting equipment and tensioning process] Next, as shown in Figure 7(c), the cable-like member 41 is attached to the lifting frame 30, and tension is applied to the cable-like member 41 to bring it into contact with the monopile 1 (eliminating any slack in the cable-like member 41 and making it taut). In this step, for example, one end of the cable-like member 41 is fixed to one of the left and right lifting frames 30, and tension is applied to the cable-like member 41 by pulling the other end of the cable-like member 41. After that, the other end is fixed to the other of the left and right lifting frames 30. Note that when tension is applied, the lowest part of the monopile 1 is positioned lower than the loading platform 23 of the multi-axle trolley 20.

[0052] [Monopile lifting process] Next, the extension of the jacks 24 of the multi-axle trolley 20 raises (moves upward) the lifting frame 30 via the loading platform 23 (jacking it up), thereby lifting the monopile 1 off the ground via the cable-like members 41. During this jacking up, the lifting frame 30 is pressed against the monopile 1 by the tensile force of the cable-like members 41, but the multiple rollers 32 and 33 of the lifting frame 30 that are in contact with the monopile 1 act to support the monopile 1, making it possible to jack it up in a stable state. Even during this jacking up, the lowest part of the monopile 1 is positioned lower than the loading platform 23 of the multi-axle trolley 20.

[0053] [Monopile transport process] Next, with the monopile 1 raised, the transport equipment 10 (four multi-axle trolleys 20) is driven to transport the monopile 1. In this way, the transport equipment 10 can carry the monopile 1 like a hammock.

[0054] Furthermore, after the monopile 1 has been transported to its destination (for example, to the temporary storage area if the monopile 1 is to be transported from the dock to the temporary storage area) by the transport equipment 10, the reverse process of the above-described process may be carried out. The following is an example.

[0055] [Monopile descent process] By shortening the jacks 24 of the multi-axle trolley 20, the lifting frame 30 is lowered (moved downward) via the loading platform 23 (by jacking down), and the monopile 1 is lowered via the cable-like members 41 and placed on multiple bedding materials 51.

[0056] [Lifting and Removal Process] Next, the tension on the cable-like member 41 is released, and the fixed state between the cable-like member 41 and the lifting frame 30 is released (the cable-like member 41 is removed from the lifting frame 30).

[0057] [Traction to move the vehicle away] Next, the four multi-axle bogies 20 are moved away from the monopile 1.

[0058] [Removal process of lifting equipment] Next, the cable-like members 41 located in the space 54 between the bedding materials 51 beneath the monopile 1 are removed.

[0059] Furthermore, the above-mentioned lifting device placement process and the vehicle placement process may be carried out in either order, or they may be carried out in parallel (for example, simultaneously). Furthermore, the above-mentioned process of retracting the vehicle body and the process of removing the suspension equipment may be carried out in either order, or they may be carried out in parallel (for example, simultaneously).

[0060] In this embodiment, it is preferable that the multi-axle trolley 20 can travel with the lifting frame 30 always installed on the loading platform 23 of the multi-axle trolley 20. However, the lifting frame 30 may be installed on the loading platform 23 of the multi-axle trolley 20 at any time prior to the lifting device installation and tensioning process described above. Alternatively, the lifting frame 30 may be removed from the loading platform 23 of the multi-axle trolley 20 after the lifting device loosening and removal process described above.

[0061] According to this embodiment, the method for transporting a horizontal columnar structure (e.g., monopile 1) involves inserting a flexible lifting device 40 (e.g., a cable-like member 41) under the columnar structure (e.g., monopile 1), positioning traveling bodies 22 on both the left and right sides of the columnar structure (e.g., monopile 1) in the longitudinal direction (front-to-back direction), and attaching the lifting device 40 (e.g., cable-like member 41) to a lifting device support part (e.g., lifting frame 30) mounted on the traveling body 22. The process includes attaching the support for the lifting device (e.g., a lifting frame 30) to the vehicle 22 using a lifting device (e.g., a jack 24) mounted on the vehicle 22, thereby raising the columnar structure (e.g., a monopile 1) via the lifting device 40 (e.g., a cable-like member 41), and transporting the columnar structure (e.g., a monopile 1) by driving the vehicle 22 while the columnar structure (e.g., a monopile 1) is raised. This allows for the use of a compact (low-height) temporary storage frame 50 as equipment for temporarily storing the columnar structure (e.g., a monopile 1).

[0062] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the method for transporting a horizontal columnar structure (e.g., monopile 1) involves inserting a flexible lifting device 40 (e.g., a cable-like member 41) under the columnar structure (e.g., monopile 1), arranging traveling bodies 22 on both the left and right sides of the columnar structure (e.g., monopile 1) in the longitudinal direction (front-to-back direction), and attaching the lifting device 40 (e.g., cable-like member 41) to a lifting device support part (e.g., lifting frame 30) mounted on the traveling body 22. The process includes attaching the structure and moving the lifting support section (e.g., lifting frame 30) relative to the traveling body 22 using a moving device (e.g., jack 24) mounted on the traveling body 22, thereby raising the columnar structure (e.g., monopile 1) via the lifting device 40 (e.g., cable-like member 41), and transporting the columnar structure (e.g., monopile 1) by driving the traveling body 22 while the columnar structure (e.g., monopile 1) is raised. This allows for the use of a compact (low-height) temporary storage frame 50 as equipment for temporarily storing the columnar structure (e.g., monopile 1).

[0063] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the lifting device 40 is composed of a plurality of cable-like members 41 extending to the left and right, and the plurality of cable-like members 41 are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction (front-to-back direction) of the columnar structure (e.g., monopile 1). The cable-like members 41 are preferably PC steel wire or belt slings. This allows the lifting device 40 to have a simple structure.

[0064] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the method for transporting a horizontal columnar structure (e.g., monopile 1) further includes placing the columnar structure (e.g., monopile 1) on a temporary support frame 50 before inserting the lifting device 40 (e.g., cable-like member 41) under the columnar structure (e.g., monopile 1). The temporary support frame 50 is composed of a plurality of bedding materials 51 extending to the left and right. The plurality of bedding materials 51 are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction (front-to-back direction) of the columnar structure (e.g., monopile 1). The lifting device 40 (e.g., cable-like member 41) is then inserted under the columnar structure (e.g., monopile 1) by passing it through the spaces 54 between the bedding materials 51. This allows the suspension device 40 (for example, a cable-like member 41) to be easily inserted under a columnar structure (for example, a monopile 1).

[0065] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the columnar structure (e.g., monopile 1) constitutes the pile foundation for the offshore wind power generation facility 70. By using the transportation method of this embodiment for such heavy columnar structures (e.g., monopile 1), the multi-axle trolley 20 does not enter directly beneath the lying columnar structure (e.g., monopile 1), and therefore the temporary storage equipment for the columnar structure (e.g., monopile 1) can be made smaller.

[0066] In this embodiment, the jack 24 of the multi-axle trolley 20 was described as an example of the "lifting device" and "moving device" of the present invention. However, it goes without saying that any device capable of realizing the functions of the "lifting device" of the present invention (i.e., the function of raising the lifting device support section (e.g., lifting frame 30) relative to the traveling body 22) and the "moving device" of the present invention (i.e., the function of moving the lifting device support section (e.g., lifting frame 30) relative to the traveling body 22) can be used instead of the jack 24. Furthermore, for example, the "moving device" may have at least one of the functions of moving the lifting device support section in the vertical direction and moving it in the horizontal direction (e.g., left-right direction) relative to the traveling body 22.

[0067] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a front view of the transport equipment 10' in this embodiment. The differences from the first embodiment described above will now be explained.

[0068] In this embodiment, the transport equipment 10' includes a support frame 60 for supporting the monopile 1, instead of the lifting frame 30, lifting device 40, and temporary support frame 50 described above. The support frame 60 has a main body 60a and arm portions 60b extending to the left and right from the main body 60a. The support frame 60 is composed of a plurality of steel members 61 extending to the left and right, and the plurality of steel members 61 are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction (front and back direction) of the monopile 1 (see Figure 9(a)). The steel members 61 are rigid and can be made of, for example, H-shaped steel. The number of steel members 61 constituting the support frame 60 and the spacing between them can be appropriately set according to the dimensions and weight of the monopile 1.

[0069] As shown in Figure 8, the steel member 61 comprises a first portion 61a extending left and right on which the monopile 1 is placed, an inclined portion 61b1 extending upward and to the left from the left end of the first portion 61a, a second portion 61c1 extending to the left from the upper end of the inclined portion 61b1, an inclined portion 61b2 extending upward and to the right from the right end of the first portion 61a, and a second portion 61c2 extending to the right from the upper end of the inclined portion 61b2. In other words, the steel member 61 is bent in a gull-wing shape when viewed from the front, and the second portions 61c1 and 61c2 are located higher than the first portion 61a.

[0070] A seat portion 62 on which the monopile 1 is seated may be provided on the first portion 61a of the steel material 61. The lower part of the monopile 1 can be accommodated in the U-shaped portion in front view, which is formed by the first portion 61a of the steel material 61 and the inclined portions 61b1, 61b2. A cushioning material, for example made of EPS or rubber, may be interposed between the first portion 61a of the steel material 61 and the monopile 1, between the seat portion 62 and the monopile 1, and / or between the inclined portions 61b1, 61b2 of the steel material 61 and the monopile 1.

[0071] Here, the main body 60a of the support frame 60 is composed of a first portion 61a of a plurality of steel members 61. The left arm 60b of the support frame 60 is composed of an inclined portion 61b1 and a second portion 61c1 of a plurality of steel members 61. The right arm 60b of the support frame 60 is composed of an inclined portion 61b2 and a second portion 61c2 of a plurality of steel members 61.

[0072] The height of the first portion 61a of the steel material 61 (the height of the main body portion 60a of the support frame 60) is preferably 200 to 600 mm, and more preferably 300 to 500 mm.

[0073] Next, the method for transporting the monopile 1 in this embodiment will be explained using Figure 9 in addition to Figure 8. Figure 9 shows the method for transporting the monopile 1 in this embodiment. In Figure 9, the monopile 1 is shown by a dashed line. Also, Figure 9 illustrates only the main parts of the method for transporting the monopile 1.

[0074] [Monopile temporary placement process] First, as shown in Figure 9(a), the monopile 1 is placed on the main body 60a (the first part 61a of the multiple steel members 61) of the support frame 60 in a lying position. For example, when unloading the monopile 1 from a transport ship, the monopile 1 in its lying position is lifted by a crane or the like and lowered onto the main body 60a (the first part 61a of the multiple steel members 61) of the support frame 60. In other words, the support frame 60 can function as a temporary storage frame for temporarily placing the monopile 1.

[0075] [Traction body arrangement process] Next, as shown in Figure 9(a), two multi-axle trolleys 20 are placed front to back on both the left and right sides of the monopile 1 in the longitudinal direction, below the arm portions 60b of the support frame 60 (the second portions 61c1, 61c2 of the multiple steel members 61). In this step, each multi-axle trolley 20 is in a jacked-down state.

[0076] [Monopile lifting process] Next, as shown in Figure 8, with a beam member 65 interposed between the arm portion 60b of the support frame 60 (the second portion 61c1, 61c2 of the multiple steel members 61) and the loading platform 23 of the multi-axle trolley 20, the extension operation of the jack 24 of the multi-axle trolley 20 raises (moves upward) the arm portion 60b of the support frame 60 (the second portion 61c1, 61c2 of the multiple steel members 61) relative to the traveling body 22 via the loading platform 23 and the beam member 65 (by jacking up), thereby raising (lifting) the monopile 1 via the main body portion 60a of the support frame 60 (the first portion 61a of the multiple steel members 61). Note that at this jacking-up stage, the lowest point of the monopile 1 is positioned lower than the loading platform 23 of the multi-axle trolley 20.

[0077] Here, the beam member 65 extends in the longitudinal direction (front-to-back direction) of the monopile 1 and can be formed from, for example, an H-shaped steel. In this regard, Figures 9(a) and (b) show an example in which the support frame 60 is composed of eight steel members 61. In this example, as shown in Figure 9(b), the second portions 61c1 and 61c2 of the four front steel members 61 are supported by a pair of front left and right multi-axle carriages 20 via a pair of front left and right beam members 65, and the second portions 61c1 and 61c2 of the four rear steel members 61 are supported by a pair of rear left and right multi-axle carriages 20 via a pair of rear left and right beam members 65.

[0078] Furthermore, in the vehicle positioning process, the beam member 65 may be positioned below the arm portion 60b (second portions 61c1, 61c2 of the multiple steel members 61) of the support frame 60 while remaining on the loading platform 23 of the multi-axle trolley 20. Alternatively, in the vehicle positioning process, after placing the multi-axle trolley 20 in a jacked-down state below the arm portion 60b (second portions 61c1, 61c2 of the multiple steel members 61) of the support frame 60, the beam member 65 may be inserted between the loading platform 23 of the multi-axle trolley 20 and the arm portion 60b (second portions 61c1, 61c2 of the multiple steel members 61).

[0079] [Monopile transport process] Next, with the monopile 1 raised, the transport equipment 10' (four multi-axle trolleys 20) is driven to transport the monopile 1. In this way, the transport equipment 10' can transport the monopile 1 as if carrying a portable shrine.

[0080] Furthermore, after the monopile 1 has been transported to its destination (for example, to the temporary storage area if the monopile 1 is to be transported from the dock to the temporary storage area) by the transport equipment 10', the reverse of the above process may be carried out. The following is an example.

[0081] [Monopile descent process] By shortening the jacks 24 of the multi-axle trolley 20, the arms 60b (second parts 61c1, 61c2 of the multiple steel members 61) of the support frame 60 are lowered (moved downward) via the loading platform 23 and beam members 65 (by jacking down), thereby lowering the main body 60a (first part 61a of the multiple steel members 61) of the support frame 60 and placing it on the floor. At this time, the monopile 1 may be placed on the floor via a temporary support frame (not shown) separate from the support frame 60, without going through the support frame 60. In this case, the height of the loading surface of the monopile 1 on the temporary support frame must be higher than the height of the main body 60a of the support frame 60 (height of the first part 61a of the steel members 61).

[0082] [Traction to move the vehicle away] Next, the four multi-axle bogies 20 are moved away from the monopile 1. The beam members 65 may be moved away from the monopile 1 together with the multi-axle bogies 20 while still resting on the loading platform 23 of the multi-axle bogies 20, or they may be removed separately from the moving of the multi-axle bogies 20 from the monopile 1.

[0083] In particular, according to this embodiment, the method for transporting a columnar structure (e.g., monopile 1) that is placed on the main body 60a of the support frame 60 and lying down includes: positioning a traveling body 22 below the arms 60b of the support frame 60 on both the left and right sides of the columnar structure (e.g., monopile 1) in the longitudinal direction (front-to-back direction); raising the arms 60b of the support frame 60 relative to the traveling body 22 using a lifting device (e.g., jack 24) mounted on the traveling body 22, thereby raising the columnar structure (e.g., monopile 1) via the main body 60a of the support frame 60; and transporting the columnar structure (e.g., monopile 1) by traveling the traveling body 22 while the columnar structure (e.g., monopile 1) is raised. This makes it possible to transport the support frame 60, which can function as a temporary storage frame for temporarily placing the columnar structure (e.g., monopile 1), together with the columnar structure (e.g., monopile 1).

[0084] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the support frame 60 is composed of steel members 61 extending to the left and right, and the steel members 61 include a first part 61a that constitutes the main body 60a of the support frame 60, and second parts 61c1 and 61c2 that constitute the arm parts 60b of the support frame 60. The second parts 61c1 and 61c2 of the steel members 61 are positioned higher than the first part 61a of the steel members 61, and the traveling body 22 can be positioned below the second parts 61c1 and 61c2. This allows the support frame 60 to have a simple configuration.

[0085] In the above description, the columnar structure to be transported and temporarily stored was described as a monopile 1 of an offshore wind power generation facility 70, but the present invention is not limited to this and is applicable to columnar structures in general.

[0086] In the above explanation, the cross-sectional shape of the columnar structure was assumed to be circular, but this cross-sectional shape is not limited to a circle; for example, it may be elliptical or rectangular.

[0087] The illustrated embodiments are merely illustrative of the present invention, and it goes without saying that the present invention includes not only those directly shown by the described embodiments, but also various improvements and modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1...Monopile (columnar structure), 2...Transition piece, 2d...Deck, 3...Tower, 4...Nacelle, 5...Blade, 10,10'...Transport equipment, 20...Multi-axle trolley, 21...Wheel, 22...Running body, 23...Loading platform, 24...Jack (lifting device, moving device), 30...Lifting frame (lifting device support part), 31...Frame, 31a...First plate-shaped part, 31b...Second plate-shaped part, 31c...Third plate-shaped part, 31d...Reinforcement rib, 31g...Center of gravity, 31p,31q,31r...Corner, 32...Roller, 32a...Axle, 33...Roller, 33 a...Axis, 34...Pin, 35...Base, 36...Tubular member, 37...Seat, 40...Hanging device, 41...Cable-like member, 42...Apartment section, 45...Plate, 48...Nut, 50...Temporary mounting frame, 51...Pavement material, 52...Stopper member, 53...Steel plate, 54...Space, 60...Support frame, 60a...Main body, 60b...Arm section, 61...Steel material, 61a...First section, 61b1,61b2...Inclined section, 61c1,61c2...Second section, 62...Seat, 65...Beam member, 70...Offshore wind power generation equipment, BW...Seabed, DL...Water surface, H1,H2...Height

Claims

1. A method for transporting a horizontal columnar structure, The flexible suspension device is inserted beneath the columnar structure, The running bodies are positioned on both the left and right sides of the columnar structure in the longitudinal direction, The suspension device is attached to the suspension device support portion mounted on the aforementioned traveling body, The lifting device mounted on the vehicle raises the suspension support portion relative to the vehicle, thereby raising the columnar structure via the suspension. The columnar structure is transported by moving the vehicle while the columnar structure is raised, A method for transporting columnar structures, including [the specified element].

2. A method for transporting a horizontal columnar structure, The flexible suspension device is inserted beneath the columnar structure, The running bodies are positioned on both the left and right sides of the columnar structure in the longitudinal direction, The suspension device is attached to the suspension device support portion mounted on the aforementioned vehicle, The moving device mounted on the aforementioned vehicle moves the suspension support portion relative to the vehicle, thereby raising the columnar structure via the suspension. The columnar structure is transported by moving the vehicle while the columnar structure is raised, A method for transporting columnar structures, including [the specified element].

3. The aforementioned suspension device is composed of multiple cable-like members extending to the left and right, The method for transporting a columnar structure according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the plurality of cable-like members are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the columnar structure.

4. The method for transporting a columnar structure according to claim 3, wherein the cable-like member is a PC steel wire or a belt sling.

5. Prior to inserting the suspension device under the columnar structure, the method further includes placing the columnar structure on a temporary support stand. The aforementioned temporary support structure is composed of multiple base materials extending to the left and right, The aforementioned plurality of paving materials are arranged at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the columnar structure. A method for transporting a columnar structure according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the lifting device is passed between the base materials beneath the columnar structure, thereby allowing the lifting device to slide under the columnar structure.

6. A method for transporting a columnar structure that is placed on the main body of a support frame and lies horizontally, The traveling body is positioned below the arms of the support frame on both the left and right sides in the longitudinal direction of the columnar structure, The lifting device mounted on the vehicle raises the arm portion of the support frame relative to the vehicle, thereby raising the columnar structure via the main body portion of the support frame. The columnar structure is transported by moving the vehicle while the columnar structure is raised, A method for transporting columnar structures, including [the specified element].

7. The aforementioned support frame is composed of steel members extending to the left and right, The steel material includes a first part that constitutes the main body and a second part that constitutes the arm, The method for transporting a columnar structure according to claim 6, wherein the second portion is located at a higher position than the first portion, and the traveling body can be positioned below the second portion.

8. A method for transporting a columnar structure according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 6, wherein the columnar structure constitutes a pile foundation for an offshore wind power generation facility.

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