Slip joint with filler

Abstract

A slip joint between a platform (3) and a pile (2), wherein the pile has a first surface area at or near the upper end of the pile, the platform has an opening at least partially defined by a second surface area, and the slip joint between the first surface area and the second surface area is provided with at least one pad (9) made at least partially of a flexible material, the at least one pad having a main surface (33) facing one of the first surface area (6) and the second surface area (7), and an opposite secondary surface (34) facing the other of the first surface area (6) and the second surface area (7), wherein at least the shape (100) of the main surface is such that a portion of the shape can be compressed.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a slip joint. In particular, the present invention relates to a slip joint between a pile and a platform. The present invention further relates to a method for forming such a slip joint, and to a filling element used for forming such a slip joint. [Background technology]

[0002] Slip joints are known in the art for forming connections between piles and platforms, and are used, for example, in offshore and onshore wind turbine generators, power plants, and joints. Conventionally, slip joints are formed between at least a partially truncated conical top of a pile, such as a foundation pile or tower, and a similarly truncated conical opening provided in a transition pile to be attached to the tower or tower section or the pile.

[0003] European Patent No. 3884111 (Patent Document 1) discloses the use of slip joints to attach a platform to a pile. Attaching a platform to the upper end of a pile using a slip joint has the advantage that the platform can be installed by sliding it over the upper end of the pile, and this joint is formed substantially by gravity. However, it has been found that the surfaces of the platform's fitting opening and the surface of the foundation pile, which must come into contact, do not always make proper contact. This is a fundamental difference compared to slip joints conventionally used to connect two tubes that form part of a wind turbine support structure. In conventional slip joint applications, both conical tubes can flex freely in the radial direction, and in this case, the difference in ellipticity between the tubes of the two conical slip joints is compensated for by the radial flexion of the conical tubes, resulting in proper contact with each other. Manufacturing tolerances that can be achieved without incurring excessive manufacturing costs result in surface irregularities, which, when the platform is fitted to the foundation pile, prevent the conical tubes forming part of the platform from deforming due to the platform's inherent radial rigidity, thus hindering proper contact. This can lead to instability of the slip joint and misalignment of the platform and foundation pile. Furthermore, this can lead to excessive surface wear, as well as excessive local forces and stresses in the material, and corrosion. Moreover, this can lead to improper positioning of the platform relative to the foundation pile, particularly in the axial position relative to the upper end of the foundation pile. In other words, the platform may be installed too low or too high and / or tilted on the foundation pile, for example.

[0004] European Patent No. 3443224 (Patent Document 2) discloses a slip joint between a pile and a transition piece, wherein the transition piece provides a connection between the tower of a wind turbine generator and a foundation pile. In this slip joint, a gasket is provided between the inner surface of the transition piece and the outer surface of the pile. The gasket is formed as a tubular elongated body made of an elastomer material, and fits onto the bottom of the transition piece and the top of the pile. The gasket forms a seal between the pile and the transition piece. Furthermore, the gasket is used to accommodate differences in the fitting shapes of the opening and the pile, which result from, for example, the aforementioned manufacturing tolerances.

[0005] Surprisingly, although the gasket known from European Patent No. 3443224 is made of a polymer material and is therefore relatively flexible, it has been found that in use, the gasket fills the entire gap between the fitting surface of the transition piece and the fitting surface of the pile, and the gasket does not overcome the problems of local stress on the surface of the pile and the surface of the transition piece, as well as high pressure and force. Furthermore, these gaskets are difficult to handle both in manufacturing and in use.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] An object of this disclosure is to provide an alternative method for fitting a platform onto the upper end of a pile. An object of this disclosure is to provide a method for fitting a platform onto the upper end of a pile that at least partially overcomes at least one of the problems of the prior art. An object of this disclosure is to provide a method for installing a platform on a pile without using a transition section. An object of this disclosure is to provide a method for installing a platform on a pile that allows a tower of a construction element, such as a wind turbine generator, to be directly attached to the pile above the platform without a transition section.

[0008] The object of this disclosure is to provide a method for forming a slip joint between a platform and a pile, which can easily compensate for manufacturing tolerances of the foundation pile and / or platform. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] At least one of these and other objectives is achieved at least in part by the slip joint or method described herein.

[0010] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a slip joint is formed between a platform and a pile, the pile having a first surface area at or near its upper end, and the platform having an opening at least partially defined by a second surface area. The slip joint between the first surface area and the second surface area is provided with at least one pad or tile made of at least partially flexible material. The at least one pad or tile has a main surface facing one of the first and second surface areas and an opposite secondary surface facing the other of the first and second surface areas, wherein the surface shape of at least the main surface is such that a portion of the shape can be compressed.

[0011] The external shape that allows for partial compression of the above-mentioned external shape has the advantage that one or more pads or one or more tiles can easily conform to the shape of the space between the platform and the pile on which they are installed, resulting in reduced or prevented localized stresses and a more even distribution of the gravitational force acting on the platform onto one or more pads and thus onto the outer surface of the pile.

[0012] When the space between the platform and the pile is filled using gaskets as disclosed in the prior art, the gaskets are found to be either noncompressible or, at least, not compressible enough to accommodate displacements and / or geometric deviations, for example, due to manufacturing tolerances. Because these gaskets are completely enclosed and have curved, closed surfaces that are in close contact with the relevant surface areas of the platform and the pile, there is insufficient possibility that they will conform to their shape by compression. The gaskets are hydrostatically locked in place between the two surfaces of the conical slip joint and do not have free space for the material to deform to conform to its shape in order to facilitate the necessary deformation. As a result, unwanted excessive stress on the platform and / or the pile, as well as / or displacement of the platform relative to the pile, still exist. By enabling compression according to this disclosure, this problem is mitigated at least significantly.

[0013] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the shape comprises or is formed by an array of openings on the main surface. These openings allow the material of a pad surrounding the openings to deform into the openings when compressed. The material can, for example, bulge into the openings, allowing the main surface to conform to a first or second surface it faces without excessive stress. The material pushed into the openings will at least partially fill the openings, thereby reducing their size.

[0014] In the embodiment, at least some of the openings may have closed ends that are spaced relative to the main surface, for example, on or near a secondary surface. Such closed ends can reduce the possibility of undesirable deformation of the pad, particularly before and during adhesion of the pad to the surface of a pile or platform. Furthermore, this increases the surface area of ​​the secondary surface suitable for adhesion compared to openings that extend throughout the entire thickness of the pad.

[0015] In the embodiment, at least some of the openings can be substantially truncated cones, and the cross-sectional size of the openings decreases toward the main surface. Such openings may have the effect of improving pad stability and pressure distribution, as the force required to further compress the pad increases as it is compressed in the opening. Making the openings conical can further improve manufacturability.

[0016] The opening preferably defines a significant portion of the surface area of ​​the main surface, for example, more than 20%, for example, 20-80%. The opening preferably has a relatively large cross-section compared to the thickness of the pad. For example, the opening is πR 2 It can have a surface area equal to , where R is 0.25 to 2 times the thickness of the pad at the relevant opening. This is, for example, the surface area of ​​a circle with radius R.

[0017] The openings can be arranged in a regular pattern, such as rows and / or columns, or, for example, in a matrix. Such a configuration can improve the distribution of loads and stresses.

[0018] The openings can be fabricated in advance, that is, they can be made during the manufacturing of the pad or tile, or they can be made after the pad is formed by perforation, cutting, pressing, or other means, or they can be adjusted after the manufacturing of the pad or tile, for example, by adjusting the size and / or shape, or a combination thereof.

[0019] In the same or alternative embodiments, the external form comprises an array of protrusions, each having at least one gap between the protrusions, and formed such that at least a portion of each protrusion can be compressed into the at least one gap by deformation.

[0020] In such embodiments, the secondary surface of the pad or tile is installed in contact with one of the first and second surface areas of the platform and the pile, while one or more vertices of at least one projection of at least one pad or tile are pressed against the other of the first and second surface areas of the platform and the pile. By pressing the vertices of the projection, the projection is compressed and bulges into at least one void provided next to the projection, allowing for compression of the projection without excessive stress. Thus, at least one pad or tile can be easily adapted in shape to adjacent surface areas of the pile and the platform.

[0021] In embodiments, the main surface may comprise an array of ribs forming at least a portion of its outer shape. Cavities may be provided between the ribs, into which the ribs can bulge. The ribs may, for example, extend substantially parallel to each other. In embodiments, the ribs have a generally longitudinal orientation, and the generally longitudinal axes of at least the array of ribs, preferably all of the ribs, extend in a plane containing the longitudinal axis of the pile. In such embodiments, the longitudinal axes of the ribs extend generally from the bottom end of the pile toward the top end, so that the ribs can bulge substantially laterally into the cavities between them. The above orientation of the longitudinal axis is also referred to as the generally upward direction. By arranging the ribs in the generally upward direction, the risk of the pads or ribs detaching and / or being damaged when the platform is lowered onto the pile is significantly reduced. Furthermore, the ribs can guide the platform during its lowering.

[0022] In the same or alternative embodiments, the main surface comprises a plurality of studs extending away from the secondary surface, the projections forming part of the outer shape. The studs can be, for example, pyramidal, hemispherical, or oval in shape, or similar shapes having a vertex and a base, with the base closer to the secondary surface than the vertex. In such embodiments, each stud is preferably surrounded by at least one void, so that when a force toward the secondary surface is applied to the vertex, the stud can bulge into the one or more voids in all directions parallel to the secondary surface at the stud.

[0023] In the embodiment, the protrusions may be formed to have a convex outer surface, such as a spherical or hemispherical shape, or, for example, a halved sphere, although this is not limited to these shapes. The gaps between such convex protrusions preferably have a concave bottom, and in this case, it is preferable that the protrusions and gaps define a substantially sinusoidal or semi-sinusoidal outer shape (profile) in a cross-section passing through the vertices of adjacent protrusions.

[0024] The studs can be provided, for example, in a matrix, for example, in a regular matrix of rows and columns of the same or similar studs. Such a configuration can improve the distribution of loads and stresses.

[0025] In embodiments, the main surface may have combinations of openings and protrusions, for example, openings and ribs, openings and studs, openings, ribs and studs, or ribs and studs.

[0026] In some embodiments of this disclosure, a recess is provided on the secondary surface. Such a recess can further improve the compressibility of the pad. Preferably, the recess is provided such that at least a portion of a projection, such as a rib and / or stud, is hollow. The hollow projection in the embodiment can open toward the secondary surface. In the embodiment, the hollow projection can be closed toward the secondary surface, for example, so that a certain volume of gas is trapped inside the hollow projection.

[0027] At least one pad or tile is preferably made using a polymer material. More preferably, at least one pad or tile is made using polyurethane.

[0028] In some embodiments of this disclosure, an array of pads or tiles is provided between a first surface area and a second surface area. By providing an array of pads or tiles, the pads or tiles can be made relatively small and compact, making them easier to handle. Furthermore, such pads or tiles can be more easily fitted to specific locations, for example, in thickness, between the platform and the pile. Preferably, at least some of the pads or tiles are spaced apart from adjacent pads or tiles. In such embodiments, grooves or channels can be provided between the pads or tiles to allow a camera, such as an endoscope, to pass between the pads or tiles and the first and second surface areas for inspection purposes. Such channels also allow fluids, such as water, and / or gases, such as air, to pass between the opposing first and second surface areas. For example, a matrix of pads or tiles can be provided between the first and second surface areas.

[0029] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one pad or tile is bonded to a second surface area by a secondary surface, and its surface outline faces the first surface area. Thus, one or more pads, one or more tiles can be moved and, in particular, installed by moving the platform, and the platform protects one or more pads, one or more tiles, for example, during transport and storage. Furthermore, in such an embodiment, one or more pads, one or more tiles can be bonded to the platform and placed on piles in a controlled environment, such as a manufacturing facility, instead of outdoors, for example, at sea.

[0030] This disclosure further relates to a pad for forming a slip joint between a platform and a pile according to this disclosure.

[0031] In an advantageous embodiment, the pad has a main surface having a profiled surface having a specific outline, such as a substantially uneven surface, and / or openings such as recesses, and an opposite secondary surface that is substantially flat or curved. In a curved embodiment, the curvature is preferably similar to or coincides with the curvature of the surface area to which the secondary surface will abut and be attached. The uneven surface may be formed, for example, by alternating ribs and valleys between such ribs, by studs and / or openings, or a combination thereof.

[0032] In an alternative embodiment, the pad has a main surface comprising, preferably, an array of studs, preferably a matrix of spaced studs, and / or openings, preferably a matrix of openings, as has been discussed.

[0033] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the pad has a longitudinal direction extending in a vertical plane containing the longitudinal axis of the piles used together in use, a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, a primary surface on the side of the pad, and a secondary surface on the opposite side of the pad, the pad having a cross-section as seen in the longitudinal direction, the cross-section comprising alternating peaks and valleys forming the primary surface.

[0034] The disclosure further relates to a set of at least a first pad and at least a second pad, wherein the first pad has a certain external shape, such as, for example, a protrusion considered, and the second pad has opposing main and sub-surfaces that substantially do not have such an external shape.

[0035] The disclosure further relates to a tile having a main surface having a particular shape and a substantially flat secondary surface on the opposite side, the shape comprising rows of protrusions and gaps between the protrusions, the protrusions having convex surfaces, preferably spherical or hemispherical, the gaps between the protrusions having concave bottoms, and preferably at least one substantially flat main surface portion is provided in the center of the tile.

[0036] The tiles disclosed can be easily manufactured and installed, allowing sufficient deformation of the protrusions for proper support, while at least one substantially flat main surface area will provide a restraint to prevent excessive deformation of the protrusions, for example, to avoid damage due to shear forces.

[0037] In this disclosure, the tiles can be formed as an array of interconnected pads, in particular as an array of first pads and at least one second pad.

[0038] This disclosure further relates to a method for fitting a platform onto a pile by a slip joint formed between an internal surface region of the platform and an external surface region of the pile. At least one of the platform and the pile is provided with at least one pad or tile, the at least one pad or tile having a primary surface on a first side of the pad or tile and a secondary surface on the opposite second side, the primary surface having ribs and / or studs and / or openings that form at least a portion of the primary surface. The platform is slid on the upper end of the pile such that the internal surface of the platform is adjacent to the external surface of the pile, and at least one pad or tile is positioned between the external surface and the internal surface. At least a portion of the material surrounding the ribs and / or studs and / or openings is deformed by compression due to the weight of the platform.

[0039] In embodiments of the present disclosure, pads or tiles that are ring-shaped or form part of a ring may be used, in which case several such pads or tiles can be joined together to form a ring-shaped filling system that completely encloses the upper portion of the pile. In alternative embodiments, pads or tiles having small dimensions, i.e., small length and width dimensions compared to the cross-section of the opening of the pile and platform, may be used, and a number of such pads may be installed along the perimeter of the pile, with some or all of the pads spaced apart from adjacent pads.

[0040] By installing the filling elements individually, they can be selected and / or molded to fit into specific locations in a relatively easy manner. Such filling elements are relatively easy to handle and, for example, can be replaced individually as needed. As suggested, the filling elements may be pads, tiles, or a combination thereof.

[0041] Using individual filling elements offers the added advantage of easily replacing individual elements, for example, when they are damaged or when it is discovered that the thickness of a filling element at a particular location is inappropriate. Furthermore, if one of the filling elements is damaged during use, for example, due to overpressure caused by foreign matter contamination or displacement, this does not significantly affect the support provided by the slip joint formed between the platform and the pile. Adjacent filling elements will easily compensate for the loss of the aforementioned filling element.

[0042] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the filling element may be advantageously a tile, having a length dimension, a width dimension, and a thickness, wherein the length and width dimensions are substantially greater than the thickness. The filling element may have any preferred shape, for example, a rectangle or square having a length and width substantially smaller than the height of the opening, which is measured along the inner surface between the upper and lower surfaces of the platform in the opening, and substantially smaller than the minimum diameter of the opening, thereby allowing for the positioning of, for example, at least 100 or more filling elements, or for example, at least 1000 or more filling elements between the surfaces, with channels extending between adjacent filling elements along both the length and width directions of the filling elements. For example, the filling elements may have a length and width of 10 to 60 centimeters, for example 10 to 30 centimeters, or, if formed as tiles, a length and width of 30 to 100 centimeters, for example 40 to 80 centimeters, for example about 60 centimeters, while the channels may have a width of 1 to 15 centimeters, for example 1 to 10 centimeters, for example 1 to 5 centimeters, measured as the shortest distance between adjacent filling elements, in order to attach the platform to the piles, for example, when the platform has an opening height of more than 0.5 m, for example 0.5 to 3 m, and a minimum diameter of, for example 3 to 15 m, measured at the upper end of the opening. The filling elements preferably have a thickness smaller than their length and width, for example a thickness of up to one-third (1 / 3) of the minimum length and width, for example a maximum of one-fifth (1 / 5) or for example a maximum of one-eighth (1 / 8). The filling elements may have a thickness of, for example 0.5 to 5 cm.

[0043] The dimensions of the filling elements may be selected, for example, based on the diameter of the pile and opening at the level of the filling element. For example, the length and width of the filling elements can be increased in proportion to the increase in diameter. For example, but not limited to, the dimensions of the filling elements, in particular the width dimension that extends substantially parallel to the curvature of the surface during use, may be selected such that when using flat filling elements, the filling elements only need to bend to a very small extent in order to adhere them to the relevant surface. For example, the width-to-diameter ratio may be selected to be between 0.02 and 0.04, although other ratios may also be used, in particular, depending on the bending resistance in the bending direction of the filling element. The filling elements may cover, for example, less than 90% of the above surface area of ​​the opening, with the excess surface area being exposed in the channel.

[0044] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, filler elements having different thicknesses can be provided, each filler element preferably having a coding corresponding to the thickness. The coding may be, for example, a coloring of the filler element or a part thereof, so that the thickness of the filler element can be directly confirmed based on the coding, particularly the color.

[0045] In this specification, expressions such as substantially and about should be understood to mean that small deviations of size, number, or dimensions or shape, such as 15% or less, 10% or less, or 5% or less, are acceptable.

[0046] The present invention will be further described based on exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. These exemplary embodiments are given as non-limiting examples of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0047] [Figure 1] This is a schematic top view of a platform attached to the upper end of a foundation pile. [Figure 2] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the platform attached to the upper end of the foundation pile, along line II-II in Figure 1. [Figure 2A]This is a schematic diagram of a portion of the piles and platform in an alternative embodiment. [Figure 2B] This is a schematic diagram of a portion of the piles and platform in an alternative embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic isometric view, transparently showing the inner surface of the platform opening and the outer surface of the upper end of the foundation pile, and the arrangement of filling elements placed between the surfaces. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of a portion of the inner surface of an opening in a platform, where an array of filling elements is provided on the surface. [Figure 4A] For example, a schematic diagram of several filling elements, such as one of Figures 1 to 4, is shown, with some possible dimensions and interrelationships of such filling elements indicated. [Figure 4B] This figure schematically illustrates different possible contours of the surface portion where the filler elements are positioned, and is shown here in a vertical cross-sectional view. [Figure 4C] This figure schematically illustrates different possible contours of the surface portion where the filler elements are positioned, and is shown here in a vertical cross-sectional view. [Figure 4D] This figure schematically illustrates different possible contours of the surface portion where the filler elements are positioned, and is shown here in a vertical cross-sectional view. [Figure 4E] This figure is a schematic example illustrating possible contours of the surface portion where filler elements are positioned, and is shown here in a horizontal cross-sectional view. [Figure 5] This is a schematic front view of an embodiment of a filling element. [Figure 5A] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the packing element along the line VA-VA. [Figure 5B] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the filling element in Figure 5 along the line VA-VA in an alternative embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a schematic front view of an alternative embodiment of the filling element. [Figure 6A] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the filling element along line VIA-VIA. [Figure 6B] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the filling element in Figure 6 along line VIA-VIA in an alternative embodiment. [Figure 6C] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the packing element in Figure 6 along line VIA-VIA in yet another alternative embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a filling element, similar to the filling element in Figure 6, but with openings and / or protrusions such as studs arranged in a staggered pattern. [Figure 8] This is a schematic front view of a further embodiment of a filling element, which includes a stud. [Figure 8A] Figure 8 is a schematic side view of the filling element. [Figure 9] This is a schematic front view of another embodiment of a filling element, which includes ribs. [Figure 9A] This is a schematic front view of a further embodiment of the filling element. [Figure 10] This is a schematic front view of another embodiment of a filling element, which includes a stud. [Figure 11] This is a schematic front view of a further embodiment of the filling element, which is provided with studs and openings. [Figure 11A] Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the packing element along line XIA-XIA. [Figure 12A] For example, this is a schematic diagram of a portion of the filling element between the first surface of a pile and the second surface of a platform during the installation of a platform on a pile, and the above portion of the filling element is not deformed. [Figure 12B] This is a schematic diagram of a portion of the packing element in Figure 12A that has been partially deformed by compression between the first and second surfaces. [Figure 13A] For example, this is a schematic diagram of a portion of an alternative filling element between the first surface of a pile and the second surface of a platform during the installation of a platform on a pile, and the portion of the filling element described above is not deformed. [Figure 13B] This is a schematic diagram of a portion of the filling element in Figure 13A that has been partially deformed by compression between the first and second surfaces. [Figure 14]This is a schematic diagram of a further embodiment of a filling element having ribs and studs and / or openings. [Figure 14A] Figure 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the packing element along the line XIVA-XIVA. [Figure 14B] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a filling element having protrusions such as ribs and / or studs on a first side and an opening such as a recess on a second, opposite side. [Figure 15] This is a schematic diagram of a system for scanning the surface portion of the upper end of a foundation pile and the inner surface portion of the opening in a platform. [Figure 16] This is a schematic top view of a portion of a platform attached to the upper end of a foundation pile. The pile has a deviation from a circular shape, for example at the welded joint, and a filling element is provided between the platform and the pile to correct the deviation. [Figure 17] This is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a portion of the upper end of a platform and foundation pile, where the actual gap is indicated by a dashed line next to the surface of the desired pile, and the filling elements are shown to be fitted into the actual gap and to fill the gap, with openings and / or ribs and / or studs as considered not clearly shown. [Figure 18A] Figure 18B is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing a standard filling element that serves as the basis for manufacturing the filling element. [Figure 18B] This is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing the fitted filling elements based on scan data from the opposing surface portions of the foundation piles and platform. [Figure 19] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the positioning of alternative filling elements. [Figure 20] This is a schematic diagram showing the further positioning of the filling elements. [Figure 21] Figure 21 shows a front view of an embodiment of the first type of pad according to this disclosure, and a cross-sectional view thereof along line AA. [Figure 21A] This is a perspective view of a first type of pad having a protrusion with a convex surface. [Figure 22]Figure 22 shows a front view of an embodiment of the second type of pad according to this disclosure, and a cross-sectional view thereof along line BB. [Figure 22A] This figure shows an example of pad placement, including the first and second pads. [Figure 22B] This figure shows an example of pad placement, including the first and second pads. [Figure 23] This is a front view of a tile according to the present disclosure, having a spherical projection and a substantially flat main surface area. [Figure 23A] This is a cross-sectional view of the tile along line AA in Figure 23. [Figure 23B] Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view of the tile along line BB. [Figure 23C] This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the sinusoidal or semi-sinusoidal surface profile of the protrusions and voids. [Figure 24] This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the tile in this disclosure. [Figure 25] This is a diagram of numerous tiles attached to the surface of a platform opening or to a pile. [Figure 26] This is a cross-sectional view of the tiles between the opposing surfaces of the pile and platform opening during the formation of a slip joint. [Figure 27] This is a diagram of tiles compressed between the surface of a pile and a platform. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0048] Embodiments of the present invention are described herein by reference only to the drawings. These embodiments should not be understood in any way as limiting the scope of this disclosure. At a minimum, all combinations of aspects, elements, and features of the embodiments shown and considered are deemed 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 drawn to exact scale and may be exaggerated to more clearly illustrate the features of the claimed invention.

[0049] In this specification, terms such as top, bottom, and vertical are used for convenience only and refer to the orientation of foundation piles as shown in the attached drawings, particularly Figures 1 and 2, where the piles are installed vertically in the ground, at sea, or on land.

[0050] In this specification, terms such as substantially and generally are to be understood as including relatively small deviations from the features or values ​​they refer to, e.g., deviations of 20% or less, e.g., 15% or less, or 10% or less.

[0051] This specification discloses embodiments of foundation piles supporting a platform, in which a wind turbine generator (WTG) is directly or indirectly supported, preferably without a transition portion, on the foundation piles.

[0052] In this specification, a foundation pile is a pile supported in the ground and / or above ground, which is done, for example, by driving the foundation pile into the seabed, such as offshore, or into the ground on land. Although the foundation pile is disclosed in the drawings as a monopile, for example, made of metal, it may also be a pile composed of multiple different segments and may be made of different materials, for example concrete, or a combination of materials, for example concrete and metal, for example. The foundation pile is preferably substantially hollow, at least over most of its height. The foundation pile may have a circular cross-section perpendicular to its longitudinal axis when viewed from above, for example as shown in Figure 1, but it may also have different cross-sectional shapes, such as polygons, ellipses, or combinations thereof. Foundation piles can have diameters ranging from several meters to over 10 meters, for example, up to 15 meters or more at their lower end, and can be cylindrical with a constant diameter or a diameter that decreases in the upward direction of the pile. If made of metal, they can have wall thicknesses of several centimeters, for example, over 4 centimeters, for example, 8 to 10 centimeters or more. The piles will have a conical upper end, which will be discussed later. These sizes are given as examples only and should not be considered as limiting the present disclosure.

[0053] In this disclosure, the platform may be made of any suitable material or combination of materials. The platform may be made of concrete, concrete and metal, or metal and / or other materials, for example, but is not limited to these. The platform may have a substantially circular shape, or an elongated shape such as substantially elliptical or rectangular, for example, as shown in Figure 1, and may have an opening extending through the platform, for example, a central opening or an off-center opening. The opening may have a longitudinal central axis that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the foundation pile, and preferably coaxial with it during use. The opening may have a substantially circular cross-section when viewed from above, as shown in Figure 1, for example, and may have a diameter that increases downwards, which will be discussed later. The opening may also have different shapes, mainly depending on the shape and dimensions of the upper end of the foundation pile, which will be discussed later.

[0054] In this disclosure, the filling elements, as will be discussed later, are preferably made of a plastic material, such as polyurethane (PU), or high-density PU, which may also be referred to as PUR. The material of the filling elements may be more flexible than the platform material and more flexible than the material of the foundation pile. The filling elements may be made of a different plastic material, such as PE, such as HDPE, which is preferably at least water-resistant, particularly saltwater-resistant, or any other suitable material and structure. The plastic material is preferably substantially cell-free. In this specification, the filling elements are also preferably measured at the lower end of the truncated cone upper end 5 of the pile 2, in particular, but not exclusively, of the pile diameter D pile When it has a relatively smaller width W9 and length L9 compared to the above, it is also called a pad or tile.

[0055] In the embodiment, the foundation piles are provided as substantially metal monopiles, the platform is made substantially of concrete or using metal such as metal sheets to form a substantially hollow structure, and the filling elements are made substantially of PU.

[0056] The use of filling elements 9 made of plastic material such as PU, though not limited to PU, has the additional advantage that, during the installation of the platform onto the pile, the relevant surfaces of the pile 2 and the opening 4 are protected by the elements 9, in particular from any coatings applied to such surfaces, such as, but not limited to, paints or anti-corrosion coatings, sealants, and the like.

[0057] The drawing shows an assembly 1 in whole, comprising a foundation pile 2 and a platform 3 attached to the upper end 5 of the foundation pile 2 by an opening 4. Further structures, such as a tower for a wind turbine generator 50, can be attached adjacent to and / or on the upper end 5, and these structures can be attached to the foundation pile 2 by any preferred method, such as by a slip joint or bolt connection, preferably without a transition section. The upper end 5 of the foundation pile 2 has a truncated conical outer surface portion 6. The opening 4 of the platform 3 has a truncated conical inner surface portion 7, which is formed substantially complementary to the outer surface portion 6 of the foundation pile 2. When the platform 3 is positioned in a predetermined location relative to the foundation pile 2, a peripheral gap 8 is provided between the surface portion 6 of the foundation pile 2 and the surface portion 7 of the opening 4 of the platform 3. The surface or surface portion 6 of the pile 2 may also be referred to as the first surface 6, while the surface or surface portion 7 of the opening 4 may be referred to as the second surface 7, and vice versa. The predetermined position may be a predetermined axial position, i.e., for example, a predetermined height h1 on the lower surface 10 of the platform 3 above the lower end 11 of the truncated cone upper end 5 of the foundation pile 2, or a predetermined distance h2 on the upper surface 12 of the platform below the upper end surface 13 of the upper end 5 of the foundation pile 2. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of such a peripheral gap 8 as an example in an embodiment in which the upper end 5 and opening 4 of the foundation pile 2 have substantially circular cross-sections. How such a gap is formed when the upper end 5 and opening 4 have different cross-sectional shapes will be immediately obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0058] Within the peripheral gap 8, filling elements 9 are provided in contact with the surfaces 6 and 7. Preferably, the filling elements 9 are arranged within the gap 8 as shown in Figures 3, 4, 4A-4E, 19, and 20, and more preferably as horizontal rows 60 and vertical rows 61. According to this disclosure, the shape and / or dimensions of the filling elements 9 can be individually selected and / or individually formed and / or modified to fit into specific positions between the surface 6 of the upper end 5 of the foundation pile 2 and the associated platform surface 7. The filling elements 9 are positioned within the cross-sectional diameter D of the pile 2. pile It is preferable that the material be provided as a pad or tile having relatively smaller length dimensions L9 and width dimensions W9 compared to the above.

[0059] As shown in Figure 3 as an example, the desired ideal peripheral gap 8 can be represented by a model showing a hollow truncated cone shape, 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. In this case, the upper and lower ends of the gap 8 are formed by two virtual rings 44A and 44B. Such a model can be used, for example, when manufacturing the foundation pile 2 and platform 3, to calculate the ideal surface 6, 7(6) that the surfaces would take when all measurements for the surfaces 6, 7 match precisely. soll and 7 soll It can be represented by a computer model that uses (also known as)

[0060] The method involves fitting a platform 3 onto the upper end 5 of a foundation pile 2, wherein the upper end 5 has a truncated cone-shaped outer surface 6, and the platform 3 has an opening 4 into which it fits onto the upper end 5 of the pile 2, and the opening 4 is provided with a peripheral wall 7 that defines the truncated cone shape. In the prior art, it is known that a slip joint connection is used between the platform 3 and the foundation pile 2 for this fitting, in which case the platform 3 is lowered onto the upper end 5 of the pile 2, as a result the conical surfaces 6 and 7 come into contact with each other, and gravity presses the platform 3 onto the pile 2.

[0061] The manufacturing processes used to produce foundation piles and platforms, as well as the materials used, are known to result in deviations from the ideal shape and dimensions of the surface. Manufacturing tolerances inevitably result in such deviations, as can, for example, partial deformation of such a surface. For instance, if a pile is rolled from a steel plate and its joints are then welded, this can result in localized non-circularity at the joint locations, for example, due to the welding process. These issues concerning manufacturing tolerances and deviations affect the diameter D of the foundation pile used. pile As the number of wind turbines increases, this diameter will also increase, and is expected to increase further in the future, for example, due to the increasing size and power of wind turbine generators, particularly at sea. The foundation pile has an outer diameter D of 7-10 m or more, measured directly below the cut-off section 5. pile Such deviations may occur. Such deviations have been found to be detrimental to slip joint connections, for at least this reduces contact between the above-mentioned surface of the opening and the pile, which can reduce stability and increase wear. Furthermore, this can lead to misalignment between the foundation pile and the structure it supports, such as a wind turbine generator. Improvements to the manufacturing process or machining of the surface of the platform and / or pile would lead to high costs, even if possible without compromising the structural integrity of the parts and the structure formed thereby. These problems can be overcome in a practical and economical way by using the filling element 9 according to this disclosure.

[0062] In the methods and assemblies of the present disclosure, the platform 3, in particular its opening 4, and the foundation pile 2, in particular its upper end 5, are designed such that, with the platform 3 in the predetermined position, a peripheral gap 8 is formed between the truncated conical outer surface 6 of the pile 2 and the peripheral wall 7 of the opening 4 in the platform 3. The opening 4 in the platform 3 is intentionally designed to be larger than necessary to form a direct slip joint between the surfaces 6 and 7. A filling element 9 is provided within the gap 8 to substantially fill the width W8 of the gap 8, which is measured as the shortest distance between the two surfaces 6 and 7 at any given position. W8 may therefore vary depending on the position within the gap 8.

[0063] Preferably, the filling element is bonded to the inner surface 7 of the opening 4. This significantly reduces the risk of the filling element 9 being damaged, pushed in, or detached when the platform 3 is fitted. When the platform 3 is fitted onto the upper end of the pile 2 using the filling element 9, a slip joint is formed between the inner surface 33 of the filling element 9 and the outer surface 6 of the pile 2. If the filling element 9 is attached to the outer surface 6 of the pile before the platform 3 is installed, such a slip joint will be formed between the outer surface 34 of the filling element 9 and the inner circumferential surface 7 of the opening 4 of the platform 3. Alternatively, one or more filling elements can be positioned between the pile 2 and the platform 3 without being bonded to either. All of these are considered to form a slip joint connection between the pile 2 and the platform 3. The width W8 of the designed gap 8, measured between the opposing surfaces 6, 7, can be, for example, approximately 35 mm on average, but is not limited to this.

[0064] In some embodiments, as will be discussed later, filler elements 9 having a thickness T are used. In some embodiments, the thickness T may be greater than the width W, so that the filler elements can be molded by removing material from a standard filler element to fit them to fill a portion of the gap 8. In other embodiments, the thickness T may be approximately the same as the width W8. In some advantageous embodiments, different filler elements 9 are used, which preferably have the same length L9 and width W9 but different thicknesses T, to fit different widths of the gap 8 at different locations, as will be discussed later.

[0065] The method according to this disclosure allows for the selection, fabrication, or fitting of one or more filling elements 9, such as pads or tiles, so as to abut against opposing surface portions of the surfaces 6, 7 and fit into the gap 8. In embodiments, 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 platform, before the platform 3 is fitted onto the pile 2. In such embodiments, the shape of at least one of the filling elements 9 may be formed and / or modified based on the first scan SC1 and the second scan SC2. Preferably, an array of filling elements 9 is provided between the pile 2 and the platform 3, and the shape of each individual filling element 9 is formed and / or modified based on the first scan SC1 and the second scan SC2. Each filling element 9 may be specially fabricated to fit a specific position between the platform and the pile. In an alternative method, different filler elements 9 are selected from a variety of filler elements having different thicknesses T, such that for each position, a filler element 9 is provided having a thickness T that matches the average distance between opposing surface portions 6, 7 at a given position. In the embodiment, the pad 9 may also be referred to as the tile 9 or filler element 9, as shown, and may be similar or identical in dimensions, including thickness.

[0066] The pad according to this disclosure may have substantially continuous, opposite, closed surfaces and may have substantially constant thickness over its entire surface area. According to this disclosure, the pad 9 or tile 9 preferably has a main surface 33 facing one of the first surface area 6 and the second surface area 7, and an opposite secondary surface 34 facing the other of the first surface area 6 and the second surface area 7, wherein at least the surface outline 100 of the main surface 33 is such that a portion of the outline 100 can be compressed. The main surface 33 and the secondary surface 34 are also referred to as opposite lateral surfaces.

[0067] Figures 5 to 14 schematically illustrate different embodiments of the pad 9, also referred to as the tile 9 or filler element 9, as an example. The pad 9 is made of a compressible material, preferably a plastic material, such as but not limited to PU. Figures 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 14 show the pad 9 as seen from the main surface 33, with the outline 100 shown. It will be apparent that the outline 100A can also be provided on the subsurface 34, for example, as shown in Figures 5A, 6A, and 6C, and Figure 14B. Furthermore, combinations of different outlines 100, as shown in different embodiments, can be combined in further embodiments.

[0068] As shown in Figures 5-14, 19, and 20, the outer shape 100 may comprise an array of openings 101 formed in the main surface 33, and / or an array of projections 102 extending from or forming part of the main surface 33, with gaps 103 provided between adjacent projections 102. It is also possible to provide combinations of openings 101 and projections 102, as illustrated and suggested. The purpose of these openings 101 and projections 102 with gaps 103 will be explained below.

[0069] Figure 5 schematically shows a pad 9 having an array of openings 101. In this embodiment, the openings 101 are arranged in a regular pattern, shown here as a matrix of rows and columns of openings 101. In this embodiment, the matrix is ​​shown as a 5x5 matrix as an example, but any number of openings 101 can be provided as, for example, an NxM matrix, where N and M are integers and may be the same or different from each other. For example, as shown in Figure 4A, adjacent pads 9 are spaced apart from each other by a distance W62 and are shown by dashed lines. Figure 5A shows a cross-section of such a pad 9, showing substantially cylindrical openings 101 that open on both the main surface 33 and the secondary surface 34. Figure 5B shows a cross-section of a pad 9 as shown in Figure 5, but with openings 101 having closed ends 104 on or near the secondary surface 34.

[0070] Figure 6 shows a pad 9 similar to that in Figure 5, but in this embodiment, the opening 101 has a truncated conical shape with a relatively large cross-section on the main surface 33, and the cross-section becomes smaller in the direction of the secondary surface 34. As shown in Figure 6A, the opening 101 can open to both the main surface 33 and the secondary surface 34. Figure 6B shows a cross-section of an alternative embodiment of the pad 9, in which the opening 101 has closed ends 104, similar to Figure 5B. Figure 6C shows a cross-section of a further alternative embodiment, in which both the main surface 33 and the secondary surface 34 are provided with truncated conical openings 101 having adjacent closed ends 104. Alternatively, the openings 101 on the opposite faces 33 and 34 of the pad 9 can be arranged in a staggered pattern relative to each other.

[0071] Figure 7 shows a pad 9 similar to, for example, any one of Figures 5-6, or Figure 8, or Figure 11, or Figure 14, wherein the openings 101 and / or protrusions 102 are provided in staggered rows and / or columns.

[0072] The opening 101 can be relatively small compared to the total surface area of ​​the pad 9 defined by length L9 × width W9, for example, if circular, it can have a diameter on the order of centimeters, whereas the pad can have a length and width on the order of decimeters or more. An arrangement of openings 101 can have a total surface area on the main surface 33 that is 20-80% of the total surface area of ​​the main surface. For example, the total surface area can be 40-75% of the total surface area. In addition or alternatively, at least some of the openings 101, preferably each of the openings 101, may have a πR on the main surface 33. 2 It can have a surface area where R is 0.25 to 2 times the thickness T of the pad 9 in the relevant opening 101, or it can have a similar surface area if it has a different non-circular shape.

[0073] Figures 8 to 11 show embodiments of the pad 9 in which at least the main surface 33 is provided with an outer shape 100 formed by or including a protrusion 102.

[0074] Figure 8 shows an example embodiment that includes a projection formed by truncated cone-shaped studs 105, as also seen in the side view of Figure 8A. Similar to Figures 5 and 6, the studs 105 are provided in an N×M matrix in this embodiment, but they can be provided in different arrangements, such as staggered rows and / or columns, or in a random pattern, for example, but are not limited to these arrangements. The studs 105 are spaced apart from each other, resulting in gaps 106 between adjacent studs 105, as will be discussed later.

[0075] In FIG. 9, the protruding portion 102 is shown as a rib 107, and the rib 107 may have a curved or tapered cross-section, or a wavy or curved cross-section, for example, with a rectangular cross-sectional shape or a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape as shown in FIG. 9A, such that the outer contour 100 in a side view can substantially have a sinusoidal profile. The ribs in this example have longitudinal axes L extending parallel to each other 107 . In use, the longitudinal axis L 107 preferably extends in a plane including the longitudinal axis A-A of the pile 2, for example as shown in FIG. 2. In an alternative embodiment during use, the longitudinal axis L 107 can extend in other directions, for example substantially horizontally or at an angle relative to said axis A-A, and gaps 106 are provided between the ribs 107. The ribs 107 can also have different orientations and configurations, for example being curved or wavy, such as sinusoidal, in the view of FIG. 9.

[0076] FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of the pad 9 provided with ribs 107 intersected by the protruding portions 102. In FIG. 10, the intersecting ribs 107 have longitudinal axes L extending at an angle relative to each other, for example at an angle of 90 degrees 107 . Gaps 106 are again formed between the ribs 107, which are in the form of square truncated cones in this embodiment.

[0077] FIG. 11 shows a further alternative embodiment of the pad 9 according to the present disclosure viewed at the main surface 33, provided with studs 105 and openings 101 for forming the outer contour 100. In this embodiment, by way of example only, rows of studs 105 shown horizontally in FIG. 11 are alternating with parallel rows of openings 101. The studs 105 and openings 101 are shown by way of example in this embodiment as having similar truncated conical shapes. However, it is also clear that they can be formed with different shapes and / or dimensions and / or arranged in different orders relative to each other.

[0078] Figure 14 shows a further alternative embodiment in which the outer shape 100 comprises ribs 107 and / or studs 105 and / or openings 101. Figure 14A shows a cross-section along line XIVA-XIVA of an embodiment in which the ribs 107 are alternately arranged with rows of truncated openings 101. Figure 14B shows a similar cross-section of the alternative embodiment according to Figure 14 in which the ribs 107 are alternately arranged with rows of studs 105.

[0079] For example, as shown in Figure 14B, the protruding portion 102, such as the rib 107 or stud 105, can be hollow. For example, the opening 105 can be provided from the subsurface 34 and open toward or into the rib 107 or stud 105. In an alternative embodiment, the rib 107 and / or stud 105 can be hollow and may have a void enclosed within the rib or stud.

[0080] Figures 12 and 13 show the deformation of a portion of the pad 9 when compressed between the pile 2 and the platform 3, particularly between their surfaces 6 and 7, mainly due to gravity G acting on the platform 3.

[0081] Figure 12A schematically shows a portion of the undeformed pad 9 with its original thickness T and opening 101 in a partial cross-sectional view. In this embodiment, the opening 101 is shown as an example only, according to Figures 5 and 5A. Other openings 101 can be used in the same or similar manner. In Figure 12A, the minimum distance D8 between surface 6 and surface 7 is greater than the thickness T, for example, because the platform 3 is positioned on the upper end 5 of the pile 2, but must be lowered further to reach its final position.

[0082] As platform 3 is lowered further onto pile 2, surfaces 6 and 7 are forced closer to each other, and the distance D8 decreases. At a certain position of the platform relative to the pile, the distance D8 becomes smaller than the thickness T of pad 9, at least at a given position, and as a result, a portion of pad 9 is compressed by lowering the platform further.

[0083] Figure 12B shows the same portion of the pad 9 between surfaces 6 and 7 when platform 3 is in its final desired position, for example, as shown in Figure 2. A force or pressure F, which is the result or force component of gravity G perpendicular to surfaces 6, 7, compresses the pad 9 to accommodate the resulting space 8 between the surfaces. As seen in Figure 12B, the side surface 101A of the opening 101 bulges inward into the opening 101, allowing the thickness of the pad 9 to be reduced to less than its original thickness T without applying excessive force. In Figure 12B, this bulge is indicated by reference numeral 9C. The bulge 9C reduces the volume of the opening 101.

[0084] Figures 13A and 13B show compression of the pad 9 similar to that in Figures 12A and 12B, where the pad 9 has protrusions 102 such as studs 105 and / or ribs 107. Here again, by lowering the platform 3 onto the pile 2, the gap 8 between the surface 7 of the opening in the platform 3 and the surface 6 of the pile 2 becomes smaller than the height or thickness T of the pad measured at the protrusion, at least in its width W8. As a result, at least a portion of the protrusion 102 is compressed, and the protrusion bulges into the gap 106 between the protrusions 102. Similarly in Figure 13B, the bulge is indicated by reference numeral 9C. The original shape of the protrusion 102 is shown by a dotted line.

[0085] The pad 9 can be inserted between the platform 3 and the pile 2 and is preferably bonded to one of the surfaces 6 and 7. In an advantageous embodiment, the pad is bonded to one of the surfaces 6 and 7 by a secondary surface, with the outer shape 100 facing in the opposite direction. The pad can be bonded to a second surface region, for example, by a secondary surface, with the surface outer shape facing the first surface region.

[0086] Figures 2A and 2B partially show alternative embodiments of the pile 2 and platform 3 with the pad 9 enclosed between them. In these embodiments, the pile 2 is provided with a first flange 110 extending outward from the pile 2 at the lower end of the first surface region 6 and extending over the lower end of at least one pad 9. The platform 3 is provided with a second flange 111 extending inward from the platform 3 at the upper end of the second surface region 7 and extending over the upper edge of at least one pad 9. In embodiments, only one of the flanges 110, 111 may be provided. These one or more flanges 110, 111 can prevent the pad 9 from coming out of the space 8 between the surface regions 6, 7, and can also prevent the pad 9 from bulging out of the space 8. Furthermore, they can enable easy positioning of the pad 9.

[0087] Figure 15 schematically shows a system 20 used in embodiments of the method of the present disclosure, where the pads 9 are selected, machined, or manufactured to fit specific locations, individually or in groups. In such a system 20, one or more first scans SC1 and one or more second scans SC2 are performed using at least one scanner 21. In embodiments, the scanner 21 or each scanner 21 is a laser scanner. In the embodiments shown in Figure 15, the system 20 includes a computer system 22 connected to the scanner 21 or each scanner 21 by wire 23 or wirelessly. Scan data from at least one scanner 21 is supplied to the computer system 22. To process the scan data, the computer system 22 is provided with a computer program CP. The computer system 22 may consist of a single computer, multiple computers, or similar data processing units, but should be noted that it may be provided in other forms, for example, entirely or partially on a cloud basis.

[0088] In the embodiment shown in Figure 15, the system 20 is designed to scan the inner surface 7 or at least a related portion of the opening 4, and the outer surface 6 or at least a related portion of the upper end 5 of the foundation pile 2. In the embodiment shown, for this purpose, the foundation pile 2 is positioned horizontally, as shown in Figure 15, so as to be able to rotate about its longitudinal axis AA, which extends horizontally. The first scanner 21A is positioned next to the related surface 6 or portion so that the first scan SC1, schematically represented by the dashed line 24, can be formed on the surface 6 or portion thereof. The scan data is supplied to the computer system 20. The platform 3 is positioned so that its bottom surface 10 is on the surface area 25. The second scanner 21B is positioned inside the opening 4 so that the second scan SC2, schematically represented by the dashed line 26, can be formed on the surface 7 or portion thereof. The scan data is supplied to the computer system 20. Based on the scan data, the computer system can model the surfaces 6, 7 or portions 6A, 7A, including any deviations from the desired surface or surface portion. These models of surfaces or surface parts will also be referred to as surface 6ist and 7ist.

[0089] Scanners 21A and 21B may be handheld scanners or (semi) automatic scanners, such as those mounted on a tripod, a robot, or otherwise. Such scanners and scanner systems are well known in the art. It will also become clear that scan data, such as those considered, may be acquired in other forms, for example, when the platform and / or piles are in different orientations. In the embodiments shown, scan data is acquired, for example, at an onshore manufacturing site, when the piles have not yet been laid or even shipped to an installation site, which may be on land or at sea. However, it is considered clear that scan data can also be acquired at different locations, for example, after the foundation piles have been installed at a designated location. Thus, the filling element 9 can also be used to adjust any, for example, non-vertical position of the foundation piles.

[0090] In embodiments of the system 20 and method as disclosed, the computer program CP controls the desired truncated conical surface 6 of the foundation pile 2. soll The computer model and the desired peripheral wall surface 7 of the opening 4 of platform 3. soll The computer program CP includes a computer model of the scan data, i.e., a surface model 6 based on the scan data. ist and 7 ist The desired surface 6 provided to the computer system 22 soll and 7 soll It is designed to be compared with a computer model. By comparing these models, it is possible to show where the deviations exist and what those deviations are, and consequently, a model of the gap 8 can be obtained, for example, as shown in Figure 3. The computer program CP, in embodiments, based on such a comparison, for example as shown in Figures 17 and 18A,B, determines at least one filling element 9 sollThe shape may be further designed to be computer-defined. Thus, each filling element 9 may be specially manufactured to fit a specific location between the platform 3 and the pile 2. In addition or alternatively, the computer program CP may be designed to select the filling elements 9 for each location based on the fact that their thickness T best matches the average distance between the surface portions 6 and 7 at that location.

[0091] As shown in Figure 15, the system 20 has filling elements 9, and these filling elements 9 soll A machining system 27, schematically shown herein, may be provided for forming and / or machining to conform to the intended location. The machining system 27 may, for example, include a CNC machining system. For example, the machining system 27, such as a CNC-based machining tool, may form the filler element 9 from, for example, a block of polyurethane or other suitable material, particularly plastic, or from a pre-formed standard filler element 9, as discussed below, based on a computer-defined shape as discussed herein.

[0092] In the same or alternative embodiments, the computer system 22 may include a computer model of a standard filling element 9, and the computer program CP may include the computer model of the standard filling element 9 and the at least one filling element 9. soll Based on a comparison with the computer-defined shape, a computer-aided machining program is further designed to determine how to machine the standard filling element 9. The computer-aided machining program can then be used to operate the machining system 27.

[0093] In the same or alternative embodiments, the computer program CP may include a computer model of a preferred gap 8 between the peripheral surface 7 of the opening 4 and the truncated conical surface 6 of the pile 2, and based on scan data from the scanner 21, a deviation between the actual gap 8 and the preferred gap 8 is calculated, and based on the calculated deviation, at least one, preferably each filling element 9, is machined and / or selected.

[0094] In this case, a method for forming and / or modifying and / or selecting filling elements 9 to be used when fitting a platform 3 having an opening 4 onto the upper end 5 of a foundation pile 2 may include the steps of: performing a first scan SC1 of at least a first portion of the surface 6 of the pile 2 at predetermined positions, and a second scan SC2 of at least a first portion of the peripheral surface 7 of the opening 4 of the platform 3 opposite the first portion of the pile surface 6; and machining and / or selecting at least one filling element 9 to be fitted 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 filling element 9 for each position. The filling element 9 is thus formed and / or modified and / or selected such that it can be positioned in close contact with the first surface portions 6A, 7A. soll Preferably, during use, the filling element is formed and / or machined and / or selected to bridge the actual gap 8 between the first surface portions 6 and 7, so that the filling element can be partially compressed by the forces exerted thereon by the platform, in particular by the force of gravity.

[0095] As discussed, the method according to the present disclosure preferably provides an array of filling elements 9 positioned within the gap 8 between the surface 6 of the foundation pile 2 and the peripheral surface 7 of the opening 4 at the predetermined positions, in a matrix arrangement of filling elements 9 comprising rows 60 and columns 61 of filling elements 9 having channels 62, 63 in between, as shown in the example in Figure 4. As discussed, a large number of filling elements 9 can be used, and for a pile 2 with an upper diameter of the truncated cone upper end 5 being, for example, 3 to 15 meters, e.g., 7 to 10 meters, and for an opening 4 height H of, for example, 0.5 to 3 meters, e.g., 100 to 3000 or more such filling elements can be used. The number of filling elements can be selected, for example, so that each fills 1 to 5 degrees, e.g., 2 to 4 degrees of the circumference of the peripheral surface, leaving enough space to form a channel, and fills, for example, 2 to 10%, e.g., 2 to 6% of the height H of the platform opening. In such embodiments, standard filling elements 9 that are at least substantially flat may be used. In one embodiment, such a standard filling element 9 can then be machined to conform to a curved surface. Alternatively, the standard filling element 9 can be formed to have a predetermined curved shape, particularly when a relatively small number of such segments are used to fill gaps 8. In another embodiment, standard flat filling elements, and / or elements or pads 9 having projections 105, 107 with openings 101 and / or gaps 106, can be used, and they can then be bent or compressed to fit.

[0096] In the assembly of a foundation pile 2 and a platform 3 attached to the upper end 5 of the foundation pile 2 by an opening 4, each of the filling elements 9 can be machined and / or selected to fit at a specific position between the platform 3 and the pile 2, and the filling elements may be machined 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 both of the lateral surfaces 33, 34, based on obtained scan data of the relevant surface portion 6 of the pile 2 and / or obtained scan data of the relevant surface portion 7 of the opening 4.

[0097] In some embodiments, the filling elements 9 can be attached to one of the surfaces 6 and 7 before the platform 3 is attached to the foundation pile 2. This can be done for piles and / or platforms located, for example, as shown in Figure 15. The attachment of the filling elements 9 can be carried out on land in some embodiments. The filling elements 9 can be glued to one of the surfaces 6 and 7, for example. In a preferred and advantageous embodiment, the filling elements 9 are attached to the inner surface 7 of the opening 4 of the platform 3.

[0098] By using the disclosed models and scan data, a model of the actual gap 8 between the foundation pile 2 and the platform 3, which will be used together, can be formed. Then, using the system examined with reference to, for example, Figure 15, the filling elements 9, 9 can be positioned within the actual gap 8. soll The filler elements 9 can be formed and / or selected from a variety of filler elements. The filler elements 9 can be individually molded to properly fill the actual gap 8 at a given location. In the embodiment, a standard filler element 9, for example, a rectangular or square, flat or curved filler element, or a filler element having a specific outer shape can be used as a starting point, and the inner surface 33 and / or the opposite outer surface 34 of these filler elements can be machined based on scan data and a model as considered. Molded filler element 9 sollAn example is shown in Figure 17, schematically illustrating the original inner surface 33 with a partially dashed line and the molded inner surface 33' with a solid line. A standard filling element 9 can be curved according to the diameters of the inner surface 6 and outer surface 7 of the model, so that an array of such elements can fill the gap 8 in a lateral position where the sides 37 are in close contact with each other or at least closely adjacent. As suggested, openings and / or protrusions can be provided on one or both of the above surfaces 33, 34 in a similar manner.

[0099] Figure 3 schematically shows a model of the gap 8 formed between the surface 6 of the pile and the surface 7 of the opening 4, as discussed. Figure 3 shows an arrangement of filling elements 9 forming rows 60 and columns 61 of filling elements having intermediate channels 62, 63, as discussed later, for a portion of the gap 8. It will be understood that such an arrangement of filling elements 9 having intermediate channels 62, 63 will be provided around the entire circumference of the pile and the opening. For the sake of clarity, the limited number of filling elements described above are shown. Figure 4 shows a front isometric view of a portion of the arrangement of filling elements 9 attached to the inner surface 7 of the opening 4. In this embodiment, the filling elements 9 are shown as square tiles. They are positioned to form a matrix of filling elements 9, with a network of intersecting first channels 62 and second channels 63 extending between them. In Figure 4A, four filling elements of such a matrix are schematically shown as a mere example, where each filling element 9 is a square tile with sides of 200 mm, and the channels 62, 63 between them have a width of 20 mm. Naturally, other dimensions can be selected.

[0100] Figures 4A to 4E schematically show the filling element or pad 9 as a rectangle in side and / or top and / or bottom section views. This is merely an example. The element or pad 9 can have different cross-sections, for example, as disclosed in Figures 5 to 11 or 14, and they may have, for example, trapezoidal or curved cross-sections.

[0101] In Figures 4B to 4D, the first surface region 6 is shown by a dashed line 6, and the surface region 7 is shown by a solid line 7.

[0102] Figure 4B shows a cross-sectional view of a first possible embodiment of a gap 8 (part of it) along line IV-IV in Figure 3, where the width W8, i.e., the shortest distance between opposing surfaces 6, 7, is substantially constant across the shown portion of surfaces 6, 7. An array of filler elements 9 is shown, each filler element 9 having the same thickness T, which is consistent with the width W8, measured between the mutually opposite surfaces 33, 34 of the filler element 9. In this embodiment, therefore, all filler elements 9 can be the same. They can have a particular shape or surface 33, 34, such as having an opening 101 and / or protrusions 105, 107, thereby achieving better compression of the pad 9 or part thereof, which also applies to the embodiments in Figures 4C-4E.

[0103] Figure 4C shows a similar cross-sectional view of a second embodiment, in which the width W8 of the gap 8 is in the downward direction, that is, away from the top 13 of the pile 2, 8(1) From width W 8(2) It is gradually getting larger. In this embodiment, the thickness T of the arrangement of packing elements 9 1-5 Furthermore, in the downward direction described above, the thickness gradually increases from the thickness T1 at the upper end to the thickness T5 at the lower end of the portion of the gap 8, and in this case, each of the filling elements 9 can have a certain thickness T, although this is not essential. 1~5 Its thickness T 1~5They are specifically selected and / or formed by machining or otherwise based on their best fit to the intended location. During use, the filling element 9 may be slightly compressed to fit the relevant, somewhat trapezoidal or wedge-shaped section of the gap 8 in which the filling element is positioned. Such compression may be very limited if a filling element with a length L smaller than the height H of the opening 4 is used. As discussed, this can be better addressed by providing an outer shape 100, for example, as shown in Figures 5 to 11 or Figure 14, which may also have the advantage of requiring only a limited number of different pads 9, or requiring fewer modifications to such pads.

[0104] In Figure 4D, as in Figures 4B and 4C, a cross-sectional view along line IV-IV in Figure 3 is shown, but in this embodiment, a portion of the gap 8 shown has a variety of widths W8 due to a recess 64 in the surface 6 of the pile 2. In the recess 64, the width W 8(dent) The width W is at the upper and lower ends of a portion of the gap 8 shown. 8(1),(2) Larger than. In this embodiment, there are 5 packing elements 9 1-5 As expected, their thickness T 1-5 An array of filler elements is selected depending on which best fits the desired position. In this embodiment, for example, the first filler element 91 has a thickness T1, which is the same thickness T5 as 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 schematically shown in Figure 4D, the fourth filler element 94 has an edge portion 9 so as to take at least partially the wedge shape indicated by the dashed line 9B. A It will be compressed in this case.

[0105] Figures 4B to 4D show vertical cross-sections. However, it is also clear that the filler elements 9 can be provided horizontally, i.e., perpendicular to the directions shown in Figures 4B to 4D, and here again, individual filler elements 9 can be selected or fabricated based on their thickness T for specific locations on the surfaces 6, 7, for example, based on the scanned SC performed as examined. Figure 4E shows an example embodiment along line IV of Figure 3. E -IV E This is shown in a cross-sectional view along the line. In this embodiment, a portion of the gap 8 is shown, when viewed from above, curving substantially with respect to the radius of the relevant cross-section of the pile 2. Ten filling elements 9 are shown, of which the first two filling elements 91 and 92 on the left side of Figure 4E, and the last five filling elements 96-99 on the right side. 10 The first and second fillers have the same thickness T. The fourth filler element 94 has a greater thickness T4 to fill the greater distance between surfaces 6 and 7. The third and fifth filler elements 93 and 95 are also wedge-shaped and have thicknesses that increase or decrease to accommodate the varying distance between surfaces 6 and 7, for example, by being machined or compressed in that manner. As considered, such compression can be better handled when using a pad or filler element 9 having an outline 100 as considered on either or both of surfaces 33 and 34.

[0106] As schematically shown in Figure 4, for example, a camera or similar inspection tool 65 can be placed in at least some of the channels 62, 63 for inspection of the filling elements 9 and / or surfaces 6, 7, and in particular any coatings provided on such surfaces 6, 7. As schematically shown by the dotted line 66 in Figure 4, the inspection tool 65 has, for example, a field of view facing laterally. The inspection tool 65 may be connected in a known manner to a display unit and / or computer system 72, etc. The inspection tool 65 may be, for example, an instrument such as an endoscope or periscope, or any other suitable such tool known in the art. In addition or alternatively, the inspection tool may be equipped with means for emitting and / or receiving other inspection radiation, for example, for non-optical inspection.

[0107] In the embodiment shown in the drawings, channels 62, 63 are formed between each pair of adjacent filling elements 9, such that a network of intersecting channels 62, 63 is formed. A first array of channels 62 is formed extending in the direction between the upper surface 12 and the lower surface 10 of the platform 3. The channels of the first array of channels 62 have at least an upper open end 67 or a lower open 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 in the first array are open, allowing the tool 65 to be introduced from either end. Furthermore, by providing at least some, preferably all, of the channels 62 in the first array of channels with both ends 67, 68 open, water and air can pass through them freely, in contrast to the prior art, for example, where a gasket is provided in the gap between a pile and a transition section to fill and consequently close such a gap. As a result, the platform 3 can be drained more easily.

[0108] The filling element 9 may have a non-square or non-rectangular shape, for example, with rounded or chamfered corners when viewed perpendicular to the thickness direction, which makes it easier to operate an inspection tool 65, such as an endoscope or remotely controlled camera, to move it from the first channel 62 into the second channel 63 that extends peripherally through the gap 8. The filling element or pad 9 may be a tile, for example, having a circular or elliptical shape, or a polygonal shape with, for example, six or eight corners.

[0109] The tile should be understood in this disclosure as at least substantially flat objects having length dimensions, also referred to as length L9 and width W9, and width dimensions, which are substantially greater than the thickness T of the element 9, or at least the average thickness T. Each filling element or tile 9 may have a shape such that it fits into a rectangle or square having sides of 10 to 60 cm, preferably 15 to 30 cm, and an average thickness such as 1 / 40 to 1 / 4, preferably 1 / 20 to 1 / 6, of the maximum length and width, preferably 1 / 15 to 1 / 8, for example, but not limited to. As suggested, the element or tile 9, also referred to as pad 9, may have surfaces 33, 34 having at least one particular shape as considered, in order to improve compressibility, and this shape may also improve bending.

[0110] Channels 62 and 63 preferably have a width W measured as the minimum distance between adjacent packing elements 9. 62 , W 63 It has this width W 62 , W 63 The width W9 of the filling element 9 is substantially smaller than the minimum length L9 and width W9, for example, 1 / 40 to 1 / 4, preferably 1 / 20 to 1 / 6, of the maximum length L9 and width W9, for example, 1 / 15 to 1 / 8 of the width W9, but not limited to these. 62 , W 63 That is the case.

[0111] For example, element 9 is a plastic material such as PU, for example, approximately 1.1 g / cm³. 3 For example, 1.2 g / cm³ 3 For example, 1.20~1.25 g / cm³ 3 It can be made of PU having a density such as (ASTM D792-91). The filling element may have an average thickness T of about 10 to about 70 mm, preferably 20 to 50 mm, for example, a constant thickness T. The filling element 9 is located at the above diameter D of the pile 2. pile They have relatively small overall dimensions compared to others, for example, when considering a rectangular or square element 9, they have length and width dimensions on the order of a few centimeters or a few decimeters, and thickness as suggested. Figure 4A shows an example of a filling element 9 embodied by a tile, which has a length L9 of 20 cm measured in the direction of column 61 parallel to the longitudinal axis AA, and a width W9 of 20 cm, also measured parallel to row 60, and this filling element 9 is square. Preferably, the plastic material does not contain open or closed cells containing gas.

[0112] In the embodiments shown, all filling elements have substantially the same length dimension L9 and width dimension W9, but they may have different thicknesses and / or different morphologies. However, filling elements having different length dimensions and / or width dimensions, in particular tiles, can also be used. In such embodiments, it is preferable that all filling elements 9 within any single row 60 of filling elements 9 have at least the same length dimension L9, which is measured in a direction perpendicular to the periphery of the pile 2.

[0113] As suggested, different filler elements 9 may have different thicknesses T and / or different shapes so that, based on scans such as those considered, a filler element or tile or pad 9 with an appropriate thickness T can be selected for each position within the gap 8. To easily distinguish the tiles, the tiles may be color-coded, for example, color-coded, for example, but not limited to, each thickness having its own color representation. For example, an array of tiles with thicknesses T increasing in steps of 2 mm, for example, but not limited to, can be provided, and each of the tiles in this array has a different color. This makes it easier for the user to select the appropriate tile 9. Coloring can be done, for example, after or during the manufacture of the tile, for example, by mixing the color through the material in which the tile is made.

[0114] The filling elements are preferably made of a compressible material such that their shape and dimensions can be modified to fit the gap they occupy, for example, due to the weight of the platform. For this purpose, the filling elements are preferably made of an elastomer, such as PUR, and the filling elements are preferably selected such that, for each filling element 9 in use, the compression of the relevant filling element or part thereof due to the weight of the platform 3 is less than 15% of the thickness of the filling element, preferably less than 10% of the thickness. As discussed, the shape of one or both of the surfaces 33, 34 can be used to impart compressibility more easily without excessive stress.

[0115] For example, as schematically shown in Figures 4C, 4D, and 4E, by using separate filling elements 9 within the gap, a further advantage is obtained in that changes in the width of the gap 8 can be easily accommodated by using adjacent filling elements having different thicknesses T and / or external shapes. Furthermore, this makes it possible to limit the compression required for each element 9 and / or the force required for such compression. Moreover, if necessary, this makes it possible to use adjacent filling elements with different properties to address specific support needs at different locations in the gap 8, for example, filling elements made of different materials, for example, filling elements with different densities to provide different compressibility, or filling elements with different shapes.

[0116] By using separate filling elements 9, which are relatively small compared to the surface area of ​​the pile and opening between them, a further advantage can be obtained: it is possible to tolerate the failure of a single filling element or even a limited number of such filling elements 9 to function, for example, due to overpressure, which can occur, for example, if the thickness of such tiles is not matched, especially if it is greater than the distance between surfaces at a given location, or if, for example, contaminants enter between the filling element and one of the surfaces 6, 7. Such filling elements may be damaged or collapse without substantially affecting the stability or position of the platform relative to the pile. Even the absence of a filling element at a given location may be acceptable, because the adjacent filling elements can easily compensate for the absence of support by a single filling element or a small group of such filling elements.

[0117] The relevant surfaces 6 and 7 of the pile 2 and the opening 4 are preferably covered with a protective coating, such as, but not limited to, a corrosion-resistant and / or anti-pollution coating, as is known in the art of maritime work, and the filling element 9 is preferably bonded to the coating on the surface of the opening 4 after the coating has been applied but before the platform 3 is installed on the pile 2.

[0118] Figure 16 shows a top view of a partial embodiment of the platform 3 on a pile 2. In this embodiment, the pile 2 is made of metal, rolled from a metal sheet, and the joining ends of the plate are welded together to form a closed weld 39. Due to the rolling process and / or welding which locally heat the metal, the pile 2 may have a slightly bulging region 40 around the weld 39. This may mean that the pile 2 deviates in that place from the desired circular cross-section, as shown as a dashed circle 41. In an embodiment such as that shown in Figure 20, this is addressed by a filling element 9, which is shaped so that a surface portion of the pile 2 that is in close contact with the bulging deviation 40 is provided to the inner surface 33. soll This can be addressed by: Figure 20 shows only one filling element. The rest of the gap 8 may be filled by additional filling elements 9, 9, which may not be modified from the standard filling element 9. soll It can be filled in.

[0119] International Publication No. 2023 / 275153 (Patent Document 3) discloses a method and system for attaching a wind turbine tower, or a transition section for attaching a wind turbine tower to a foundation pile, by a slip joint between at least a truncated conical portion of the foundation pile and an equal truncated conical portion of the tower or transition section. The description herein suggests that connecting elements can be installed between the truncated conical portions and cylindrical portions directly above and below them. The disclosure shows each of two rings, each consisting of 16 such connecting elements, positioned between the truncated conical portions, and two such rings, each consisting of 16 connecting elements, directly above and below the truncated conical portions. International Publication No. 2023 / 275153 states that the connecting elements can be made of an elastic material, at least partially compressible, and that compressibility can be improved by surface structuring. Such structuring is not described or illustrated in this publication. Alternatively, it is stated that openings may be provided on the surface to improve compressibility.

[0120] To attach a tower or transition section to a foundation pile, this system has been found to be able to provide sufficient compressibility to the connecting elements to compensate for the non-circularity of the pile and the tower or transition section, because the pile, and especially the tower or transition section, also allow for some degree of deformation during and after the formation of the slip joint, due to the weight of the supported structure and the relative flexibility of the components.

[0121] Platforms mounted on foundation piles do not offer such flexibility and deformation, while the weight of the platform tends to be significantly lower than the weight of the wind turbine. Therefore, relatively large connecting elements, such as those disclosed in International Publication No. 2023 / 275153, have proven unsuitable for providing adequate support to the platform on foundation piles.

[0122] Pads or tiles, as disclosed below with particular reference to Figures 21 to 27, have been found to be very efficient and effective in the attachment of platforms on foundation piles by slip joints, particularly when using large-diameter foundation piles. Examples of such foundation piles include, for example, those in which the diameter at the lower end of the truncated conical portion for forming the slip joint is 7 meters or more, for example, 10 meters or more, in which the slip joint is formed only between the platform and the truncated conical portion of the foundation pile, and not in any portion above or below the said portion.

[0123] In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the slip joint 100 is formed between the pile 2 and the platform 3 by using tiles having at least a main surface formed in the same manner as having such first and second type pads or a combination of the first and second type pads. In this description, the first type pad is also referred to as the first pad 9A, and the second type pad as pad 9B.

[0124] Figure 21 shows a first pad 9A made of a compressible elastic material such as PU, in a top view and a cross-sectional view along line AA. The first type of pad 9A has a main surface 100 and an opposite secondary surface 100A, the main surface 100 comprising projections 102 and gaps 103 between the projections 102. The secondary surface 100A in this embodiment is substantially flat. Figure 22 shows a second pad 9B made of a compressible elastic material such as PU, preferably the same material as the first pad 9A, in a top view and a cross-sectional view along line BB. The second pad 9B has a main surface 100 and an opposite secondary surface 100A. The main surface 100 is defined by or comprises a substantially flat main surface region 100B, while the secondary surface 100A is also substantially flat.

[0125] In these embodiments, the projections 102 are spherical or hemispherical and have a convex outer surface 102A with a vertex 200. Preferably, all projections are the same. The gaps 103 between the projections 9 have a concave bottom 103A.

[0126] The projection 102 and the gap 103 define a sinusoidal or semi-sinusoidal profile in the cross-section of the pad 9A, as schematically shown in Figure 23C for the smaller portion of the cross-section. In these embodiments, the projection has a constant radius of curvature R over most of the surface 102A including the vertex 200, for example, over about 140 degrees, which is 70 degrees on both sides of the vertex 200. 102 It is preferable that the bottom portion 103A also has a spherical or hemispherical shape and has a constant radius of curvature R over most of the surface 103A including the vertex 300, for example, over about 140 degrees, which is 70 degrees on both sides of the vertex 300. 103 It is preferable to have.

[0127] In the embodiment shown, the first pad 9A comprises a preferred number of nine projections 102. However, different numbers may also be provided. In the embodiment shown, the projections 102 are arranged in a preferred regular 3x3 matrix 206. However, they may also be arranged in a different manner, for example, in a staggered arrangement.

[0128] Figure 23 shows the curvature of surfaces 102A and 103A, corresponding to radius R. 102 , R 103 This is schematically represented by a larger sphere 201 and a smaller sphere 202 having a center point C 201 , C 202 These are connected by a virtual line 203, which includes an angle α of approximately 20 degrees with the virtual plane 204 passing through the center of the larger sphere 201.

[0129] The first pad 9A preferably has a thickness T, also referred to as the maximum thickness, measured between the subsurface 100A and the apex 200 of the protrusion 102. 9AHowever, it is 20-40 mm, for example 25-35 mm, preferably about 30 mm. The second type of pad 9B has a maximum thickness T of the first type of pad. 9A The thickness T measured between the main surface 100 and the subsurface 100A is smaller than 9B It holds.

[0130] Maximum thickness T of the first type pad 9A 9A The maximum thickness T of the first type pad 9A is preferably 1.1 to 6 times, preferably 1.2 to 4 times, and more preferably 1.3 to 3 times, the thickness of the second type pad. 9A Most preferably, the thickness T of the second type of pad 9B 9B It is approximately 1.5 times that. The protrusion 102 preferably has a radius of curvature R of about 22 to 25 mm, preferably about 23.5 mm. 102 The bottom portion 103A preferably has a radius of curvature R of about 9 to 11 mm, preferably about 10 mm. 103A The distance T between the vertex 300 of the bottom portion 103A of each void 103 and the adjacent subsurface 100A is such that 103A The length is approximately 8-12 mm, preferably about 10 mm.

[0131] The pads 9A and 9B are preferably square and symmetrical with respect to a 90-degree rotation about an axis passing through their center and perpendicular to the subsurface 100A. Figure 21A shows a perspective view of three first pads 9A.

[0132] The first pad 9A and the second pad 9B can be installed individually, for example, by bonding them to the surface of the pile 2 or platform 3. The first pad 9A can form a first array of pads, and the second pad 9B can form a second array of pads. Figures 22A and 22B show, as mere examples, examples of the positioning of the first pad 9A and the second pad 9B, where eight first pads 9A are arranged in a square around a single second pad 9B, at a certain distance from each other, to form a channel as considered. In Figure 22A, the square is positioned so that the channel extends parallel and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis AA of the pile 2. In Figure 22B, the square is rotated 45 degrees relative to the position in Figure 22A.

[0133] Instead of installing individual pads 9, a tile 400 can be formed by interconnecting arrays of pads. For example, a tile 400 can be formed by interconnecting eight pads 9A from a first array of pads and one pad 9B from a second array of pads. In this embodiment, some or all of the pads 9A and 9B are interconnected relatively strongly, and / or some of the pads 9A and 9B are hinged to each other.

[0134] Figure 23 shows an embodiment of a tile 400 having a main surface 100 with a specific shape and a substantially flat secondary surface 100A on the opposite side. The shape is similar to or identical to that of the first pad 9A, comprising rows of projections 102 and gaps 103 between the projections 102, the projections having convex surfaces 102A, preferably spherical or hemispherical. The gaps 103 between the projections 102 have a concave bottom 103, and a substantially flat main surface portion 100B, similar to or identical to that of the second pad 9B, is provided in the center of the tile 400. The substantially flat main surface portion 100B is provided at level Q between the secondary surface 100A and the apex 200 of the projection 102, preferably at level Q on the underside of the projection, or between the underside and the apex 200. The lower surface of the projection 102 should be understood to lie on a plane G, as shown in Figure 23C, which extends perpendicularly to the plane of the drawing and passes through the point where the dashed line 203 crosses the spheres 201 and 202.

[0135] For clarity, in Figures 21, 22A and 22B, 23, 24, and 25, for example, the projection is schematically shown, with the inner circle representing the level of plane G and the outer circle representing the void 103. The void 103 can form a circular depression like a moat around the projection.

[0136] Preferably, the tile 400 comprises at least three substantially rectangular tile portions 401, 402, and 403 arranged side by side, as shown in Figure 23, with an intermediate tile portion 402 positioned between two outer tile portions 401 and 403. The intermediate tile portion is hinged to each of the outer tile portions 401 and 402 via living hinges 405 on its opposite long sides. Each of the outer tile portions 401 and 403 comprises three sets of nine projections 102 arranged in a matrix M, and the intermediate tile portion 402 comprises two sets of nine projections 102 arranged in a similar matrix M, with a flat main surface area 100B provided between the matrices M of the intermediate tile portion 402. The outer portions 401 and 403 are preferably configured substantially similarly to three relatively firmly interconnected first pads 9A. The intermediate portion 402 is preferably configured substantially similarly to a second pad 9B to which the first pad 9A is relatively firmly attached on both sides.

[0137] In the embodiments shown, the tile 400 is substantially square and has sides of 500-700 mm, preferably about 600 mm. The projection 102 preferably has a radius of curvature R of about 23-24 mm, as described above. 102 It has a radius of curvature R of approximately 10 mm between adjacent protrusions 102. 103 A void can be provided having a concave bottom 103. In the embodiment, the void 103 can be designed differently or omitted. The tile 400 is made of a compressible plastic material, preferably PU, and the tile preferably has a thickness T measured between the subsurface 100A and the apex 200 of the protrusion. 9A The thickness is approximately 30 mm, and the thickness measured between the subsurface 100A and the flat main surface region 100B is approximately 20 mm. The apex 300 of the void 103 is preferably offset by approximately 10 mm from the subsurface 100A.

[0138] The vertices 200 of adjacent protrusions 102 within the matrix M can be spaced approximately 61 mm apart, while the vertices 200 of the closest protrusions 102 within adjacent matrices M can be spaced approximately 77 mm apart.

[0139] Figure 24 shows an isometric view of the tile 400 according to this disclosure, showing the matrix M of the spherical projection 102 and the centrally raised, substantially flat main surface region 100B.

[0140] Figure 25 shows a diagram of several tiles 400 arranged in rows and columns on the surface of a pile 2 or platform 3, with hinges 405 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis AA of the opening in the pile 2 and / or platform 3. First and second pads 9A, 9B can be used to form the same configuration. Using tiles 400 makes positioning easier and faster. Living hinges 400 allow for easy bending of the tiles 400, thereby facilitating adhesion of the tiles 400 to curved surfaces. Further tiles 400 are shown by dashed lines, indicating that a large number of such tiles are provided between surfaces 6, 7. As an example, if tiles 400 having a size of 600 × 600 mm are used according to this disclosure in a slip joint having an average diameter of 10 meters, i.e., an average circumference of 31.4 meters, with a 5 cm gap forming channels 62, 63 between adjacent tiles 400, the entire circumference can be covered by approximately 48 tiles in the circumferential direction. If individual pads are used, approximately 144 pads need to be installed in the circumferential direction.

[0141] Figures 26 and 27 schematically show a section of the slip joint of the present disclosure, in which the tile 400 is shown between two opposing truncated conical surfaces 6, 7, as in Figures 13A and 13B, for example. Similar figures are obtained when individual pads 9A, 9B are used. In Figures 26 and 27, the section is taken vertically across the central substantially flat main surface portion 100B.

[0142] In Figure 26, the surface portion 7 of platform 3 is positioned at a level that contacts the apex 200 of the projection 102. When the platform is lowered, a force F is applied, for example, by the weight of the platform, which causes the surface 7 to slide along the apex 200 and compress the projection 102. As seen in Figure 27, platform 3 can be lowered to such an extent that the projection 102 is compressed to the point where the surface 7 contacts the substantially flat main surface 100B, substantially preventing further movement, or at least requiring substantially greater force to move it further. It is clear that the same effect can be obtained when using the first and second pads 9A, 9B as described, with the second pad 9B providing a substantially flat main surface area 100B.

[0143] By providing a resting point with at least one such substantially flat main surface area 100B, excessive deformation of the protrusion can be avoided, preventing damage to the protrusion such as shear, while at the same time, it has been found that the protrusion provides sufficient support even if it does not reach the resting point, i.e., a substantially flat main surface area of ​​the tile 400 or the second pad 9B or an arrangement thereof.

[0144] Figure 17 shows a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the platform 3 mounted on top of the pile 2, showing a portion of the actual gap 8 filled with filling elements 9 and the actual surface 6 of the pile 2. ist The solid line shows the original desired surface 6, the dashed line shows the actual surface 7 of the opening 4, and the solid line shows the original desired surface 6, and the dashed line shows the actual surface 7 of the opening 4. ist The solid line indicates the original desired surface 7, while the dashed line indicates the original desired surface 7. Figure 18B is a side section view of a filler element 9 machined to fill the relevant portion of the gap 8 in Figure 17, while Figure 18A shows such a filler element 9 to fill the same portion of the desired gap 8. In Figure 18B, the inner surface 33 of the filler element 9 is fabricated to be more recessed and have a different slope than the inner surface 33 of the filler element in Figure 18A, while the outer surface 34 is also fabricated to have a different slope than the outer surface of the element shown in Figure 18A.

[0145] Figure 19 discloses a first alternative positioning of the filling elements, particularly the tiles 19. In this embodiment, square tiles 9 are again shown, arranged as a grid or matrix of rows 60 and columns 61 with channels 62, 63 in between, but in this embodiment, the grid or matrix is ​​rotated 45 degrees relative to the positions shown in Figures 3 and 4, as shown, for example, in Figure 19. This means that the longitudinal axis 69 of the first array of channels 62 extends at an angle α with respect to the longitudinal axis AA, the angle being 45 degrees in the shown embodiment, while the longitudinal axis 70 of the channels 63 of the second array of channels extends at a similar angle α, but is a mirror image with respect to axis AA, so the longitudinal axes 69, 70 are perpendicular. In such an embodiment, all of the channels open directly to the environment at their upper ends 67 and lower ends 68, which are opposite each other. This allows the inspection tool 65 to be more easily inserted and moved through all of these channels 62, 63.

[0146] In Figure 19, one of the pads or tiles 9' is shown having an outline 100, for example, as disclosed in Figures 5 to 11 or Figure 14. Such an outline 100 can be given to some or all of the pads 9.

[0147] Figure 20 schematically shows a similar positioning of the infill element to that in Figure 19, particularly a further alternative positioning of tile 9, but the infill element or tile 9 is rhomboid rather than square. In the embodiment shown, the rhomboid infill element or tile 9 is positioned so that its narrower corners face upward and downward. Channels 62, 63 thus extend at an angle α deviating from 45 degrees with respect to axis AA, and they are identical but can be mirror images with respect to axis AA. Angle α may be, for example, 15 to 45 degrees. Alternatively, this angle may be selected between 45 and 75 degrees.

[0148] Similarly in Figure 20, one of the pads 9' is shown having an outline 100, for example, as shown in Figures 5-11 or Figure 14. One, some, or all of the pads 9 may have such an outline, and this outline may be the same or different for some or all of the pads 9.

[0149] It will also become apparent that the filler element 9 can be fabricated in one piece to fit into the gap 8, based on at least scan data of the actual surfaces 6, 7 of the pile 2 and platform 3, instead of being fabricated from a standard filler element. If the filler element is to be machined to fit a specific location, the standard filler element will preferably have a thickness that fits into the gap 8 having an expected maximum width, so that the size of the element 9 can be reduced to fit into a smaller gap. Additional material can be added to the standard filler element 9, either as an alternative or addition.

[0150] In any of the disclosed embodiments, one or more of the pads 9 may, and preferably may, have an external shape 100 as shown in any of the figures, including, but not limited to, Figures 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 6C, 8A, 9A, 11A, 14A, 14B, or 14C, as shown in any of the figures.

[0151] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein merely as examples. Many modifications can be made within the concept of this disclosure, including combinations of some or all of the methods and structural features disclosed.

[0152] For example, in the drawings, the filling elements 9 in the embodiment are shown as individual filling elements. However, each filling element may also consist of a filling element component joined together in the thickness direction and / or length and / or width direction, and it will be apparent that the combined component forms a filling element as already discussed and a channel as discussed is applied. The disclosed filling elements may be pads or tiles. The number of filling elements used will depend in particular on the relevant diameters of the piles and openings and the size of the filling elements, and it will be apparent that, for example, the compressibility of the filling elements may have an effect. The number and size of the filling elements used and the dimensions of the channel will also depend on the weight of the platform and the average slope of the surfaces 6, 7. The filling elements may be of different shapes, for example, triangular or parallelepiped. In the embodiment, filling elements with different lengths and / or widths may be used, so that, for example, filling elements in one or more rows have the same width but different lengths from filling elements in one or more adjacent rows. Tiles and pads can be combined to form slip joints. The tiles and / or pads can take on different arrangements, for example, in different groupings, in arrangements without channels 62, 63, and can have different sizes and configurations. The number of first and second pads or protrusions and substantially flat main surface areas can be selected depending on the circumstances, such as the weight of the platform, its size and configuration, and deviations from desired dimensions. In the embodiments shown and considered, channels 62 and 63 extend perpendicular to each other. Alternatively, they may include different angles, for example, when triangular filler elements are used.

Claims

1. A slip joint between a platform and a pile, wherein the pile has a first surface area at or near the upper end of the pile, the platform has an opening at least partially defined by a second surface area, the slip joint between the first surface area and the second surface area is provided with at least one array of first pads or tiles, the pads or tiles are made at least partially of a flexible material, the pads or tiles of the at least one array of first pads or tiles have a main surface facing one of the first surface area and the second surface area, and a secondary surface facing the other of the first surface area and the second surface area, wherein at least the shape of the main surface is such that a portion of the shape can be compressed.

2. The aforementioned external features are, An arrangement of a plurality of openings formed on the main surface, wherein the arrangement of the plurality of openings is formed such that at least a portion of the material of the pad surrounding the openings can be pushed inward to reduce the volume of the openings, and The slip joint according to claim 1, comprising at least one of the arrangements of a plurality of protrusions, each having at least one gap between the protrusions, and being formed so that at least a portion of the protrusions can be compressed into the at least one gap by deformation.

3. The slip joint according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the main surface comprises an arrangement of a plurality of openings, and at least a portion of the plurality of openings have closed ends, preferably on or near the secondary surface, or at least between the main surface and the secondary surface.

4. The slip joint according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the main surface comprises an arrangement of a plurality of openings, at least some of the plurality of openings being substantially truncated cones.

5. The main surface comprises an arrangement of multiple openings, The total surface area of ​​the arrangement of the plurality of openings on the main surface is 20 to 80%, preferably 40 to 75%, of the total surface area of ​​the main surface, and / or At least some of the plurality of openings, preferably each of the plurality of openings, have a πR curve on the main surface. ２ A slip joint according to any one of claims 1 to 4, having a surface area where R is 0.25 to 2 times the thickness of the pad in the relevant opening.

6. The slip joint according to claims 1 to 5, wherein the main surface comprises an arrangement of a plurality of ribs that form at least a part of the outer shape.

7. The slip joint according to claim 6, wherein at least some of the plurality of ribs extend substantially parallel to each other.

8. The slip joint according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the ribs are oriented generally along the longitudinal direction, and at least the axis of the arrangement of the ribs generally along the longitudinal direction extends in a plane containing the longitudinal axis of the pile.

9. The slip joint according to claim 8, wherein at least some of the plurality of ribs intersect.

10. The slip joint according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the rib has a curved or tapered cross-section.

11. The slip joint according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the main surface comprises a plurality of studs extending away from the subsurface, and the protrusions form part of the outer shape.

12. The slip joint according to claim 11, wherein the stud is pyramidal, hemispherical, or egg-shaped.

13. The slip joint according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the plurality of studs are arranged in a matrix.

14. The slip joint according to any one of claims 6 to 13, wherein at least some of the plurality of protrusions, such as ribs and / or studs, are hollow.

15. The slip joint according to claim 14, wherein at least some of the plurality of hollow protrusions open toward the subsurface.

16. The slip joint according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the at least one pad is made of a polymer material, and preferably the at least one pad is made of polyurethane.

17. A slip joint according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein an array of pads is provided between the first surface region and the second surface region, and preferably, at least some of the array of pads are spaced apart from adjacent pads.

18. The slip joint according to claim 17, wherein a matrix of the plurality of pads is provided between the first surface region and the second surface region.

19. The slip joint according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the at least one pad is bonded to the second surface region by the subsurface, and the outer shape faces the first surface region.

20. The pile is provided with a first flange extending outward from the pile at the lower end of the first surface region and extending beyond the lower edge of at least one pad, and / or The platform is provided with a second flange extending inward from the platform at the upper end of the second surface region and extending beyond the upper edge of at least one pad. A slip joint according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

21. The slip joint according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the main surface has a plurality of protrusions, and the protrusions have a convex surface, preferably spherical or hemispherical.

22. The slip joint according to claim 21, wherein the gap between the protruding portions has a concave bottom.

23. The slip joint according to claims 21 and 22, wherein the protrusions and the gaps define a sinusoidal or semi-sinusoidal profile in the cross-section of the pads in the arrangement of the first pads.

24. The slip joint according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the pads in the first arrangement of pads each comprise nine protrusions on the main surface and substantially flat or curved secondary surfaces.

25. The slip joint according to any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the thickness of the pads in the first pad arrangement, measured between the subsurface and the apex of the protrusion, is 20 to 40 mm, for example, 25 to 35 mm, preferably about 30 mm.

26. A slip joint according to any one of claims 1 to 25, comprising at least one array of second pads, wherein the pads of the array of second pads have substantially flat or curved main and sub-surfaces.

27. The slip joint according to claim 26, wherein the thickness of the pad in the second pad array, measured between the main surface and the sub-surface, is smaller than the maximum thickness of the pad in the first pad array.

28. The slip joint according to any one of claims 21 to 25 and 27, wherein the maximum thickness of the pads in the first pad array is measured between the subsurface and the apex of the protrusion, and the maximum thickness is 1.1 to 6 times, preferably 1.2 to 4 times, and more preferably 1.3 to 3 times, the thickness of the pads in the first pad array.

29. The slip joint according to claim 28, wherein the maximum thickness of the pads in the first pad array is 1.5 times the thickness of the pads in the second pad array.

30. The slip joint according to any one of claims 26 to 29, wherein the arrangement of the first pads and the arrangement of the second pads are provided such that eight pads of the first pad arrangement are positioned around one pad of the second pad arrangement.

31. The slip joint according to claim 30, wherein the eight pads of the first pad array and the one pad of the second pad array form a square, and the pad of the second pad array is positioned in the center of the square.

32. The slip joint according to claim 30 or 31, wherein the eight pads of the first arrangement of pads and the one pad of the second arrangement of pads are interconnected to form a tile, preferably some of these pads are relatively firmly interconnected with one another, and some of these pads are hinged together with one another.

33. The slip joint according to any one of claims 21 to 32, wherein the radius of curvature of the protruding portion is approximately 22 to 25 mm, preferably approximately 23.5 mm.

34. The slip joint according to claims 33 and 22, wherein the radius of curvature of the bottom portion is about 9 to 11 mm, preferably about 10 mm, and the distance between the apex of the bottom portion of each void and the adjacent subsurface is about 8 to 12 mm, preferably about 10 mm.

35. A pad for forming a slip joint between a platform and a pile according to any one of claims 1 to 34.

36. The pad according to claim 35, wherein the pad has a main surface having a specific shape and a substantially flat or curved secondary surface on the opposite side.

37. The aforementioned pad is An array of studs, preferably a matrix of spaced studs, and / or The pad according to claim 35, having a main surface having an array of openings, preferably a matrix of spaced-apart openings.

38. The pad according to any one of claims 35 to 37, wherein the pad has a longitudinal direction extending in a vertical plane including the longitudinal axis of a pile used together during use, a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, a main surface on the side of the pad, and a secondary surface on the opposite side of the pad, and the pad has a cross-section as viewed in the longitudinal direction, the cross-section comprising alternating peaks and valleys forming the main surface.

39. The pad according to any one of claims 35 to 38, wherein the subsurface is provided with a recess, thereby partially enabling compression of the outer shape on the subsurface.

40. The pad according to claim 36, wherein the pad is a first type of pad, and the main surface of the first type of pad comprises a plurality of protrusions and gaps between the protrusions, and the protrusions have a convex surface, preferably spherical or hemispherical.

41. The pad according to claim 40, wherein the gap between the protrusions has a concave bottom.

42. The pad according to claims 40 and 41, wherein the protrusion and the gap define a sinusoidal or semi-sinusoidal profile in the cross-section of the pad.

43. The pad according to any one of claims 40 to 42, wherein the pad has nine protrusions on the main surface.

44. The pad according to any one of claims 40 to 43, wherein the thickness measured between the subsurface and the apex of the protrusion is 20 to 40 mm, for example, 25 to 35 mm, preferably about 30 mm.

45. A set comprising one or more first type pads according to any one of claims 40 to 44 and at least one second type pad, wherein the second type pad has a primary surface and a secondary surface that are substantially flat or curved and opposite to each other.

46. The set according to claim 45, wherein the thickness of the second type of pad, measured between the main surface and the sub-surface, is less than the maximum thickness of the first type of pad.

47. The set according to claim 46, wherein the maximum thickness of the first type of pad is measured between the subsurface and the apex of the protrusion, and the maximum thickness is 1.1 to 6 times, preferably 1.2 to 4 times, and more preferably 1.3 to 3 times, the thickness of the second type of pad.

48. The set according to claim 47, wherein the maximum thickness of the first type of pad is 1.5 times the thickness of the second type of pad.

49. The pad according to any one of claims 35 to 44 or the set according to any one of claims 45 to 48, wherein the radius of curvature of the protruding portion is approximately 22 to 25 mm, preferably approximately 23.5 mm.

50. The pad according to any one of claims 35 to 44 or the set according to any one of claims 45 to 49, wherein the radius of curvature of the bottom portion is about 9 to 11 mm, preferably about 10 mm, and the distance between the apex of the bottom portion of each void and the adjacent subsurface is about 8 to 12 mm, preferably about 10 mm.

51. A tile having a main surface having a specific shape and a substantially flat secondary surface on the opposite side, wherein the shape comprises rows of projections and gaps between the projections, the projections having convex surfaces, preferably spherical or hemispherical, the gaps between the projections having concave bottoms, and a substantially flat main surface portion provided in the center of the tile.

52. The tile according to claim 51, wherein the substantially flat main surface portion is provided at the level between the subsurface and the apex of the protrusion, preferably at the level between the lower surface of the protrusion and the apex.

53. The tile according to claim 51 or 52, wherein the tile comprises at least three substantially rectangular tile portions arranged side by side, an intermediate tile portion positioned between two outer tile portions and hinged to each of the outer tile portions, each of the outer tile portions comprising three sets of nine projections arranged in a matrix, the intermediate tile portion comprising two sets of nine projections arranged in a similar matrix, and a flat main surface area provided between the matrices of the intermediate tile portions.

54. The tile according to claim 53, wherein the tile is substantially square and has sides of 500 to 700 mm, preferably about 600 mm, the projections have a radius of curvature of about 23 to 24 mm, and there is a gap between adjacent projections having a concave bottom with a radius of curvature of about 10 mm, the tile is made of a compressible plastic material, preferably PU, and the tile has a thickness of about 30 mm measured between the subsurface and the apex of the projections, and a thickness of about 20 mm measured between the subsurface and the flat main surface area.

55. A method for fitting a platform onto a pile by a slip joint formed between the internal surface of the platform and the external surface of the pile, wherein at least one of the platform and the pile is provided with at least one pad or tile, the at least one pad or tile having a primary surface on a first side and a secondary surface on the opposite second side, the primary surface having ribs and / or studs and / or openings forming at least a portion of the primary surface, the platform is slid on the upper end of the pile such that the internal surface of the platform is adjacent to the external surface of the pile, the at least one pad or tile is positioned between the external surface and the internal surface, at least a portion of the ribs and / or studs are deformed by compression due to the weight of the platform, and / or the material of the pad is deformed into the opening.

56. A method for using the pad or tile according to any one of claims 35 to 44 or the tile according to any one of claims 51 to 54, wherein the pad or tile is manufactured such that at least the subsurface is substantially flat, and the pad or tile is bent so that the subsurface adheres to the platform or the pile.

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