Floating module of a floating structure and method for coupling such floating modules

Abstract

To provide a module type float structure body functioning as a monolithic structure body having the same mechanical strength as that of a standard portion of a float module by strengthening coupling strength among a plurality of float modules.SOLUTION: A float module is configured to: include a plurality of walls (2) extending between a first long direction end part and a second long direction end part (6); include a first partition wall (8) and a second partition wall that are connected to each of the plurality of walls (2) so as to define the internal volume of the float module; and include at least one extension part (14) appearing on an outer surface (16) of the walls (2). The extension part (14) protrudes from the first long direction end part or the second long direction end part (6) and extends in the long direction. The extension part (14) and the walls (2) are materially integrated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, so-called monolithic floating structures formed from a single structural element are known. Such monolithic floating structures have the drawback that, due to their particularly limited dimensions, it is not possible to manufacture a floating structure adapted to the desired dimensions, or that the manufacturing cost becomes extremely high due to the need for special infrastructure during their manufacture or during their transport from the manufacturing site to the destination.

[0003] So-called modular floating structures are also known. A modular floating structure is a plurality of separate floating modules that are joined to each other to form the modular floating structure, and in particular includes modules made of concrete. A method is known for ensuring close contact between different floating modules by creating cavities within the thickness range of one wall of each floating module in the region of the joint between the first floating module and the second floating module. The cavity of the first known floating module and the cavity formed by the second known floating module are then filled with a material such as concrete, in particular a liquid material that ensures close contact between the first floating module and the second floating module of the known modular floating structure when solidified. Such known modular floating structures have drawbacks and are not entirely satisfactory. In fact, since the cavities are created within the thickness range of the wall, the thickness of the concrete placed in the cavities is only equal to a small part of the wall thickness. Therefore, when joining the first module and the second module, only a very small part of the wall thickness provides the mechanical strength of the assembly of the first floating module and the second floating module. As a result, structural vulnerabilities occur in the joint region between the first known floating module and the second known floating module of the known floating structure, particularly in terms of static, dynamic, hydrostatic fatigue strength and airtightness. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to propose a floating structure that can address all of the above-mentioned drawbacks and further provide other advantages. Therefore, the object of the present invention is to manufacture a modular floating structure comprising two floating modules. The two floating modules are assembled and joined to each other by a material cast in a cavity between the first floating module and the second floating module. Since the cavity has a thickness equal to the thickness of the walls of the floating modules of the floating structure, the overall mechanical continuity between the first floating module and the second floating module is ensured, and a modular floating structure is obtained that functions like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical strength as the standard section of the floating module.

[0005] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a floating module comprising a plurality of walls extending between a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, wherein the floating module comprises a first partition wall and a second partition wall connected to each of the plurality of walls and defining an internal volume of the floating module together with these walls. In the floating module, the floating module comprises at least one extension protruding from an outer surface of the wall, the extension protruding from the first longitudinal end or the second longitudinal end and extending longitudinally, and the extension and the wall from which the extension protrudes are made of a single piece of material.

[0006] The walls mainly extend in the longitudinal axis. When the floating module is implemented in a floating structure, the longitudinal axis is designed to be horizontal. The first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end refer to the longitudinal ends of the walls, not the longitudinal ends of the floating module.

[0007] In contrast, the first partition wall and the second partition wall extend in a vertical plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in the transverse direction.

[0008] The walls and the partitions define an internal volume. Thereby, the floating module can float. In fact, the internal volume is completely closed or almost completely closed. In this example, the floating module has an opening, in particular a technical opening, provided in one wall or one partition. Thus, when the floating module is deployed on a body of water such as the sea, ocean, port, etc., the floating module is designed to prevent or reduce the penetration of water inside the internal volume. More specifically, the internal volume of the floating module is designed to be filled with a material having a specific gravity of less than 1, i.e., a specific gravity smaller than that of water. The material can be, for example, air or a foam, such as a foam of polyurethane, polyethylene or polystyrene. Thereby, since the floating module has a total specific gravity of less than 1, it is ensured that the floating module floats on water.

[0009] Each wall comprises an inner face and an outer face arranged on the opposite side of the wall with respect to the inner face, and the inner face of the wall is oriented in the direction of the internal volume. Thus, the thickness of the wall is measured between the inner face and the outer face of the wall.

[0010] Thus, the extension emerges from the outer face of the wall. The extension also projects from one longitudinal end of the wall and extends longitudinally. The extension and the wall from which the extension emerges are composed of a single material. In other words, the extension and the wall from which the extension emerges are composed of the same material and they have no separation of materials whatsoever.

[0011] With this configuration according to the present invention, a modular floating structure including at least one floating module according to the first aspect of the present invention can be realized. The floating structure has an overall mechanical continuity between the assembled floating modules and, unlike known modular floating structures, functions like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical strength as the standard part of the floating module. In fact, the extension of the first floating module according to the present invention and the wall where the extension appears define a first cavity. The extension appears from the outer surface of the wall and protrudes from the longitudinal end of the wall and extends longitudinally. Therefore, the cavity has a dimension called the first dimension along the vertical axis perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse planes formed by the inner surface of the wall. The first dimension represents at least the overall thickness of the wall measured between the outer surface and the inner surface of the wall. Also, this first dimension may be larger than the thickness of the wall measured vertically between the outer surface and the inner surface of the wall. Thus, in the process of connecting the first floating module and the second floating module, the cavity can position the material connecting the first floating module and the second floating module, and then the material can fill the entire first dimension of the cavity. Therefore, with this configuration, the overall mechanical continuity between the first floating module and the second floating module can be ensured, and a modular floating structure can be obtained that functions like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical strength as the standard part of the floating module. The cavity is defined by the wall and the extension having a first dimension that can represent at least the overall thickness of the wall.

[0012] On the other hand, the mechanical strength of the extension is ensured by the material continuity between the extension and the wall where the extension appears.

[0013] The floating module according to the first aspect of the present invention advantageously includes at least one of the following improvements, and technical features forming these improvements alone or in combination can be utilized. - One edge of one longitudinal end of the wall and the extension part at least partially define a cavity. The edge refers to the surface located at the end of the wall along the longitudinal axis. Therefore, when arranged relative to each other for the purpose of connecting two floating modules, the cavity of the first floating module, called the first cavity, faces the cavity of the second floating module, called the second cavity, and the first cavity and the second cavity together form a cavity. A material such as concrete can be injected into this cavity, making it possible to structurally connect the first floating module and the second floating module. - The thickness of the cavity is greater than or equal to the thickness of the wall where the extension part appears. The thickness described here is measured along parallel lines. In other words, the inner surface of the extension part extends towards the external environment of the floating module within a plane that is located beyond the plane to which the outer surface of the wall is inscribed. - The outer surface of the wall and the inner surface of the extension part are in the same plane. The outer surface of the wall is arranged on the opposite side of the wall with respect to the inner surface of the wall. The inner surface of the extension part is oriented facing the cavity. The outer surface of the wall and the inner surface of the extension part are understood to be in the same plane when the positional difference between the planes is within 5%. The positional difference between the planes is measured based on the thickness of the wall measured between the inner surface and the outer surface of the wall. In this specific embodiment, the inner surface of the extension part and the outer surface of the wall are in the same plane. The first dimension measured between the longitudinal and transverse planes formed by the inner surface of the extension part and the inner surface of the wall is equal to the second dimension measured between the outer surface and the inner surface of the wall. In other words, the second dimension corresponds to the thickness of the wall.

[0014] Accordingly, with a configuration in which the first dimension of the cavity is equal to or substantially equal to the wall thickness, the overall mechanical continuity between the first floating module and the second floating module can be ensured, and in particular, compared to known floating modules in which the first dimension of the cavity corresponds to only a small part of the second dimension of the wall, a modular floating structure can be obtained that functions like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical strength as the standard part of the floating module. In fact, according to the present invention, the cavity can be configured such that the first dimension of the cavity is equal to the wall thickness by means of an extension extending from the outer surface of the wall. The cavity is designed to be filled with a connecting material such as concrete. This purpose is to connect the first floating module and the second floating module of the floating structure so that the floating structure can surely obtain the overall mechanical continuity between the first floating module and the second floating module, and to obtain a modular floating structure that functions like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical strength as the standard part of the floating module, and to withstand the mechanical forces acting thereon, particularly the compressive force, to maintain the connection between the first floating module and the second floating module, or to withstand the mechanical forces generated by the movement of the water body in which the floating structure is located. - The extensions are arranged on each of the side walls of the floating module and on the bottom wall of the floating module. The side wall refers to a wall that mainly extends in a longitudinal vertical plane when the floating module is implemented on the water body. The bottom wall refers to a wall that mainly extends in a longitudinal horizontal plane when the floating module is implemented on the water body. The bottom wall is arranged at the level of the bottom of the floating module and is designed to be particularly submerged when the floating module is implemented on the water body. In contrast, the upper part of the floating module is designed to float when the floating module is implemented on the water body.

[0015] Advantageously, the bottom wall connects the side walls of the floating module to each other below the waterline, and the upper wall disposed on the upper part of the floating module connects the side walls of the floating module to each other, so that the side walls are partially submerged and partially floating. With this configuration, it is possible to narrow the volume portion located between the first floating module and the second floating module, which is particularly intended to be connected to each other on the water body, while allowing an engineer who has to perform various steps necessary to connect the first floating module and the second floating module in particular to access the volume portion located between the first floating module and the second floating module, particularly in the region above the floating module. In particular, since the upper wall has no extension, a passage that can be accessed by the engineer is formed. - The extension extends along the transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis over the entire wall thickness. - Advantageously, the extension disposed on the first wall is joined by a single-piece material to the extension disposed on the second wall that is directly adjacent to the first wall. With this configuration, the overall mechanical continuity between the first floating module and the second floating module can be ensured, and a modular floating structure that functions like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical strength as the standard parts of the floating module, and a tight connection between the extension disposed on the first wall and the extension disposed on the second wall can be obtained. - The wall includes a first extension disposed in the region of the first longitudinal end and a second extension disposed in the region of the second longitudinal end. The wall particularly refers to a single wall of the floating module, or similarly each wall of the floating module, or similarly all of the side walls and / or the bottom wall of the floating module. With this configuration, the connection between the first floating module and the second floating module according to the first aspect of the present invention can be simplified. The first floating module and the second floating module are then joined to each other in the region of their respective extensions. More specifically and advantageously, the first extension disposed on the first floating module is designed to be connected to the second extension disposed on the second floating module. - The plurality of the walls, the first partition wall, the second partition wall, and the extension part are formed of an integral material, and the material is concrete. In other words, the overall backbone of the floating module is formed of concrete. With this configuration, the overall mechanical continuity between the first floating module and the second floating module can be ensured, and it can function like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical strength as the standard part of the floating module to obtain a modular floating structure that can withstand mechanical forces, particularly mechanical compressive forces.

[0016] Furthermore, with this configuration, the fabrication of the floating module that can be formed using a mold filled with liquid concrete can be simplified. Advantageously, the concrete is reinforced. That is, by passing at least one metal reinforcement through it, the strength of the floating module against mechanical forces, particularly tensile forces, is improved. Advantageously, the concrete is prestressed. That is, a prestressing cable extends through the concrete, and by applying a tensile force to the prestressing cable, a compressive force corresponding to the floating module can be applied, and the concrete forming the floating module is subjected to the compressive force. Concrete has high resistance to compressive forces but little resistance to tensile forces. - The metal reinforcement extends inside one wall and appears within the cavity. Thus, the metal reinforcement extends along the longitudinal axis. In other words, the metal reinforcement is disposed within the thickness of the wall, i.e., between the inner and outer surfaces of the wall. The metal reinforcement appears within the cavity when it reaches the cavity, i.e., when the metal reinforcement extends longitudinally to the edge of the longitudinal end of the wall, or when the metal reinforcement extends inside the cavity. The metal reinforcement improves the resistance of the floating module to mechanical forces, particularly traction forces. On the other hand, the metal reinforcement of the first floating module is designed to be connected to the metal reinforcement of the second floating module. This purpose is to ensure the overall mechanical continuity between the first floating module and the second floating module so that the floating structure formed by the first floating module and the second floating module can withstand mechanical forces, particularly traction forces, and to obtain a modular floating structure that functions like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical strength as the standard part of the floating module.

[0017] Advantageously, by connecting the metal reinforcement of the first floating module to the metal reinforcement of the second floating module, when connecting the first floating module and the second floating module, the relative position of the first floating module with respect to the second floating module can be determined. Advantageously, in combination with the above-mentioned features, by constructing the backbone of the floating module from concrete, the overall mechanical continuity between the first floating module and the second floating module is ensured, and a modular floating structure is obtained that functions like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical strength as the standard part of the floating module and can withstand mechanical compression forces, and the resistance to mechanical traction forces is ensured by the metal reinforcement. - The floating module comprises a prestress sheath that extends inside one wall and appears within the cavity. Thus, the prestress sheath extends along the longitudinal axis. In other words, the prestress sheath is disposed within the thickness of the wall, i.e., between the inner and outer surfaces of the wall. The prestress sheath is understood to appear within the cavity when it reaches the cavity, i.e., when the prestress sheath extends longitudinally to the edge of the longitudinal end of the wall or when the prestress sheath extends within the cavity. The prestress sheath is designed to receive a prestress cable formed by a plurality of strands. The prestress cable is stored inside the prestress sheath. More specifically, the prestress sheath is designed to receive a metal prestress cable formed from a plurality of metal strands, and preferably the metal strands are twisted. Thus, when joining a plurality of floating modules aligned on the same alignment axis to each other, the prestress cable is inserted into the prestress sheath of each floating module. Each prestress sheath of the first floating module is adapted to align with the prestress sheath of the second adjacent floating module. Thus, when joining the first floating module and the second floating module to each other, the prestress cable extends through the cavity of the first floating module and the cavity of the second floating module. Then, tension is applied to the prestress cable so as to exert a compressive force on the assembly of floating modules aligned on the alignment axis. By applying tension in this way, each concrete floating module can receive a compressive force. Concrete exhibits high resistance to compressive forces. On the other hand, the floating module potentially receives only a very small tensile force. Concrete exhibits little resistance to tensile forces. The configuration in which the prestress cable extends through the cavity of the first floating module and the cavity of the second floating module enables the compressive force applied by the prestress cable to reliably act on the surfaces of the cavity of the first floating module and the cavity of the second floating module.

[0018] In other words, the compressive force applied by the prestress cable is not offset from the center with respect to the surface to which the compressive force is applied. Similarly, with this configuration, particularly in a specific embodiment in which the floating structure includes at least three floating modules coupled along the same axis, all these floating modules can be coupled to each other by prestress cables, and then the compressive force can be exerted on all of the floating modules by the prestress cables. Thereby, the overall mechanical continuity between the first floating module and the second floating module is ensured, and a modular floating structure can be obtained that functions like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical strength as the standard part of the floating module. - Preferably, the prestress cable has a diameter larger than the diameter of the metal reinforcement. - Advantageously, the floating module has a longitudinal dimension of 5 meters to 100 meters, or any desired length. The present invention can be used to ensure the overall mechanical continuity between the first floating module and the second floating module and to obtain a modular floating structure that functions like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical strength as the standard part of the floating module. The longitudinal dimension of the floating module is measured between the first longitudinal end portion and the second longitudinal end portion of the floating module. The first longitudinal end portion is disposed in the region of the first end of the first extension that protrudes from the wall and extends longitudinally, and the second longitudinal end portion is disposed on the opposite side of the floating module along the longitudinal axis with respect to the first end portion. The second end portion can be formed, in particular, by the second end of the second extension disposed on the opposite side of the wall along the longitudinal axis with respect to the first end portion. In other words, the floating module extends longitudinally between the first longitudinal end portion and the second longitudinal end portion. With this configuration, large floating modules can be fabricated while being constructible and transportable in a simple manner by existing means. - The plurality of walls of the floating module are three to six walls, particularly four walls. -Preferably, the floating module can have the shape of a straight walkway. Alternatively, the floating module can have an L-shape. Thereby, an angle can be formed in the region of the wall of the floating module. Preferably, the angle is approximately 90° plus or minus 10°. Thereby, a floating structure having a generally rectangular shape can be produced, and the floating module forms one corner of the floating structure. Alternatively, the floating module can have any other shape. -The floating module described below can include sealing means integrated with an extension portion. In particular, this sealing means can be arranged at one end defining the extension portion. This end forms the longitudinal end of the floating module.

[0019] According to a second aspect, the present invention also relates to a floating structure comprising at least one floating module according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0020] With this configuration according to the second aspect of the present invention, in particular, it is possible to form floating structures such as bridges, oil drilling platforms, ports, piers, floating breakwaters for renewable energy, nuclear structures, artificial islands, or any other type of floating structure. More specifically, with this configuration, it is possible to construct so-called modular floating structures, that is, those formed from a plurality of separate floating modules coupled to each other. In fact, the construction of large modular floating structures is simplified compared to the construction of monolithic floating structures formed from a single large structural element. In fact, the construction of a monolithic floating structure requires, for example, special infrastructure and transportation means suitable for transporting from the manufacturing location to the destination, whereas in the case of a modular floating structure, the floating modules forming the modular floating structure individually have a size smaller than the size of the modular floating structure. Furthermore, since the floating modules can also be coupled to each other so as to directly form the modular structure at the transportation destination of the modular floating structure, transportation constraints on the floating structure are eliminated. On the other hand, by using the floating module according to the first aspect of the present invention, unlike known modular floating structures, the present invention can guarantee the overall mechanical continuity between the first floating module and the second floating module and enables the obtaining of a modular floating structure that functions like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical strength as the standard parts of the floating module.

[0021] The floating structure according to the second aspect of the present invention advantageously includes at least one of the following improvements, and technical features forming these improvements alone or in combination can be utilized. - Advantageously, the floating structure includes a plurality of floating modules, and all of the plurality of floating modules are according to the first aspect of the present invention. Alternatively, only some of the plurality of floating modules are according to the first aspect of the present invention. - The sealing means is arranged between the first floating module and the second floating module, and the sealing means is inserted between the extension of the first floating module and the extension of the second floating module. This can be the sealing means described above with respect to the floating module. Advantageously, the sealing means is inserted between the side wall and / or the bottom wall of the first floating module and the side wall and / or the bottom wall of the second floating module. The sealing means can ensure a tight connection between the first floating module and the second floating module. Thus, when the first floating module and the second floating module are coupled to each other, the sealing means having a certain elasticity is compressed, and the airtightness of the interface between the first floating module and the second floating module is ensured.

[0022] Advantageously, the sealing means is integrated with the extension of either the first floating module or the second floating module. Preferably, the sealing means is a gasket, in particular a gasket made of rubber or plastic. - The cavity defined by the cavity of the first floating module and the cavity of the second floating module is filled with concrete. With this configuration, the first floating module and the second floating module of the floating structure can be coupled and adhered to each other. More specifically and advantageously, with this configuration, by placing concrete in the cavity, a monolithic assembly in which the first floating module and the second floating module are coupled to each other can be obtained. Thereby, the continuity of the material between the first floating module and the second floating module can be realized. Advantageously, the first floating module and the second floating module are composed of concrete. In other words, the material present in the cavity is the same as the material forming the first floating module and the second floating module. Therefore, with this configuration, the overall mechanical continuity between the first floating module and the second floating module can be ensured, and it functions like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical strength as the standard part of the floating module, and a modular floating structure that can withstand the mechanical forces of the floating structure, particularly compressive forces, can be obtained. The concrete placed in the cavity ensures the transmission of mechanical forces between one wall of the first floating module and one wall of the second floating module, so that forces, particularly compressive forces, are reliably transmitted between the first floating module and the second floating module. - The continuity between the metal reinforcement of the first floating module and the metal reinforcement of the second floating module, and / or the continuity between the prestress sheath of the first floating module and the prestress sheath of the second floating module is realized within the cavity. The continuity between the metal reinforcement of the first floating module and the metal reinforcement of the second floating module is particularly realized by a coupler. Thereby, mechanical forces, particularly tensile forces, can be transmitted between the first floating module and the second floating module.

[0023] The continuity between the prestress sheath of the first floating module and the prestress sheath of the second floating module is achieved in particular by means of a hollow sleeve. As a result, a prestress cable can be laid between the first floating module and the second floating module, so that the compressive force exerted by the tensile force applied to the prestress cable can be transmitted between the first floating module and the second floating module. Therefore, with this configuration, the continuity of the material between the first floating module and the second floating module, in particular the reinforcement and / or prestressed concrete, can be ensured, forming a modular floating structure that functions like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical strength as the standard part of the floating module. For this reason, a floating structure that functions like a non-modular monolithic structure can withstand the static and dynamic forces, hydrodynamic forces, and fatigue phenomena acting on it at various stages of the life of the floating structure in accordance with international regulations. - The thickness of the wall of the first floating module is equal to the thickness of the wall of the second floating module, and the thickness of the wall of the first floating module and the thickness of the wall of the second floating module are less than or equal to the thickness of the cavity. The thickness of each wall is defined between the outer surface and the inner surface of the wall. The thickness of the cavity corresponds to the first dimension of the first cavity and the first dimension of the second cavity. It is understood that the two thicknesses are equal to each other when the difference in thickness is 5% or less based on the thickness of the cavity. Advantageously, the outer surface of the wall of the first floating module and the outer surface of the wall of the second floating module are in the same plane. In one embodiment, the inner surface of the extension emerging from the first floating module and the inner surface of the extension emerging from the second floating module are in the same plane. The plane is advantageously the plane formed by the outer surface of the wall of the first floating module and the wall of the second floating module. Similarly, the inner surface of the wall of the first floating module and the inner surface of the wall of the second floating module are in the same plane. Thus, with this configuration, complete continuity between the thickness of the wall of the first floating module and the wall of the second floating module can be obtained in the region of the cavity. The cavity is particularly intended to be filled with concrete. Thus, with this configuration, the overall mechanical continuity between the first floating module and the second floating module can be ensured, and a modular floating structure can be obtained that functions like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical strength as the standard parts of the floating module. The thickness of the cavity indicates the overall thickness of the wall of the first floating module and the overall thickness of the wall of the second floating module. - The floating structure can be, in particular, a floating structure such as a bridge, an oil drilling platform, a port, a quay, a floating jetty for renewable energy, a nuclear structure, an artificial island, or any other type of floating structure.

[0024] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a method for assembling a floating structure according to the second aspect of the present invention, the assembling method including the steps of aligning the first floating module with the second floating module, removably connecting the first floating module to the second floating module, connecting a reinforcing member, a prestress sheath, and a prestress cable, and placing concrete into the cavity.

[0025] By the step of aligning the first floating module with the second floating module, the first cavity can be arranged relative to the second cavity. Thus, the longitudinal end portion of the first floating module is arranged to face the longitudinal end portion of the second floating module. In other words, by the step of aligning the first floating module with the second floating module, the first floating module and the second floating module can be positioned on the same longitudinal axis. Then, the first floating module and the second floating module are brought closer to each other so as to enable the step of removably connecting them.

[0026] The step of removably connecting utilizes a connection frame to securely position the first floating module and the second floating module, particularly in an assembly process where the assembly process is carried out directly on the water body and movement of the first floating module relative to the second floating module can occur. The connection frame is disposed at the periphery of the floating module. The connection frame is coupled to both the first floating module and the second floating module in a removable manner. Thus, when the assembly process according to the third aspect of the present invention is completed, the connection frame can be removed. In one embodiment, the connection frame is fixed to the first floating module before bringing the first floating module and the second floating module closer to each other. Alternatively, after completion of the operation of bringing the first floating module and the second floating module closer, the connection frame is fixed to the first floating module and then to the second floating module. On the other hand, the step of removably connecting can ensure the airtightness of the interface between the first floating module and the second floating module by means of a sealing means.

[0027] In the injection step, liquid concrete is injected into the cavity formed by the first cavity and the second cavity. Thus, the solidified concrete guarantees mechanical resistance to compressive forces and the close adhesion between the first floating module and the second floating module. The first floating module and the second floating module form a monolithic assembly integrally.

[0028] The assembly method according to the third aspect of the present invention advantageously includes at least one of the following improvements, and technical features forming these improvements can be utilized alone or in combination. - The assembly method includes a step of emptying the space defined by the partition wall, the extension of the first floating module, and the extension of the second floating module. The space is located between the first floating module and the second floating module. With this configuration, in particular, it becomes possible to implement the assembly method on the water body. In this case, before the connecting step, when the sealing means has not yet ensured the airtightness of the interface between the first floating module and the second floating module, water can enter the space. Therefore, by the emptying step, the water present in the space, particularly the water in the cavity arranged between the first floating module and the second floating module, can be removed.

[0029] Advantageously, the emptying step is carried out immediately after the step of removably connecting, that is, after the sealing means has ensured the airtightness of the interface between the first floating module and the second floating module. - The assembly method includes a step of mechanically connecting the metal reinforcement of the first floating module and the metal reinforcement of the second floating module. The mechanical connection step is carried out before the concrete injection step. In fact, since the reinforcement is arranged within the thickness of the wall and appears in the cavity, it is necessary to start the mechanical connection step before filling the cavity with concrete. Advantageously, the mechanical connection step is carried out after the step of removably connecting, or, if there is an emptying step, after that. This can facilitate the mechanical connection step. - The assembly method includes the step of mechanically connecting the prestress sheaths of the first floating module and the prestress sheaths of the second floating module. The mechanical connection step is performed before the concrete injection step. In fact, since the prestress sheaths are arranged within the wall thickness and appear in the cavity, it is necessary to start the mechanical connection step before filling the cavity with concrete. Advantageously, the mechanical connection step is carried out after the step of removably connecting, or, if there is an emptying step, after that. This can facilitate the mechanical connection step. - After the step of placing the concrete, the assembly method includes the step of laying at least one prestress cable in the prestress sheaths of the first floating module and the prestress sheaths of the second floating module, and then applying a traction force to the prestress cable. In one embodiment in which at least two, preferably three, floating modules are aligned coaxially so as to form a plurality of floating modules by being coupled to each other, the prestress cable is laid in the prestress sheaths of each of the floating modules of the plurality of floating modules, and then a traction force is applied to the prestress cable. By the traction force applied to the prestress cable, a compressive force corresponding to the floating module in which the prestress cable is laid is applied, so that the floating modules among the plurality of floating modules can be reliably held together. On the other hand, due to the compressive force exerted by the prestress cable, it is guaranteed that the concrete accommodated in the wall and / or the cavity receives mechanical compressive force rather than mechanical traction force. Concrete has high resistance to mechanical compressive force but little resistance to mechanical traction force.

[0030] Other features, details and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and from a plurality of exemplary embodiments made with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings for the purpose of information transmission rather than limitation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0032] The features, modifications, and various embodiments of the present invention can be associated with each other in various combinations as long as they are not mutually exclusive or incompatible. In particular, a modification of the present invention that includes only one option of the features described below separately from the other features described is envisioned when this option of the feature provides a technical advantage or is sufficient to distinguish the present invention from the prior art.

[0033] In particular, all of the modifications and all of the embodiments described can be combined with each other if the combination is not precluded from a technical perspective.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a floating module according to a first aspect of the present invention. Thus, the floating module 1 extends mainly along the longitudinal axis X between a first terminal end 26 and a second terminal end 28. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 1, the floating module extends along a vertical axis Z perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the longitudinal axis X and the vertical axis Z form a plane D. Thus, FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of the floating module 1. Finally, the floating module 1 extends along a transverse axis Y perpendicular to the plane D.

[0035] The floating module 1 includes a plurality of walls, and each wall 2 extends along the longitudinal axis X between a first longitudinal end 4 and a second longitudinal end 6. The walls 2 are interconnected by a first partition wall 8 and a second partition wall 10 disposed adjacent to the first longitudinal end 4 and the second longitudinal end 6, respectively. Thus, the plurality of walls, the first partition wall 8, and the second partition wall 10 define a substantially closed internal volume 12. The internal volume 12 is designed to be filled with a material having a specific gravity smaller than that of water so that the floating module 1 can float surely. Therefore, a first portion 41 of the floating module 1 is submerged, that is, located below the waterline 43, and a second portion 42 disposed on the opposite side of the floating module along the vertical axis Z with respect to the first portion 41 is floating, that is, located in the air above the waterline.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, an intermediate wall 2' mainly extending along the longitudinal axis between the first partition wall 8 and the second partition wall 10 crosses the internal volume 12. Thereby, the internal volume 12 forms a first chamber 13 and a second chamber 15. The structure of the floating module 1 can be reinforced by the intermediate wall 2'.

[0037] Thus, each wall 2 includes an inner surface 17 and an outer surface 16 disposed on the opposite side of the wall 2 with respect to the inner surface, and the inner surface 17 is oriented facing the internal volume 12.

[0038] A plurality of metal reinforcements 22 extend longitudinally through the floating module. Each metal reinforcement 22 is designed to be connected to the metal reinforcement 22 of the second floating module. Thus, the plurality of floating modules can be interconnected by the metal reinforcements 22. On the other hand, particularly when the walls 2, the first partition wall 8, and the second partition wall 10 of the floating module are made of a material such as concrete that has high resistance to mechanical compressive forces but little resistance to mechanical tensile forces, the metal reinforcements 22 ensure the resistance of the floating module 1 and the floating structure to mechanical forces, specifically mechanical tensile forces. It should be noted that in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the metal reinforcement 22 extends inside the intermediate wall 2'.

[0039] Similarly, the floating module 1 includes a plurality of prestress sheaths 24 extending longitudinally through the floating module 1. Each prestress sheath 24 is designed to be connected to the prestress sheath 24 of the second floating module. Each prestress sheath 24 is configured to receive a prestress cable passing through the prestress sheath 24 after all the floating modules are coupled to each other and aligned along the same axis. When the prestress cables are laid in the prestress sheaths of the respective floating modules aligned on the same axis, a tensile force is applied to the prestress cables, thereby making it possible to exert a compressive force corresponding to the floating module. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the prestress sheath 24 extends inside each wall 2, and the prestress sheath is disposed through the material constituting the wall between the inner surface 17 and the outer surface 16. It should be noted that the metal reinforcement 22 and / or the prestress sheath 24 can be disposed anywhere in the floating module, particularly inside the wall 2, and the metal reinforcement 22 and / or the prestress sheath 24 mainly extend in the longitudinal direction.

[0040] The extension 14 appears from the outer surface 16 of the first longitudinal end 4. Another extension 14 also appears similarly from the second longitudinal end 6 of each wall 2. In other words, each wall 2 includes a first extension 29 in the region of its first longitudinal end 4 and a second extension 31 in the region of its second longitudinal end 6. Therefore, the extension 14 and the wall 2 are made of an integral material.

[0041] Each extension part 14 extends longitudinally protruding from the longitudinal ends 4, 6 of the wall 2 from which the extension part 14 extends. That is, the extension part 14 extends longitudinally beyond the edge 11 of the wall formed by the first longitudinal end 4 or the second longitudinal end 6 of the wall. Therefore, the extension part 14 and the edge 11 of the wall define the cavity 18. The cavity 18 is designed to be filled with a material such as concrete, and the overall mechanical continuity between the first floating module and the second floating module can be ensured, and a modular floating structure can be obtained that functions like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical strength as the standard part of the floating module.

[0042] The floating module 1 includes two first end stoppers 33 that extend longitudinally in opposite directions from the first partition wall 8 to the interior volume 12. Similarly, the floating module 1 includes two second end stoppers 35 that extend longitudinally in opposite directions from the second partition wall 10 to the interior volume 12. Therefore, the first end stoppers 33 and the second end stoppers 35 are designed to contact the end stoppers existing in the second floating module that is planned to be coupled to the floating module 1. Therefore, when the floating module 1 is brought closer to the second floating module to form a floating structure by the first end stoppers 33 and the second end stoppers 35, it can be clearly determined when the floating module 1 and the second floating module are sufficiently close to each other.

[0043] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the floating module shown in Figure 1. Thus, it can be seen that the floating module 1 also extends similarly in a plane E including the lateral axis Y and the vertical axis Z, a so-called second plane E. Therefore, the second plane E is perpendicular to the longitudinal and vertical plane D, a so-called first plane D.

[0044] The floating module 1 includes an upper part 50. The upper part 50 is designed to be oriented vertically upward when the floating module 1 is constructed on the water body. Therefore, the floating module also includes a lower part 51 disposed on the opposite side of the floating module 1 with respect to the upper part 50 along the vertical axis Z. The lower part is designed to be submerged when the floating module 1 is constructed on the water body.

[0045] The upper part 50 includes an upper wall 52 mainly extending in a third plane F including a transverse axis Y and a longitudinal axis X. Similarly, the lower part 51 also includes a lower wall 53 mainly extending in the third plane F.

[0046] The floating module 1 includes a first side wall 54 and a second side wall 55 mainly extending in a first plane D. The first side wall 54, the second side wall 55, the upper wall 52, and the lower wall 53 are arranged such that the first side wall 54 and the second side wall 55 are connected to each other by the upper wall 52 and the lower wall 53, and the upper wall 52 and the lower wall 53 are connected to each other by the first side wall 54 and the second side wall 55. The upper wall 52, the lower wall 53, the first side wall 54, and the second side wall 55 can respectively form the wall 2 in the meaning of the present invention.

[0047] It should be noted that in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the lower wall 53, the first side wall 54, and the second side wall 55 each include an extension part 14. On the other hand, the upper wall 52 does not have an extension part. Therefore, the upper wall 52 forms a passage 56. Thereby, in particular, a technician can easily access the space located between the floating module and a second floating module to be attached to form a floating structure.

[0048] FIG. 3 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the region of the first longitudinal end portion 26 of the floating module 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0049] Therefore, it can be seen that the extension 14 of the wall and the edge 11 are arranged such that the outer surface 16 of the wall and the inner surface 20 of the extension are in the same plane P. The inner surface 20 of the extension is oriented to face the cavity 18. More specifically, the cavity 18 extends between a first dimension 30 measured between the inner surface 20 of the extension and the plane P formed by the inner surface 17 of the wall 2 where the extension 14 appears. Similarly, the wall 2 extends between a second dimension 32 measured between its outer surface 17 and its inner surface 16. Therefore, the second dimension 32 corresponds to the thickness of the wall 2, and the first dimension 30 is equal to the second dimension 32. It should be noted that when the difference between the first dimension 30 and the second dimension 32 is 5% or less of the second dimension 32, the inner surface of the extension and the outer surface of the wall are considered to be in the same plane P.

[0050] In an alternative example of the present invention, it is conceivable that the first dimension 30 is larger than the second dimension 32. In such a case, the extension further reaches the peripheral side, ensuring the minimum thickness required to ensure the continuity of the material between two adjacent floating modules.

[0051] Therefore, the material designed to fill the cavity 18 can extend the wall 2 in the longitudinal direction throughout the second dimension of the wall 2, in other words, throughout the thickness of the wall. Thus, when the floating module 1, referred to as the first floating module, is coupled to an adjacent floating module, referred to as the second floating module, to form a floating structure according to the second aspect of the present invention, this structure can guarantee the overall mechanical continuity between the first floating module and the second floating module, and function like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical strength as the standard part of the floating module by the material filling the cavity, more specifically, the entire cavity 18, to withstand mechanical forces, particularly compressive forces, between the first dimensions 30 of the cavity, and a modular floating structure can be obtained.

[0052] The sealing means 102 is arranged at one longitudinal end 111 of the first extension part 29. Specifically, the sealing means 102 is a gasket intended to be compressed between the first floating module and the second floating module so as to ensure the airtightness of the space located between the first floating module and the second floating module. This sealing means 102 may be integral with the first floating module or the second floating module.

[0053] The metal reinforcement 22 projects from the first longitudinal end 4 of the wall and extends longitudinally. Similarly, the prestress sheath 24 projects from the first longitudinal end 4 of the wall and extends longitudinally, particularly inside the wall. Therefore, the prestress sheath appears in the cavity 18.

[0054] FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are, respectively, a partial cross-sectional view and a partial perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 designed to be coupled to each other to form a floating structure. Therefore, FIGS. 3 and 4 show the alignment steps in the assembly process according to the third aspect of the present invention.

[0055] The first floating module and the second floating module are shown in FIG. 4 in a third plane F including the longitudinal axis X and the transverse axis Y. In other words, FIG. 4 is a top cross-sectional view of the first floating module and the second floating module.

[0056] Therefore, the first longitudinal end portion 26 of the first floating module is arranged to face the second longitudinal end portion 28 of the second floating module. In this way, the cavity of the first floating module, referred to as the first cavity 19, faces the cavity of the second floating module, referred to as the second cavity 21. Similarly, the first extension part 29 of the first floating module 3 is arranged to face the second extension part 31 of the second floating module 5.

[0057] The first end stopper 33 of the first floating module 3 faces the second end stopper 35 of the second floating module 5. The first end stopper 33 is spaced apart from the second end stopper 35 of the second floating module 5.

[0058] On the other hand, each prestress sheath 24, referred to as a first prestress sheath emerging from the first floating module 3, faces a prestress sheath 24, referred to as a second prestress sheath emerging from the second floating module 5 to which it is to be coupled. Similarly, each metal reinforcement 22, referred to as a first metal reinforcement emerging from the first floating module 3, faces a metal reinforcement 22, referred to as a second metal reinforcement emerging from the second floating module 5 to which it is to be coupled.

[0059] FIG. 6 is a partial view of an exemplary embodiment of the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 in the assembly process. Thus, FIG. 6 shows the steps of the detachable connection in the assembly process according to the third aspect of the present invention. The first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 are shown in the first longitudinal direction and the vertical plane D. Thus, FIG. 6 is a side view of the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5.

[0060] In this way, the connection frame 110 determines the position of the first floating module 3 relative to the second floating module 5. More specifically, the connection frame 110, which is formed by a rigid structure, particularly a structure that is at least partially metallic, is fixed to one wall 2, more specifically to the outer surface 16 of the wall of the first floating module 3, and to one wall, more specifically to the outer surface 16 of the wall of the second floating module 5. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the connection frame 110 is fixed to the upper wall 52 of the first floating module 3 and to the upper wall 52 of the second floating module 5. The fixing of the connection frame 110 to the second floating module 5 may be carried out before the fixing of the connection frame 110 to the first floating module 3. Thus, by bringing the second floating module 5 closer to the first floating module 3 so that it is in the same plane as the first floating module 3, the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 are sufficiently close to each other. Then, by fixing the connection frame 110 to the second floating module 5, the relative position of the second floating module 5 with respect to the first floating module 3 is determined. Alternatively, after achieving the proximity of the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5, the connection frame 110 may be fixed to the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 simultaneously or almost simultaneously.

[0061] After the proximity of the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 is achieved, the sealing means 102, which is disposed in the region of the first longitudinal end 26 of the first floating module 3 and inserted between the first extension 29 of the first floating module 3 and the second extension 31 of the second floating module 5, is compressed between the first extension 29 and the second extension 31. Thus, the first cavity 19 and the second cavity 21 form a cavity portion 104. The cavity portion 104 is defined laterally by the first extension and the second extension, and longitudinally by the edge 11 of the wall of the first floating module 3 and the edge 11 of the wall of the second floating module 5. Further, the sealing means 102 also ensures the airtightness of the space 106. The space 106 is defined laterally by the first extension 29 and the second extension 31 and longitudinally by the first partition wall 8 of the first floating module 3 and the second partition wall 10 of the second floating module 5.

[0062] Thus, it will be understood that the cavity portion 104 corresponds to the sum of the first cavity 19 and the second cavity 21, and the space 106 corresponds to the volume defined vertically by the extensions 14 of the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 and longitudinally by the partition walls 8, 10.

[0063] Since neither the upper wall 52 of the first floating module 3 nor the upper wall 52 of the second floating module 5 has an extension, they form a passage 56 that enables access to the space 106. The passage 56 is for subsequent steps of connecting the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 to each other, such as emptying the space 106, or mechanically connecting the metal reinforcement of the first floating module 3 and the metal reinforcement of the second floating module 5.

[0064] Thus, the sealing means 102 can carry out the step of emptying the space 106, in particular to ensure the airtightness of the space 106 in the regions of the side walls and the bottom walls of the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5. In fact, since the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 are assembled on the water body and each of them is partially submerged, when the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 are brought closer to each other, water exists inside the space 106. Thus, by the step of emptying the space 106, the water present in the space 106 can be removed. This purpose is to carry out or facilitate a further step of connecting the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 to each other.

[0065] The first end stopper 33 of the first floating module 3 is brought close to the second end stopper 35 of the second floating module 5, but still remains spaced apart from the second end stopper 35 of the second floating module 5. This indicates that it is necessary to bring the first floating module 3 and the second floating module closer to each other to complete their assembly.

[0066] Figures 7 and 8 are respectively a cross-sectional view and a perspective view of the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 shown in Figure 6. Figure 7 shows the first floating module and the second floating module 5 in the third plane F. Thus, Figure 7 is a top view. More specifically, Figures 7 and 8 show the steps of the mechanical connection between the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5. For ease of understanding, the connection frame 110 is not shown. Figure 7 is a top view, that is, a view in the first plane.

[0067] The first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 are coupled to each other by a mechanical connection step between the first metal reinforcement and the second metal reinforcement. The mechanical connection between the first metal reinforcement and the second metal reinforcement is provided by a coupler 34, thereby ensuring that the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 are adjacent to each other. Further, the connection between the first metal reinforcement and the second metal reinforcement ensures the transmission of mechanical forces, particularly tensile forces, between the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5.

[0068] Similarly, each first prestress sheath is connected to the second prestress sheath by a hollow sleeve 36, thereby ensuring the airtightness inside each prestress sheath 24 and enabling communication between the inside of the first prestress sheath and the inside of the second prestress sheath. This makes it possible to pass prestress cables through the first prestress sheath and the second prestress sheath.

[0069] Also, the mechanical connection step can ensure that the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 are sufficiently close to each other. In fact, particularly by the connection between the first metal reinforcement and the second metal reinforcement via the coupler 34, the first floating module 3 is brought closer to the second floating module 5, such that the first end stopper 33 of the first floating module 3 abuts against the second end stopper 35 of the second floating module 5. Therefore, the first end stopper 33 and the second end stopper 35 can identify whether the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 are close enough to ensure the airtightness of the space 106 by ensuring sufficient compression of the sealing means 102 inserted between the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5.

[0070] The mechanical connection step, i.e., the connection of the first metal reinforcement and the second metal reinforcement by the coupler 34, and the connection of the first prestress sheath and the second prestress sheath by the sleeve 36, is facilitated by performing in advance the step of emptying when the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 are assembled on the water body.

[0071] In FIG. 7, in the illustrated embodiment, it can be seen that the thickness of the cavity 104 corresponding to the first dimension 30 of the cavity of the first floating module 3 and the first dimension 30 of the cavity of the second floating module 5 is equal to the second dimension 32 of the wall 2 of the first floating module 3. Similarly, the thickness of the cavity 104 is equal to the third dimension 32' of the wall of the second floating module 5. The third dimension 32' is measured between the outer surface 16 and the inner surface 17 of the wall 2 of the second floating module 5. Therefore, with this structure, the overall mechanical continuity between the first floating module and the second floating module can be ensured, and a modular floating structure can be obtained that functions like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical strength as the standard part of the floating module. Therefore, the floating structure has material continuity between the overall second dimension 32 and the third dimension 32' via the cavity 104 between the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5. The cavity is designed to be filled with concrete, and the thickness of the cavity 104 is equal to the second dimension 32 and the third dimension 32'. On the other hand, the cavity is aligned with the wall 2 of the first floating module and the wall 2 of the second floating module along the vertical axis Z. More specifically, the outer surface 16 of the wall of the first floating module 3 and the outer surface 16 of the wall 2 of the second floating module 5 are located in the same plane, and the plane is also the extended plane of the inner surface 20 of the first extension 29 of the first floating module 3 and the inner surface 20 of the second extension 31 of the second floating module 5. Similarly, the inner surface 17 of the wall of the floating module 3 and the inner surface 17 of the wall 2 of the second floating module 5 are located in the same plane. With this structure, the overall mechanical continuity between the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 can be ensured so as to withstand the mechanical forces exerted by the floating structure between them, and a modular floating structure can be obtained that functions like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical strength as the standard part of the floating module.

[0072] FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are a partial cross-sectional view and a partial perspective view, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of the floating structure 100 according to the second aspect of the present invention. FIG. 9 shows the floating structure 100 in the third plane F, and FIG. 9 is a top view. More specifically, the illustrated floating structure 100 is formed by at least the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0073] Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, after the coupler 34 and the sleeve 36 are installed to achieve the mechanical connection between the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5, in particular, a material, which is concrete, is injected into the cavity 104, so that the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 form a monolithic assembly. More specifically, the first longitudinal end 4 of the first floating module 3 is connected to the second longitudinal end 6 of the second floating module 5 through the concrete injected into the cavity 104. Therefore, the cavity 104 formed by the first cavity 19 and the second cavity 21 extends between the first dimension 30. As a result, since the first dimension 30 is equal to the second dimension 32 corresponding to the thickness of the wall 2, with this structure, the concrete present in the cavity 104 can transmit mechanical forces, particularly compressive forces. This is because the overall mechanical continuity between the first floating module and the second floating module can be ensured, and different from a known configuration where the first dimension of the cavity corresponds to only a very small part of the wall thickness, a modular floating structure can be obtained that functions like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical strength as the standard part of the floating module.

[0074] Therefore, it should also be noted that the prestress sheath 24 appearing in the cavity 104 is covered by the concrete existing in the cavity. Therefore, the prestress cable 25 inserted into the prestress sheath 24 extends inside the walls of the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 along the longitudinal axis of the walls. Thereby, in particular, compared with a known configuration in which the compressive force applied by the tensile force exerted on the prestress cable is offset from the center because the prestress cable extends longitudinally on the outer or inner surface of the walls of the first floating module and the second floating module, the compressive force applied by the tensile force exerted on the prestress cable can be concentrated at the center with respect to the walls of the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5.

[0075] Therefore, the floating structure 100 advantageously having the extension part 14 defining the cavity 18 in each of the walls exhibits high resistance to mechanical compressive forces. This is ensured by the concrete injected into each cavity 18. For this reason, the overall mechanical continuity between the first floating module and the second floating module can be ensured, and a modular floating structure can be obtained that functions like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical strength as the standard part of the floating module. On the other hand, each wall 2 of the first floating module 3 is connected to the wall 2 of the second floating module 5 by a cavity 104 made of concrete, in which a metal reinforcement 22 and / or a prestress sheath 24 in which a prestress cable stretched with pins is arranged transversely. For this reason, the floating structure 100 exhibits high resistance to the shear and bending movements exerted between the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 caused by the movements caused by the waves with respect to the water body in which the floating structure 100 is arranged.

[0076] Figures 11a and 11b respectively show the first assembly mode and the second assembly mode of the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 designed to be connected to form the floating structure 100. Figures 11a and 11b are top views of the first floating module 3, the second floating module 5, and the floating structure 100 in the third plane F.

[0077] More specifically, Figure 11a shows a substantially rectangular floating structure 100 formed by the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5 which are similar to each other and extend basically in the same direction.

[0078] Figure 11b shows a floating structure 100 having an angle 57. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the formed angle 57 is a right angle. That is, when measuring the angle between the main extension axis of the first floating module 3 and the main extension axis of the second floating module 5 attached to the first floating module 3 to form the floating structure 100, the value is equal to 90°. More specifically, the floating structure is formed by the first floating module 3 and the second floating module 5, the first floating module 3 has an angle 57, and the second floating module 5 is substantially linear. Therefore, the first floating module 3 is provided with an extension 58 extending perpendicular to the main extension axis of the first floating module 3. The second floating module 5 can be coupled to the extension 58 of the first floating module 3 to form a floating structure 100 having an angle 57. With this configuration, various forms of the floating structure can be obtained. The angle is not limited to a value of 90°, and can take any value between 90° and 180°. At an angle of 180°, a linear floating module is formed.

[0079] Figures 12a through 12e show exemplary embodiments of the floating structure 100 according to the second aspect of the present invention. More specifically, Figures 12a through 12e each show a possible shape of the floating structure according to the second aspect of the present invention in the third plane F. In other words, Figures 12a through 12e are top views of the floating structure 100 shown in each of these drawings. Each floating structure 100 particularly includes a plurality of floating modules 1 according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0080] The floating structures shown in Figures 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, and 12e respectively form floating structures having a square, a rectangle, a regular hexagon, a circle, and an approximately V-shaped form. It is understood that the floating structure 100 can take any other arbitrary shape without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0081] Naturally, the present invention is not limited to the above examples, and many configurations can be added to these examples without departing from the scope of the present invention. In particular, the various features, shapes, modifications, and embodiments of the present invention can be associated with each other in various combinations as long as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, all of the above modifications and embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0082] The present invention as described in this specification can achieve the set objectives well, ensure the overall mechanical continuity between the first floating module and the second floating module, and enable the obtaining of a modular floating structure that functions like a monolithic structure having the same mechanical strength as the standard part of the floating module. Variations not described in the present invention can be implemented without departing from the scope of the present invention as long as the floating module according to the present invention has an extension protruding from the longitudinal end of the wall and extending longitudinally on the outer surface of the wall, and the extension and the wall where the extension appears are composed of an integral material. The present invention enables the connection of two floating modules composed of reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete in water, ensuring the overall continuity of the concrete, reinforcement, and prestressed steel between the two connected floating modules, and having the same mechanical strength as the standard part of the floating module. It can be used for the manufacture of a monolithic floating structure made of concrete having any shape and a modular configuration. The produced connection is tight and can withstand static and dynamic forces, hydrodynamic forces, and fatigue phenomena that may be applied for reasons of international regulations at various stages of the project's life. The present invention can be used in the construction of bridges, oil drilling platforms, ports, piers, and floating breakwaters for renewable energy in the nuclear and other fields.

Claims

1. A floating module (1) comprising a plurality of walls (2) extending between a first longitudinal end (4) and a second longitudinal end (6), the floating module (1) comprising a first partition (8) and a second partition (10) connecting each wall (2) of the plurality of walls (2) by defining, together with the walls (2), an internal volume (12) of the floating module (1), the floating module (1) comprising at least one extension (14) emerging from an outer surface (16) of the walls (2), the extension (14) extending in the longitudinal direction projecting from the first longitudinal end (4) or the second longitudinal end (6), the extension (14) and the wall (2) beginning from the extension (14) being manufactured by material continuity, the edges (11) of the longitudinal ends (4, 6) of said wall (2) and said extension (14) at least partially delimit a cavity (18), the thickness of said cavity (18) being equal to or greater than the thickness of said wall (2) in which said extension (14) appears; A floating module (1).

2. the outer surface (16) of the wall (2) and the inner surface (20) of the extension (14) are in the same plane (P); A floating module (1) according to claim 1.

3. an extension (14) is arranged on each of the lateral walls of the floating module (1) and on the bottom wall of the floating module (1); A floating module (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. said wall (2) comprises a first extension (29) located at the level of said first longitudinal end (4) and a second extension (31) located at the level of said second longitudinal end (6), A floating module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

5. the plurality of walls (2), the first bulkhead (8), the second bulkhead (10) and the extension (14) are manufactured by a continuum of material, the material being concrete; A floating module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

6. A metal frame (22) extends inside the wall (2) and opens into said cavity (18); A floating module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

7. a prestressed sheath (24) extending inside the wall (2) and opening into said cavity (18), A floating module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

8. A floating structure (100) comprising at least one floating module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. a sealing means (102) is arranged between a first floating module (3) and a second floating module (5), both of which correspond to any one of claims 1 to 7, said sealing means (102) being inserted between an extension (14) of said first floating module (3) and an extension (14) of said second floating module (5); The floating structure (100) of claim 8.

10. the cavity (104) bounded by the cavity (19) of the first floating module (3) and the cavity (21) of the second floating module (5) is filled with concrete; A floating structure (100) according to claim 8 or 9.

11. a continuity between the metal frame (22) of the first floating module (3) and the metal frame (22) of the second floating module (5) between them and / or a continuity between the prestressing sheath (24) of the first floating module (3) and the prestressing sheath (24) of the second floating module (5) is created in the cavity (104), The floating structure (100) of claim 10.

12. the thickness of the wall (2) of the first floating module (3) is equal to the thickness of the wall (2) of the second floating module (5), and the thickness of the wall of the first floating module (3) and the thickness of the wall of the second floating module (5) are equal to the thickness (30) of the cavity (104); A floating structure (100) according to claim 10 or 11.

13. 13. An assembly method for assembling a floating structure (100) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, comprising the steps of: aligning the first floating module (3) with respect to the second floating module (5); removably connecting the first floating module (3) to the second floating module (5); and pouring concrete into the cavity (104).

14. the assembly method comprises the step of evacuating a space (106) bounded by the bulkheads (8, 10) and the extensions (14) of the first floating module (3) and the second floating module (5), The assembly method according to claim 13.

15. The assembly method comprises the step of mechanically connecting a metal frame (22) of the first floating module (3) with a metal frame (22) of the second floating module (5).

15. The assembly method according to claim 13 or 14.

16. The assembly method comprises, following the step of pouring concrete, passing at least one prestressing cable (25) through the prestressing sheath (24) of the first floating module (3) and through the prestressing sheath (24) of the second floating module (5), and then a tensile force is applied to the prestressing cable (25).

16. The assembly method according to any one of claims 13 to 15.

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