A float module for a float field, a float field, and a method for assembling a float field

Abstract

The invention relates to a float module (1) comprising: a concrete casing (2) comprising a top plate (3) and at least 4 side walls (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) extending perpendicularly from said top plate (3); a floating core (5) at least partially enclosed within the concrete casing (2); a reinforcing bar (6) extending in the concrete casing (2), the reinforcing bar (6) having a first end (6a) protruding from one of the side walls (4a) of the float module (1 ), and a second end (6b) ending in a reinforcing bar coupler (10) arranged in the concrete casing (2). Further, the reinforcing bar coupler (10) comprises a first chamber (11 ) into which the second end (6b) of the reinforcing bar (6) protrudes, an inlet channel (13), and an outlet channel (14), the first chamber (11 ) being open towards the side wall (4c) that is opposite of the side wall (4a) from which the first end (6a) of the reinforcing bar (6) protrudes from. The invention also relates to a float field (100) and an assembly method for a float field (100).

Description

A FLOAT MODULE FOR A FLOAT FIELD, A FLOAT FIELD, AND A METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING A FLOAT FIELDBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONFIELD OF THE INVENTIONThis invention relates to a float module for a float field, a float field, and a method for assembling a float field. Preferably, such a float field is utilized as a base for superstructures, such as buildings and houses, located above water.DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

[0001] Superstructures require a stable and rigid base in order not to compromise the structural integrity of the superstructure. This sets multiple requirements for the base and poses a difficult problem when the base is a floating base suspended in water, and particularly when the floating base is suspended in open water. Waves and other movement of the water exert forces on the base when the movement of the water lifts one end of the base, for instance. These forces increase as the size of the base increases due to increase in the moment arm. These forces cause deflection in the base which may break under the stress. The deflection may also damage the superstructure. Therefore, it is critical to provide a floating base solution which is able to handle the forces exerted by the environment.

[0002] Previously the issues related to floating bases have been attempted to be solved with solid cast solutions, where a solid reinforced concrete slab is cast directly on top of pontoons to create the floating base. Due to logistics of such large concrete structures, this casting must be done on site and in the water, which is difficult and expensive to implement. Such solutions are also difficult to scale effectively and require major efforts every time such a base is manufactured.

[0003] There are also known modular solutions, where float modules are attached to each other to form a float field acting as the base. However, the known solutions are either not strong enough to be used as a base for superstructures or have other limitations in terms of acting as a base for superstructures. The known solutions are also lacking in handleability, manufacturability, modifiability, and ease of assembly for instance.

[0004] Therefore, there is an obvious need for an improved float module for a float field suitable for use as a base for superstructures.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned disadvantages and to provide an improved float module which is better suited for a float field suitable for use as a base for superstructures. The float module is improved in terms of manufacturability, handling, load distribution, and it facilitates assembly of a float field comprising said float modules. These and other objects are achieved with a float module according to independent claim 1 and with an assembly method for a float field according to independent claim 14.

[0006] When the float module comprises the features according to the independent claim 1 , one or more of the above-mentioned objects can be achieved.

[0007] Preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims and in the following description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] In the following the present invention will be described in closer detail by way of example and with reference to the attached drawings, in which

[0009] figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a first embodiment of a float module,

[0010] figure 2 illustrates a front view of the embodiment of figure 1 ,

[0011] figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of two float modules of figure 1 , the float modules aligned to be connected,

[0012] figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the float modules of figure 3, the float modules connected,

[0013] figure 5 illustrates an enlarged section of the float module of figure 1 , wherein the reinforcing bar coupler is shown in more detail,

[0014] figure 6 illustrates an embodiment of a float field comprising a plurality of float modules according to embodiment of figure 1 ,

[0015] figure 7 illustrates an enlarged section A of figure 6, and

[0016] figure 8 illustrates a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for assembling a float field.DESCRIPTION OF AT LEAST ONE EMBODIMENT

[0017] The components indicated by reference numerals in the accompanying figures correspond to the components indicated by reference numerals in this specification.

[0018] The terms “up”, “down”, “upper”, “lower”, “vertical”, and “horizontal” are relative terms and are intended to be interpret in relation to the position of the float module as illustrated in figures 1 to 7.

[0019] In figures 1 , 2, and 5 features highlighted with broken lines illustrate features which are hidden behind solid surfaces in order to better illustrate the structure of the float module.

[0020] The following embodiments are only examples. Although the specification may refer to “an” embodiment in several locations, this does not necessarily mean that each such reference is to the same embodiment(s), or that the feature only applies to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments. Furthermore, words "comprising" and "including" should be understood as not limiting the described embodiments to consist of only those features that have been mentioned and such embodiments may contain also features / structures that have not been specifically mentioned. All combinations of the embodiments are considered possible if their combination does not lead to structural or logical contradiction.

[0021] Figures 1 to 5 illustrate an embodiment of a float module 1 , preferably for a float field suitable for use as a base for superstructures. The float module 1 comprising: a concrete casing 2 comprising a top plate 3 and at least 4 side walls 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d extending perpendicularly from said top plate 3, and a floating core 5 at least partially enclosed within the concrete casing 2. In an embodiment not illustrated, the float module 1 has an “up-side-down” structure compared to the embodiment of figures 1 to 5, such that the float module comprises a bottom plate instead of the top plate 3. In such a configuration, the floating core 5 is arranged above the bottom plate, opposed to the embodiment illustrated in figures 1 to 5, where the floating core 5 is arranged below the top plate 3. This “up-side-down” configuration allows ballast tanks to be integrated into the float module 1 . These are basic known features of float modules, which together form a solid float module which has necessary floating properties.

[0022] The float module 1 further comprises a reinforcing bar 6 extending in the concrete casing 2, the reinforcing bar 6 having a first end 6a protruding fromone of the side walls 4a of the float module 1 , and a second end 6b ending in a reinforcing bar coupler 10 arranged in the concrete casing 2. Reinforcing bars are generally known for providing structural support for concrete structures. However, the reinforcing bars are subjected to unusual environments, compared to standard dry constructions, when subjected to underwater conditions such as parts of float modules suspended in water. The reinforcing bar coupler 10 comprises a first chamber 11 into which the second end 6b of the reinforcing bar 6 protrudes, an inlet channel 13, and an outlet channel 14, the first chamber 11 being open towards the side wall 4c that is opposite of the side wall 4a from which the first end 6a of the reinforcing bar 6 protrudes from. This opening provides a space for the first end 6a of the reinforcing bar 6 of an adjacent float module 1 when a float field is assembled, as illustrated in figures 4 and 5.

[0023] In an embodiment not illustrated, the first end 6a of the reinforcing bar 6 protruding from the float module 1 can also be formed as a separate part that can be detached and attached to the float module 1. This allows for easier transportation and logistics of the float module 1 as there are no parts protruding from the float module 1 . Such detachable configuration can be implemented with threading the separate reinforcing bar 6 part and providing the float module 1 with corresponding counter threads, for instance.

[0024] In the embodiment of figures 1 to 5, the first chamber 11 of the reinforcing bar coupler 10 is cylindrical and has a greater diameter than the reinforcing bar 6, and preferably arranged coaxial with the reinforcing bar 6. In this connection also the reinforcing bar 6 is preferably cylindrical. Cylindrical shape allows the distance between walls of the first chamber 11 and the reinforcing bar 6 to be substantially constant around the reinforcing bar 6, thus resulting in uniform coating of the reinforcing bar 6 when the first chamber is filled with a coupling mass. The cross section of the reinforcing bar 6 and the corresponding first chamber 11 of the reinforcing bar coupler 10 may also be other than cylindrical, such as rectangular, for instance.

[0025] In the embodiment of figures 1 to 5, the reinforcing bar coupler 10 further comprises a second chamber 12 adjacent the first chamber 11 , and in open connection with the first chamber. This allows the coupling mass to flow freely between the chambers 11 , 12. Preferably, at least a part of the second chamber 12 is arranged closer to the top plate 3 than the first chamber 11 , and the connection of the outlet channel 14 is arranged in said part of the second chamber 12 that is closer to the top plate 3 than the first chamber. This ensuresthat at least the first chamber 11 of the reinforcing bar coupler 10 is completely filled with the coupling mass, before the mass begins to enter the outlet channel 14. Thus, adequate coating of the reinforcing bars 6 with the coupling mass can be ensured. In other words, in this configuration the outlet channel 14 connection is arranged in the second chamber 12, and the inlet channel connection is arranged in the first chamber 11 .

[0026] Preferably, also then the second chamber 12 of the reinforcing bar coupler 10 is cylindrical and is arranged coaxial with the first chamber 11 and has a greater diameter than the first chamber 11 .

[0027] Preferably, the float module 1 comprises a plurality of reinforcing bars 6. These may be arranged symmetrically about center of gravity of the float module 1 to better distribute the support provided for the concrete casing. Similarly, it is preferable that the float module comprises a corresponding plurality of reinforcing bar couplers 10 to allow for connecting each of the reinforcing bars 6 of adjacent float modules 1 .

[0028] In an embodiment not illustrated, the float module 1 comprises a plurality of reinforcing bars 6 and corresponding reinforcing bar couplers 11 arranged such that the float module 1 comprises reinforcing bars 6 running horizontally perpendicular to each other. In other words the reinforcing bars 6 run in both perpendicular horizontal directions such that the float module 1 can be coupled in all directions of the float module 1 .

[0029] In the embodiment of figures 1 to 4, the float module 1 comprises four reinforcing bars 6 and respectively four reinforcing bar couplers 10.

[0030] In the embodiment of figures 1 to 4, the four reinforcing bars 6 are arranged to run parallel and are positioned in proximity of diametrically opposite corners of the respective side wall of the float module 1 in axial end view, as can be clearly seen from figures 1 to 4.

[0031] In the embodiment of figures 1 to 5, the inlet channel 13 and the outlet channel 14 are arranged to run from the reinforcing bar coupler 10 towards the top plate 3 and are accessible through the top plate 3. This facilitates connecting adjacent float modules 1 when the float modules 1 are suspended in water, as the top plate 3 of the float module 1 is above the surface. Thus, coupling mass can be easily introduced through the inlet channel 13 into the reinforcing bar coupler 10 and the water or air is allowed to escape through the outlet channel 14. It is then easily observed that the reinforcing bar coupler 10 has beencompletely filled with coupling mass, when the coupling mass comes out of the outlet channel 14.

[0032] Preferably, if the reinforcing bars 6 are arranged to run in same vertical plane, the inlet channels 13 and the outlet channels 14 of the lower reinforcing bar coupler 10 may run towards the top plate 3 at least partially at an angle to get around the reinforcing bar coupler 10 positioned above it. This allows the reinforcing bar couplers 10 to be stacked in same vertical plane, while still maintaining the operability of the inlet and outlet channels 13, 14.

[0033] Preferably, the buoyancy of the float module 1 is dimensioned such that at least some of the reinforcing bars 6 and their respective reinforcing bar couplers 10 are positioned below water level when the float module (1 ) is suspended in water. Often these are the reinforcing bars 6 and their respective couplers 10 that are positioned below the center line of the float module 1 . With the coupling technique according to the invention, even the reinforcing bars 6 below water level can be connected to adjacent reinforcing bar couplers 10 during float field 100 assembly while suspended in water, which greatly facilitates handling of the float modules 1 and the assembly of a float field 100. This also allows for stronger float fields 100, when all of the reinforcing bars 6 of the float modules 1 may be connected to adjacent float modules 1 .

[0034] The buoyancy of the float module 1 may be dimensioned by adjusting the dimensions of the float core 5, or by material selection of the float core 5 to achieve suitable floating properties. Further, the dimensioning and / or materials of the concrete casing 2 may be adjusted to affect the buoyancy of the float module 1 .

[0035] In the embodiment of figures 1 to 5, the reinforcing bar coupler(s) 10 are separate parts that have been cast into the concrete casing 2 during a casting process of the concrete casing 2. These separate parts can be separately manufactured beforehand and can then be inserted into casting molds during manufacturing of the float module 1 . This preassembly may speed up the casting process of the float module 1 .

[0036] In an embodiment not illustrated, the reinforcing bar couplers 10 are at least partially integrally formed in the concrete casing 2 of the float module 1 . This reduces manufacturing steps of the float module 1 as the first and the second chambers 11 , 12 can be cast with the concrete casing 2, simplifying the construction of the float module 1 making it overall easier to produce and assemble. The input and the output channels 13, 14 are preferably cast into theconcrete casing 2 by using separate tubes but may alternatively be directly cast as voids into the concrete casing.

[0037] In the embodiment of figures 1 to 5, the float module 1 comprises a seal 20 in connection with the reinforcing bar coupler 10. This seal is preferably rubber and is positioned on the side wall 4c in connection with the reinforcing bar coupler 10. When adjacent float 1 modules are temporarily secured together during assembly of a float field, this seal 20 seals the reinforcing bar coupler 10 from the environment during assembly when the adjacent float module 1 is pressed against the seal 20, closing the chamber(s) 11 , 12 during injection of the coupling mass. This closed configuration prevents outside water from entering into the reinforcing bar coupler 10 while simultaneously preventing the coupling mass from escaping the reinforcing bar coupler 10 to the surrounding environment, thus providing a reliable coupling environment.

[0038] This rubber seal 20 also provides a cushioning between the float modules 1 during assembly, where collisions could cause damage to the float modules 1 . Preferably, the seal 20 has a similar cross section as the outermost part of the reinforcing bar coupler 10 and is arranged coaxial with the reinforcing bar coupler 10. In the embodiment of figures 1 to 5, the seal 20 is cylindrical and has a greater diameter than the second chamber 12.

[0039] Figures 6 and 7 illustrate a float field 100, suitable for use as a base for superstructures. The float field 100 comprising a plurality of float modules 1 according to the surrounding description. In the float field 100, adjacent float modules 1 are rigidly connected to each other with reinforcing bar 6 coupling via the reinforcing bar couplers 10, such that the first end 6a of the reinforcing bar 6 that protrudes from the concrete casing 2 is housed within the first chamber 12 of the reinforcing bar coupler 10 of the adjacent float module 1 , and said first chamber 12 is entirely filled with coupling mass encasing the ends 6a, 6b of the reinforcing bars 6.

[0040] Preferably, the side walls 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d comprise flat outer surfaces outside of the reinforcing bars 6 extending from them or their respective reinforcing bar couplers 10. This allows the contact area between side walls 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d of adjacent float modules 1 to be the entire surface area of the side wall 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d.

[0041] In the embodiment of figures 1 to 4, the top plate 3 is rectangular, and comprises a flat upper surface. The top plate 3 may also have other polygonalshapes that allow adjacent float modules 1 to be connected to each other without notable gaps between the float modules when a float field is assembled.

[0042] The embodiment of float module 1 illustrated in figures 6 and 7 have an elongated rectangular shape, wherein the width of the float module 1 is greater than the depth of the float module 1 . The float module 1 also comprises plurality of reinforcing bars 6 and respective reinforcing bar couplers 10 arranged side by side, as can be clearly seen in figures 6 and 7. These elongated rectangular float modules 1 allow the float modules 1 to be staggered during assembly of the float field 100, such that each float module 1 can be connected to more than one float module through the reinforcing bar 6 coupling.

[0043] In the embodiment of figures 1 to 5, the reinforcing bars 6 and the reinforcing bar couplers 10 have compatible cross sections in axial end view, such that a uniform coating of the reinforcing bar 6 is achieved when coupling mass is introduced into the reinforcing bar coupler 10. Similarly, the depth of the reinforcing bar coupler 10 measured from the side wall 4c that it is open to, is substantially the same as the length of the first end 6a of the reinforcing bar 6 extending from the side wall 4a. This results in solid connection of the reinforcing bars 6 of adjacent float modules, and allows a float field to benefit from practically uniform reinforcing bar 6 configuration thus acting substantially as a uniform construction.

[0044] In an embodiment not illustrated, the float module 1 further comprises openings in the top plate 3 of the float module 1 , for electrical wiring, ballast tanks, sewage- and drainage lines between the float modules 1 , for instance. This improves the use properties of the float modules 1 as the base of the superstructure.

[0045] The coupling mass can be any suitable mass that has suitable flow properties to be able to be injected through the input and output channels 13, 14 and that can displace water and air sufficiently to completely fill the reinforcing bar coupler 10. The coupling mass must also be able to set strong enough to form a strong bond between the reinforcing bars 6. Such coupling masses are widely commercially available under name of “grout” and are also provided as waterproof masses.

[0046] The material of the concrete casing 2 is preferably fibre-reinforced concrete. This is advantageous as it provides increased structural strength for the concrete casing 2, which is advantageous particularly when the float module1 is handled prior to assembly of the float field 100. Use of fibre-reinforced concrete also reduces the need for traditional metallic concrete reinforcements.

[0047] The material of the floating core 5 is preferably EPS (expanded polystyrene) due to its low density and buoyancy properties. Any other known suitable floating materials may also be used in the floating core 5, such as XPS (extruded polystyrene) and polyurethane, for instance.

[0048] Preferably, the floating core 5 comprises a protective coating on exposed surfaces of the floating core 5. This protective coating protects the floating core 5 from damage inflicted by the environment.

[0049] The reinforcing bars 6 of the float module 1 are preferably steel bars or carbon steel bars. However, also other known suitable materials and composites for the reinforcing bars 6 may be used.

[0050] Preferably, the float modules 1 are dimensioned to be suitable for use as a base for a relatively large superstructure, such as a house. Therefore, the float module 1 is preferably dimensioned to be greater than 2 meters by 2 meters in the horizontal plane of the float module 1 , and more preferably greater than 3 meters by 3 meters. Such dimensioning allows larger float fields 100 to be assembled with less float modules 1 while still maintaining the structural integrity of the float modules 1 and maintaining reasonable handleability of singular float modules 1 . The horizontal dimensions of the float module 1 do not have to be symmetrical as illustrated in figures 6 and 7. The float modules may be greater width than in depth in order to create the staggering as described already before. Preferably, the float modules 1 can be joined together to form a float field 100 of at least 50 meters by 50 meters.

[0051] Figure 8 illustrates a flow chart of an embodiment of an assembly method for a float field 100. This method may be implemented for assembling the float fields 100 illustrated in figures 6 and 7, for instance. The embodiment method comprises the following steps A to E.

[0052] A suspending a plurality of float modules 1 in water. This facilitates handling of each float module 1 as water carries the weight of the float module 1 and facilitates transportation of the float field 100 as the assembly can be performed on site.

[0053] B aligning adjacent float modules 1 such that a first end 6a of a reinforcing bar 6 of a float module is aligned with a first chamber 11 of a reinforcing bar coupler 10 of an adjacent float module and a second end 6b of a reinforcing bar 6 of the adjacent float module 1 . Once the adjacent float moduleshave been aligned, they are ready to be temporarily secured together to execute the joining process.

[0054] C temporarily securing the adjacent float modules 1 together through temporary securing means such that the first end 6a of the reinforcing bar 6 of the float module 1 is positioned inside the first chamber 11 of the reinforcing bar coupler 10 of the adjacent float module 1. The temporary securing means can be commonly known tightening systems such as pulleys or winches used to pull the float modules 1 together with chains, ropes, or similar suitable means, for instance.

[0055] D injecting coupling mass through an inlet channel 13 of the reinforcing bar coupler 10 to the first chamber 11 until coupling mass comes out of an outlet channel 14 of the reinforcing bar coupler 10. Once it has been observed that coupling mass comes out of the outlet channel 14, the reinforcing bar coupler 10 has been sufficiently filled with the coupling mass.

[0056] E removing the temporary securing means once the coupling mass has set. Once the coupling mass has set and the float modules 1 are rigidly joined together, the temporary securing means are no longer needed and can be removed and reused in next assemblies.

[0057] Often, at least some of the reinforcing bars 6 and their respective reinforcing bar couplers 10 are below water level during steps B to E. Similarly, some of the reinforcing bars 6 and their respective reinforcing bar couplers 10 can be above water level during steps B to E. The connecting principle works both for joints underwater and for joints above water, which makes it ideal for connecting float modules 1 .

[0058] The first steps illustrated in the flow chart require a plurality of premade float modules 1 , temporary securing means, and coupling mass.

[0059] It is to be understood that the above description and the accompanying figures are only intended to illustrate the present invention. It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that the invention can be varied and modified without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:1 . A float module (1 ) comprising: a concrete casing (2) comprising a top plate (3) or a bottom plate and at least 4 side walls (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) extending perpendicularly from said top plate (3) or bottom plate; a floating core (5) at least partially enclosed within the concrete casing (2); a reinforcing bar (6) extending in the concrete casing (2), the reinforcing bar (6) having a first end (6a) protruding from one of the side walls (4a) of the float module (1 ), and a second end (6b) ending in a reinforcing bar coupler (10) arranged in the concrete casing (2); wherein the reinforcing bar coupler (10) comprises a first chamber (11 ) into which the second end (6b) of the reinforcing bar (6) protrudes, an inlet channel (13), and an outlet channel (14), the first chamber (11 ) being open towards the side wall (4c) that is opposite of the side wall (4a) from which the first end (6a) of the reinforcing bar (6) protrudes from.

2. The float module (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the first chamber (11 ) of the reinforcing bar coupler (10) is cylindrical and has a greater diameter than the reinforcing bar (6), and preferably arranged coaxial with the reinforcing bar (6).

3. The float module (1 ) according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the reinforcing bar coupler (10) comprises a second chamber (12), at least a part of the second chamber being arranged closer to the top plate (3) than the first chamber (11 ).

4. The float module (1 ) according to claim 3, wherein the outlet channel (14) connection is arranged in the second chamber (12), and the inlet channel connection is arranged in the first chamber (11 ).

5. The float module (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the float module (1 ) comprises a plurality of reinforcing bars (6), and a corresponding plurality of reinforcing bar couplers (10).

6. The float module (1 ) according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of reinforcing bars (6) are arranged to run parallel and are positioned in proximity of diametrically opposite corners of the float module (1 ) in axial end view.

7. The float module (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the inlet channel (13) and the outlet channel (14) are arranged to run from the reinforcing bar coupler (10) towards the top plate (3) and are accessible through the top plate (3).

8. The float module (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, wherein in the reinforcing bar coupler (10), the outlet channel (14) connection is arranged closer to top plate (3) than the inlet channel (13) connection.

9. The float module (1 ) of any of the previous claims, wherein the buoyancy of the float module (1 ) is dimensioned such that at least some of the reinforcing bars (6) and their respective reinforcing bar couplers (10) are positioned below water level when the float module (1 ) is suspended in water.

10. The float module (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the reinforcing bar coupler(s) (10) are separate parts that have been cast into the concrete casing (2) during a casting process of the concrete casing (2).

11. The float module (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the reinforcing bar coupler(s) (10) are integrally formed in the concrete casing (2) of the float module (1 ).

12. The float module (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the float module (1 ) comprises a seal (20) in connection with the reinforcing bar coupler (10) on the side wall (4c) in connection with the reinforcing bar coupler13. A float field (100), suitable for use as a base for superstructures, the float field (100) comprising a plurality of float modules (1 ) according to any of the previous claims 1 to 12, wherein adjacent float modules (1 ) are rigidly connected to each other with reinforcing bar (6) coupling via the reinforcing bar couplers (10), such that the first end (6a) of the reinforcing bar (6) that protrudes from the concrete casing (2) is housed within the first chamber (11 ) of the reinforcing bar coupler (10) of the adjacent float module (1 ), and said first chamber (11 ) is entirely filled with coupling mass encasing the ends (6a, 6b) of the reinforcing bars (6).

14. A method for assembling a float field (100), the method comprising:-(A) suspending a plurality of float modules (1 ) in water,-(B) aligning adjacent float modules (1 ) such that a first end (6a) of a reinforcing bar (6) of a float module is aligned with a first chamber (11 ) of a reinforcing bar coupler (10) of an adjacent float module and a second end (6b) of a reinforcing bar (6) of the adjacent float module (1 ),-(C) temporarily securing the adjacent float modules (1 ) together through temporary securing means such that the first end (6a) of the reinforcing bar (6) of the float module (1 ) is positioned inside the first chamber (11 ) of the reinforcing bar coupler (10) of the adjacent float module (1 ),-(D) injecting coupling mass through an inlet channel (13) of the reinforcing bar coupler (10) to the first chamber (11 ) until coupling mass comes out of an outlet channel (14) of the reinforcing bar coupler (10), and-(E) removing the temporary securing means once the coupling mass has set.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein at least some of the reinforcing bars (6) and their respective reinforcing bar couplers (10) are below water level during steps (B) to (E).

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