Framed Template for Jack-Up Platform Pile Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for providing a foundation for elevated structures like offshore windmills are time-consuming, requiring 5 to 7 days to complete, due to the manual positioning and driving of piles into the substrate.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a jack-up platform with a framed template having interconnected sleeve guide members arranged according to a geometric pattern, allowing the template to be slidably moved along spud poles to accurately position and drive piles into the substrate, eliminating the need for repeated platform repositioning and reducing underwater positioning challenges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual positioning and driving of piles is used, then flexibility in operation is maintained, but the process becomes time-consuming (5 to 7 days)
Solution Approach 1:
The framed template with sleeve guide members is prepared in advance with the exact geometric pattern required for pile positioning. By pre-configuring the template structure before deployment, the actual pile installation process becomes a straightforward execution of predetermined positions, eliminating time-consuming manual positioning while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The framed template acts as an intermediary device between the jack-up platform and the substrate. It transfers the positioning accuracy from the platform to the piles through its geometric structure, enabling rapid and accurate pile installation without requiring complex manual positioning operations for each individual pile
2Manufacturing precision
If platform repositioning is performed for accurate pile positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the process time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The geometric pattern of sleeve guide members is predetermined and built into the template structure before deployment. This preliminary configuration ensures that once the template is positioned on the platform, all pile locations are automatically and accurately defined by the template's geometry, eliminating the need for repeated platform repositioning operations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional platform repositioning operations to a three-dimensional solution where the template provides vertical and horizontal positioning simultaneously. The template's geometric structure encodes the pile pattern in multiple dimensions, allowing accurate positioning to be achieved through a single platform position rather than multiple repositioning operations
3Measurement precision
If underwater positioning is performed manually, then adaptability to site conditions is maintained, but positioning accuracy and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The framed template serves as an intermediary that transfers positioning from the aerial platform environment to the underwater substrate. By performing positioning operations above water where visibility and accessibility are better, and then transferring this positioned information through the rigid template structure to the underwater piles, the system achieves high positioning accuracy without requiring complex underwater positioning equipment or operations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex underwater mechanical positioning operations with a simpler aerial positioning operation followed by structural transfer. The rigid geometric structure of the template substitutes for complex underwater positioning mechanisms, providing accurate pile placement through structural integrity rather than complex underwater mechanical systems
Data Source
AI summary
The application relates to an efficient method of providing a foundation for an elevated mass, such as the jacket of a wind mill, the foundation consists of a plurality of piles, driven into a substrate according to a geometric pattern. The method an assembly of a jack-up platform and a framed template, the template having a plurality of interconnected sleeve guide members for receiving the piles, arranged according to the geometric pattern, and means for slidably moving it along the spud poles of the platform. The framed template is lowered along the spud poles from an in-operative position close to the deck of the platform towards the substrate, and piles driven into the substrate through the sleeve guide members of the template. The invention also relates to a framed template and to an assembly of a jack-up platform and a framed template, adapted for carrying out the method.