Marine Construction Using Fixed Perimeter and Floating Inner Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine construction methods face challenges in creating stable and versatile large-scale artificial surfaces in the sea without requiring enormous quantities of filling material, particularly due to the scarcity of suitable materials like sand and the environmental impact of dredging, and they struggle to balance stability under environmental and load forces.
Innovation Solution
A marine construction method combining an external perimeter of fixed seabed elements with an inner area of floating elements, where the fixed elements provide stability and the floating elements offer versatility and buoyancy, allowing for differential seabed deployment and varied tasks, such as airports or ports, using caissons, breakwaters, and sheet pile walls, with a level and buoyancy control module to maintain a stable surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If land reclamation is carried out by filling marine areas with filling material, then artificial surfaces can be created, but enormous quantities of filling material are required which causes environmental impact and material scarcity issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines floating structures with breakwater elements into a single integrated marine construction system. The floating elements provide the artificial surface functionality while the integrated breakwater components protect the structure and reduce material loss, eliminating the need for enormous quantities of filling material and reducing environmental impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional fixed fill-based construction approach to a floating structure with controlled buoyancy parameters. By adjusting the buoyancy of floating elements and their submersion depth, the system creates stable artificial surfaces without requiring large quantities of filling material, thus reducing environmental impact.
2Loss of substance
If protected reclamation is carried out within a bound to minimize wave and current losses, then fill material loss is reduced, but outlets for water overflow are required which can trap mud
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the marine construction into multiple independent floating elements rather than using a continuous filled bound. Each floating element can independently manage water flow and sediment, preventing mud trapping while minimizing fill material loss through their modular configuration and integrated breakwater protection.
3Quantity of substance
If floating surfaces are used for marine construction, then material requirements are reduced, but stability under environmental forces and loads is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges floating elements with breakwater structures into an integrated system where the breakwater components provide hydrodynamic stability and wave protection. This combination maintains the material efficiency of floating structures while achieving the structural stability typically associated with fixed constructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction combining floating structures with breakwater elements, creating a hybrid system that leverages the material efficiency of floating platforms and the stability of breakwater structures. This composite approach enables the structure to withstand environmental forces while minimizing material requirements.
4Stability of the object's composition
If large concrete platforms are erected above seawater to limit wave overtopping, then operational stability is improved, but large diameter pipe piles are required which increase foundation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach from fixed elevated platforms to floating structures with adjustable buoyancy parameters. The floating elements can be positioned at optimal depths and their buoyancy adjusted to control wave overtopping, achieving operational stability without requiring complex large diameter pipe pile foundations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This combination enables the creation of stable and versatile marine surfaces capable of handling significant loads and diverse tasks with reduced material requirements, minimizing environmental impact and accommodating different seabed conditions, while maintaining structural integrity under various environmental forces.
Implementation Method 1
floating elements, where the fixed elements provide stability and the floating elements offer versatility and buoyancy
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides for a method of marine construction. Said marine construction is based on an external perimeter and inner area and comprises seabed lying elements and floating elements. The marine construction of the present invention comprising fixed elements that are placed on the defined perimeter of said marine construction. Said fixed elements are lying on the seabed. And further comprising floating elements that are placed in the inner area the marine construction, defined by said external perimeter. The marine construction is capable of being deployed at a variety of distances from shore, at a differential nature of sea bed, and to be able to carry out different tasks and destinations, such as but not limited to airport, residency, army base, power station, port, marina, other infrastructures, etc. and any combination thereof.