Offshore Pile Clamping Mechanism for Grout Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting offshore structures to subsea piles are inadequate in limiting relative movement during grout solidification, leading to potential mechanical weakness and increased costs due to complex clamp designs that do not act directly at the critical area of strength.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using a connecting portion with outwardly moveable clamping members that grip the inside surface of the subsea pile, providing a secure and rigid connection by distributing clamping forces around the circumference and length of the pile, which can be temporary or permanent, and may include hydraulic or screw jack mechanisms for controlled pressure application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing clamp designs are used to limit relative movement, then the structure is secured to the pile, but the clamps do not act directly at the critical area where grout strength is most important, reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp fabrication is divided into a modular assembly comprising a clamp body with integrated hydraulic cylinders. This segmentation allows the clamping mechanism to be constructed from standardized components rather than complex custom fabrications, while still achieving the required clamping force at the critical area for grout strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Hydraulic cylinders are introduced as an intermediary mechanism to transmit force from the clamp assembly to the pile and structure. This allows precise control of clamping force and enables the clamp to act directly at the critical area without requiring overly complex mechanical linkages.
2Manufacturing precision
If clamp fabrications are made more complex to meet stricter movement requirements, then allowable movement is reduced, but manufacturing cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Hydraulic cylinders are used to provide controlled, adjustable clamping force with high precision. This allows strict movement requirements to be met through controlled hydraulic pressure rather than through overly rigid or complex mechanical clamp designs, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly incorporates movable clamping members that can adjust their position and applied force dynamically. This allows the system to adapt to varying gap sizes and movement requirements, achieving precise movement control without requiring a single complex fixed design.
3Device complexity
If the clamp acts at the top of the pile rather than at the critical area, then the clamp design is simpler, but the effectiveness is limited due to structure flexing over distance
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is designed as a self-contained modular unit that can be positioned at the critical area within the annular void. This segmentation allows the simple, standardized clamp design to be deployed exactly where needed, combining design simplicity with placement effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly with integrated hydraulic cylinders is nested within the annular void between the pile and structure. This nesting allows the clamp to act directly at the critical area without requiring external support structures or complex long-distance force transmission, maintaining both simplicity and effectiveness.
4Force
If additional fabrication with hydraulic cylinders is added to hold clamps, then clamping force is improved, but the fabrication process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic cylinders are merged with the clamp body to form an integrated clamp assembly. This combination eliminates the need for separate clamp fabrication and hydraulic system installation, reducing overall fabrication complexity while maintaining the required clamping force.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly with integrated hydraulic cylinders serves multiple functions: providing clamping force, positioning the structure relative to the pile, and enabling controlled movement restriction. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, simplifying fabrication.
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 approach enhances the mechanical strength of the grouted connection by acting directly at the critical area, reducing the need for complex fabrications and minimizing movement between the structure and pile, thus improving the lifespan and reliability of offshore installations.
Implementation Method 1
hydraulically powered piston in cylinder arrangements are employed
Implementation Method 2
This grout is introduced into the annular void 4 in the form of a fluid and solidifies over a period of time to become a rigid solid material
Data Source
AI summary
A method for connecting an offshore structure (2) to a subsea pile (1) includes inserting a connecting portion (14) of the structure inside the subsea pile. The connecting portion (14) comprises a plurality of outwardly moveable clamping members (5). Moving each of the plurality of clamping members (5) into gripping contact with an inside surface of the subsea pile provides a mechanical connection. The method may also include a grouting step to make the connection permanent.