A floating structure based on the 700 tensegrity principle is described. A planar closed loop structure (1700) has a plurality of beams (300) and a plurality of beam adapters (700). Each of the plurality of beams (300) is formed by coupling multiple n-strut twisted prism units. Each of the multiple n-strut twisted prism units includes n-sided planar polygonal surfaces on opposite sides through which the respective n-strut twisted prism unit is coupled to another n-strut twisted prism unit or a beam adapter. Each of the plurality of beam adapters (700) is an m-strut twisted prism unit having planar polygonal side faces for coupling to an n-sided planar polygonal surface of a beam (300).

A dock installation system to facilitate installation of dock platforms comprises one or more inflatable supports configured to be positioning under a dock platform. The inflatable support is sized and shaped to floatingly support the dock platform when suitable inflated. An attachment device for the inflatable support, the attachment device is configured to releasably secure the inflatable support to the dock platform when positioned under same. A method for installing a dock system comprises positioning the inflatable support(s) under a dock platform. The inflatable support is inflated to support the dock platform. The inflated support with the dock platform thereon is displaced to a desired position onto a body of water onto which the dock platform is to be installed, the inflated support floatingly supporting the dock platform. The dock platform is fixed at the desired position. The inflated support is removed.

A bridge and method of installing the bridge for spanning a hydrological surface feature. The bridge includes a deck spanning the hydrological surface feature, at least one tower, and a tensile support system connecting the deck with the tower under tension to provide a tensile force for supporting the deck. A density and surface area of the deck, and the tensile force provided by the tensile support system, are selected to facilitate flotation of the deck on the hydrological feature with a top surface of the deck at a selected elevation above a surface the hydrological surface feature while supporting a selected load and while the deck is supported by the tensile force.

The transparent floating dock acts as a diving mask, allowing for those using the dock to view fish and aquatic life below.

The floating dock includes a floating section comprised of a bottom, top, and one or more sides. The bottom and top are constructed of a material that is transparent to visible light. Such a material may be polycarbonate, glass, or other clear material.

When in use the bottom of the floating section is in contact with water, allowing those above to see through the floating section and into the water.

A system for creating a bridge across an expanse of weak and compressible materials (e.g., a lagoon) may include an air bladder, a geosynthetic installed over the air bladder and across the expanse, and fill materials installed over the geosynthetic and across the expanse. In conjunction, the air bladder, geosynthetic, and fill materials may create a bridge across the expanse. The geosynthetic may include a separation geotextile and/or a geogrid or a reactive core mat. The geosynthetic may be installed with a free excess length corresponding to a final expected profile of the geosynthetic after consolidation of underlying materials. The air bladder may be inflated to take up the excess slack in the geosynthetic. After or while fill is consolidated, the air bladder may be deflated in a controlled manner to maintain stability while consolidating the underlying materials. Additional systems and associated methods are also disclosed.

A system for creating a bridge across an expanse of weak and compressible materials (e.g., a lagoon) may include an air bladder, a geosynthetic installed over the air bladder and across the expanse, and fill materials installed over the geosynthetic and across the expanse. In conjunction, the air bladder, geosynthetic, and fill materials may create a bridge across the expanse. The geosynthetic may include a separation geotextile and/or a geogrid or a reactive core mat. The geosynthetic may be installed with a free excess length corresponding to a final expected profile of the geosynthetic after consolidation of underlying materials. The air bladder may be inflated to take up the excess slack in the geosynthetic. After or while fill is consolidated, the air bladder may be deflated in a controlled manner to maintain stability while consolidating the underlying materials. Additional systems and associated methods are also disclosed.