Provided is a support structure and a method for manufacture thereof. The support structure, in one aspect, includes first and second expanded metal structural pillars positioned within the ground by a distance (d.sub.1), the first and second expanded metal structural pillars comprising a metal that has expanded in response to hydrolysis. In at least one other aspect, the support structure includes one or more beams spanning the first and second expanded metal structural pillars.

Provided is a support structure and a method for manufacture thereof. The support structure, in one aspect, includes first and second expanded metal structural pillars positioned within the ground by a distance (d.sub.1), the first and second expanded metal structural pillars comprising a metal that has expanded in response to hydrolysis. In at least one other aspect, the support structure includes one or more beams spanning the first and second expanded metal structural pillars.

A foundation system for the foundation of an offshore structure includes a monopile having an anchoring portion anchorable in a seabed and a connection portion disposed at the opposite end. A platform structure is connected directly to the connection portion of the monopile or indirectly via a transition piece. The platform structure is disposable above a water surface. The foundation system includes at least two stabilizing devices connected directly to the platform structure or indirectly to the platform structure via the transition piece. The stabilizing devices are attachable to the seabed such that tensile forces or compression forces are transmittable between the seabed and the platform structure. Securing points on the stabilizing devices, together with the connection portion of the monopile, define a plane having a horizontally extending component.

A foundation system for the foundation of an offshore structure includes a monopile having an anchoring portion anchorable in a seabed and a connection portion disposed at the opposite end. A platform structure is connected directly to the connection portion of the monopile or indirectly via a transition piece. The platform structure is disposable above a water surface. The foundation system includes at least two stabilizing devices connected directly to the platform structure or indirectly to the platform structure via the transition piece. The stabilizing devices are attachable to the seabed such that tensile forces or compression forces are transmittable between the seabed and the platform structure. Securing points on the stabilizing devices, together with the connection portion of the monopile, define a plane having a horizontally extending component.

Provided is a support structure and a method for manufacture thereof. The support structure, in one aspect, includes first and second expanded metal structural pillars positioned within the ground by a distance (d.sub.1), the first and second expanded metal structural pillars comprising a metal that has expanded in response to hydrolysis. In at least one other aspect, the support structure includes one or more beams spanning the first and second expanded metal structural pillars.

Provided is a support structure and a method for manufacture thereof. The support structure, in one aspect, includes first and second expanded metal structural pillars positioned within the ground by a distance (d.sub.1), the first and second expanded metal structural pillars comprising a metal that has expanded in response to hydrolysis. In at least one other aspect, the support structure includes one or more beams spanning the first and second expanded metal structural pillars.

A top-tensioned riser system comprises a substantially vertical riser extending upward from the seafloor; a conductor surrounding an upper portion of the riser in spaced-apart relation; a coaxial keel guide surrounding a lower portion of the conductor; a tensioner attached to the conductor and the riser; a keel guide support structure attached to the keel guide and connected to the keel of a dry-tree, semi-submersible vessel; and, a keel joint centralizer attached to the riser proximate the keel guide and sized to prevent radial movement of the riser relative to the conductor. Side loads on the riser (such as those arising from displacement of the vessel from its nominal position or currents acting on the riser) are reacted from the riser to the conductor via the keel joint centralizer and then to the keel of the vessel via the keel guide.

The invention is stay-in-place cladding for concrete, including reactive and slow-curing concretes, allowing for enhanced strength and durability of the contained concrete by allowing it to cure over time while enabling beneficial chemical reactions. The cladding is perforated with tubes or holes. A preferred embodiment is a caisson for concrete mixtures, where the caisson contains the concrete mixture, and the caisson is deployed in marine or terrestrial environments.

The invention is stay-in-place cladding for concrete, including reactive and slow-curing concretes, allowing for enhanced strength and durability of the contained concrete by allowing it to cure over time while enabling beneficial chemical reactions. The cladding is perforated with tubes or holes. A preferred embodiment is a caisson for concrete mixtures, where the caisson contains the concrete mixture, and the caisson is deployed in marine or terrestrial environments.