Large Floating Structure, and Basic Module of Very Large Floating Structure

Abstract

A highly safe large floating structure, and a basic module of a very large floating structure, includes multiple lower floating bodies, an upper structure, and intermediate connection structures. The multiple lower floating bodies include multiple distributed strip-shaped floating bodies. The floating bodies are spaced from each other by a certain distance. The sum of the displacement volumes of the floating bodies is greater than the displacement volume when the floating structure as a whole is fully loaded. The intermediate connection structures include at least multiple connection structures in a first direction, the first direction intersecting the horizontal plane. A connection structure in the first direction corresponds to a single strip-shaped floating body connected to three or more spaced structures. The cross-section width of each intermediate connection structure in the horizontal direction is less than the width of the corresponding strip-shaped floating body.

Claims

1. A large floating structure, comprising multiple lower floating bodies, an upper structure and intermediate connection structures, wherein the multiple lower floating bodies comprise more than three strip-shaped floating bodies horizontally arranged, the individual floating bodies are spaced apart by a certain distance, and a sum of displacement volumes of the individual floating bodies is greater than a displacement volume when the floating structure is in a full-load state; the upper structure is a frame structure or a box structure; and the intermediate connection structures at least comprise connection structures in a first direction, with the first direction intersecting a horizontal plane; the connection structures in the first direction comprise a plurality of floating bodies that extend upward and provide reserve buoyancy, the connection structures in the first direction are correspondingly connected with more than three single strip-shaped floating bodies, a horizontal-direction sectional breadth of each of the floating bodies of the connection structures in the first direction is smaller than a breadth of corresponding strip-shaped floating bodies; and the intermediate connection structures are connected with the multiple lower floating bodies and the upper structure.

2. The large floating structure according to claim 1, wherein an outer contour dimension of the multiple lower floating bodies is greater than 150 meters in at least one direction.

3. The large floating structure according to claim 1, wherein a maximum height dimension of a section of a single floating body in the multiple lower floating bodies is smaller than of a maximum wave height dimension of an applicable water area, and a maximum breadth dimension is no larger than 2 times the maximum height dimension of the section; a clear spacing between adjacent floating bodies of multiple floating bodies is greater than 0.5 times a sectional breadth dimension of one floating body of two adjacent floating bodies which has a larger breadth dimension.

4. The large floating structure according to claim 1, wherein a total volume of the individual floating bodies in the multiple lower floating bodies is less than 2 times an equivalent water volume of full weight when the floating structure is fully loaded.

5. The large floating structure according to claim 1, wherein length and breadth distribution dimensions of the multiple lower floating bodies of the large floating structure in the horizontal plane are equal to or greater than 4 times a height from a center of gravity to a still water surface when the floating structure is in light ship.

6. The large floating structure according to claim 1, wherein the floating structure is provided with a driving device and a direction control device.

7. The large floating structure according to claim 6, wherein the floating bodies have some floating bodies which are located at an outer side in the multiple lower floating bodies and provided therein with a plurality of watertight compartments or internally filled with a light non-absorbent material, a sum of displacement volumes of the some of the floating bodies is greater than the equivalent water volume when the floating structure is fully loaded; and/or the floating bodies have some floating bodies which are located at an outer side of the intermediate connection structures and internally provided with a plurality of watertight compartments or internally filled with the light non-absorbent material.

8. The large floating structure according to claim 1, wherein a horizontal-direction overall sectional area of the connection structures in the first direction is about 10% to 30% of a waterline area of the multiple lower floating bodies at a static waterline.

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27. The large floating structure according to claim 2, wherein the floating structure is provided with a driving device and a direction control device.

28. The large floating structure according to claim 3, wherein the floating structure is provided with a driving device and a direction control device.

29. The large floating structure according to claim 4, wherein the floating structure is provided with a driving device and a direction control device.

30. The large floating structure according to claim 5, wherein the floating structure is provided with a driving device and a direction control device.

31. The large floating structure according to claim 2, wherein a horizontal-direction overall sectional area of the connection structures in the first direction is about 10% to 30% of a waterline area of the multiple lower floating bodies at a static waterline.

32. The large floating structure according to claim 3, wherein a horizontal-direction overall sectional area of the connection structures in the first direction is about 10% to 30% of a waterline area of the multiple lower floating bodies at a static waterline.

33. The large floating structure according to claim 4, wherein a horizontal-direction overall sectional area of the connection structures in the first direction is about 10% to 30% of a waterline area of the multiple lower floating bodies at a static waterline.

34. The large floating structure according to claim 5, wherein a horizontal-direction overall sectional area of the connection structures in the first direction is about 10% to 30% of a waterline area of the multiple lower floating bodies at a static waterline.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0213] FIG. 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a front section of a large floating structure in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0214] FIG. 2 is a side structural schematic diagram of the large floating structure in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0215] FIG. 3 is a structural schematic diagram of a top section of the large floating structure in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0216] FIG. 4 shows data of overturning test when upright columns of the large floating structure in an embodiment of the present disclosure provide no buoyancy;

[0217] FIG. 5 shows data of overturning test when upright columns of the large floating structure in an embodiment of the present disclosure provide buoyancy;

[0218] FIG. 6 is a structural schematic diagram of a front section of a large offshore floating platform exemplified according to the large floating structure in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0219] FIG. 7 is a side structural schematic diagram of the large offshore floating platform exemplified according to the large floating structure in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0220] FIG. 8 is a structural schematic diagram of a top section of the large offshore floating platform exemplified according to the large floating structure in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0221] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of stability analysis of the large floating structure, exemplified as being entirely disposed transversely on a wave surface of waves, in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0222] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of stability analysis of the large floating structure in an embodiment of the present disclosure, exemplified as being in a stranded condition;

[0223] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram exemplifying wave load analysis of the large floating structure in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0224] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram exemplifying heaving analysis of the large floating structure in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0225] FIG. 13 is a structural schematic diagram of a front section of the large offshore floating platform exemplified according to a highly safe, large floating structure in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0226] FIG. 14 is a side structural schematic diagram of the large offshore floating platform exemplified according to the highly safe, large floating structure in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0227] FIG. 15 is a structural schematic diagram of a top section of the large offshore floating platform exemplified according to the highly safe, large floating structure in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0228] FIG. 16 is a first schematic diagram of a hyperstatic unit of the highly safe, large floating structure in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0229] FIG. 17 is a second schematic diagram of the hyperstatic unit of the highly safe, large floating structure in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0230] FIG. 18 is a third schematic diagram of the hyperstatic unit of the highly safe, large floating structure in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0231] FIG. 19 is a front structural schematic diagram of a basic module of a very large floating structure in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0232] FIG. 20 is a side structural schematic diagram of the basic module of the very large floating structure in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0233] FIG. 21 is a structural schematic diagram of a top section of the basic module of the very large floating structure in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0234] FIG. 22 shows experimental data of overturning test when upright columns of the basic module of the very large floating structure in an embodiment of the present disclosure provide no buoyancy;

[0235] FIG. 23 shows experimental data of overturning test when upright columns of the basic module of the very large floating structure in an embodiment of the present disclosure provide buoyancy;

[0236] FIG. 24 is a front structural schematic diagram of the basic module of the large offshore floating platform exemplified according to the basic module of the very large floating structure in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0237] FIG. 25 is a side structural schematic diagram of the basic module of the large offshore floating platform exemplified according to the basic module of the very large floating structure in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0238] FIG. 26 is a structural schematic diagram of a top section of the basic module of the large offshore floating platform exemplified according to the basic module of the very large floating structure in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0239] FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram of stability analysis of the basic module of the very large floating structure, exemplified as being entirely disposed transversely on a wave surface of waves, in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0240] FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram of stability analysis of the basic module of the very large floating structure in an embodiment of the present disclosure, exemplified as being in a stranded condition;

[0241] FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram exemplifying wave load analysis of the basic module of the very large floating structure in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0242] FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram exemplifying heaving analysis of the basic module of the very large floating structure in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0243] FIG. 31 is a first diagram of a step of splicing the basic modules of the very large floating structure in an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0244] FIG. 32 is a second diagram of the step of splicing the basic modules of the very large floating structure in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0245] Typical embodiments embodying features and advantages of the present disclosure will be described in detail in the following description. It should be understood that the present disclosure can have various modifications in different embodiments, and none of them depart from the scope of the present disclosure, moreover, the description and reference signs therein are substantively illustrative, rather than limiting the present disclosure.

[0246] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a very large floating structure, which may be a floating comprehensive support base that can be used for various ships to directly berth, wherein a deck can be equipped with a large loading and unloading machine to provide loading and unloading, transshipment and storage functions. A basic contour profile thereof is selected to be an ultra-flat space structure, mainly including an upper structure, intermediate connection structures and multiple lower floating bodies (lower floating body structures). This is a new floating body type that is distinguished from all ships and ocean platforms.

[0247] FIG. 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a front section of a large floating structure in an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a side structural schematic diagram of the large floating structure in an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 3 is a structural schematic diagram of a top section of the large floating structure in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to what is shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the large floating structure in the embodiment of the present disclosure mainly includes an upper structure 1, intermediate connection structures 2, and multiple lower floating bodies 3 (lower floating body structures). Both length (L) and breadth (B) of the floating structure in a horizontal direction can be equal to or greater than 4 times a height (H) from a center of gravity to a still water surface when the floating structure is in light ship, and the whole has a flat shape, ensuring good stability of the floating structure.

[0248] An upper surface and a lower surface of the upper structure 1 are upper and lower decks, and an intermediate deck also can be added. The upper and lower decks participate in the overall structural stress. Referring to what is shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, in an embodiment, the upper structure 1 may be a rigid structure realized by a frame structure, and a plurality of compartments can be selectively formed inside the upper structure 1.

[0249] The frame structure refers to a structure in which beams and columns are connected to constitute a load-bearing system, that is, the beams and columns forming the frame jointly resist a horizontal load and a vertical load that appear during use.

[0250] Referring to what is shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 2, in an exemplary embodiment, in a height direction, single-layer distribution or multilayer distribution of at least two layers can be designed inside the upper structure 1. A plurality of compartments can be arranged in each layer, and the compartments may be arranged in a manner according to functional requirements. In the above, main structural supports of each compartment may be at least three upright columns in a vertical direction, and horizontal connecting beams in a top portion, and the connecting beams can be connected with the upright columns respectively in the top portion or a bottom portion. Transverse beams and upright columns can be connected with connectors, such as branched sleeve joints. The various components can be welded, riveted, bolted or quickly clamped. In this way, a main stable structural support is composed of the transverse beams and the upright columns. Of course, a pole-type bracing or a truss-type support structure also can be added between the transverse beams and the upright columns, such that an overall structure of the upper structure 1 meets the requirements of structural safety level.

[0251] Further, a rigid support structure can be composed of the transverse beams and the upright columns or other pole-type support structures inside the upper structure 1, for example, referring to room configuration manners of a building, individual functional compartments are formed by closing them with panels. As a wall panel is a non-bearing structure, lightweight panels can be chosen, for example, aluminum honeycomb panels, composite rock-wool panels, and light steel keel composite walls, but panels with flame retardant effect are preferred. Steel plates or other bearing plates can be chosen for the top plate and the floor.

[0252] It should be understood that the beam-column structure of the upper structure 1 may be in any beam-column structural form meeting the requirements of structural safety level. For example, a plurality of vertical or horizontal truss type support structures may be utilized to constitute the upper structure 1, and meanwhile, a plurality of functional compartments are separated.

[0253] When the upper structure is realized in the manner of the frame structural formed by the space beams and columns, structural design freedom (or flexibility) of the upper structure 1 will be greatly increased compared with designs of conventional ships and floating body structures, and design and arrangement of the upper functional compartments can be changed flexibly. The modifiable space of the upper structure 1 will be greatly increased, the main bearing structures are beams, columns and other supports (possibly none), and remaining members (split parts between operation compartments, upper and lower plates of the operation compartments, etc.) can be designed as non-main bearing structures, and only bear local functional loads but do not participate in the overall structural stress of the floating structure. Due to the above characteristics, all the non-main bearing structures of the floating structure can be arbitrarily changed under the premise of satisfying the local functional load without affecting the overall structural stress; non-metallic materials also can be considered for the non-main bearing structures so as to greatly reduce the cost of corrosion protection; it also can be considered to connect the non-main bearing structures to the main bearing structures by means of assembling (non-welding).

[0254] In another embodiment, the upper structure 1 also may be a rigid structural layer composed of a box structure, the main bearing structure is a space slab-beam structure, and members such as transverse bulkheads and longitudinal girders in the compartment, and upper and lower decks forming the compartment generally act as stressed structural members to participate in calculation of a total longitudinal strength.

[0255] The box structure referred to herein is a space box structure composed of a plurality of mutually constrained plates, and each plate is subjected to a local load, and is subjected to an undetermined distribution bending moment at four sides.

[0256] For example, the upper structure 1 may be a space box structure composed of a deck, a surrounding wall and several longitudinal and lateral bulkheads. There may be several layers of decks, for example, a main deck, an intermediate deck, and a lower deck. A main body of the upper structure 1 can be designed to have reserve buoyancy, that is, the main body of the upper structure 1 is watertight or has certain watertightness. The main body of the upper structure 1 may be an integral box structure, or may be a combination of several vertical and horizontal box structures, such as a (a Chinese character) shape, a (a Chinese character) shape, and a shape.

[0257] For example, the structure of the upper structure 1 may be selected to have a vertical and horizontal hybrid skeleton form, main beams in each region have different directions, and at the same time, strong frames with different distances are arranged perpendicular to a length direction of the main beams, all main side wall skeletons are horizontally arranged, and all inner walls use vertical stiffener. As the frame structure is a common structural form of existing ships or offshore floating structural compartments, it is not redundantly described herein.

[0258] It should be understood that the upper structure 1 also may be selected to be formed by combining both the box structure and the frame structure. For example, longitudinal or horizontal slab beams are added to the frame structure, so as to further improve the structural strength. Of course, various upright columns and transverse beams also can be added, for strengthening, to the structure dominated by the box structure. For another example, the middle of the upper structure 1 adopts a frame structure, while an outer periphery and/or a bottom layer adopts a box structure.

[0259] The upper structure 1 of the embodiment of the present disclosure is entirely above the maximum wave height of the water area where it is used, and the plurality of compartments formed in the upper structure 1 may be selected as sealable compartments. In the case of a compartment structure with multiple layers and zones, at least compartments below the middle are normally hermetic, and existing cabin structures can be referred to. Thus, if encountering extreme situations, the upper structure 1 still can remain self-floating when the multiple lower floating bodies 3 fail.

[0260] Referring to what is shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 2, in an embodiment, the intermediate connection structures 2 include connection structures 21 in a first direction intersecting a horizontal plane, the connection structures 21 in the first direction include a plurality of spaced-apart floating bodies that can be regarded as upward extension of the multi-floating body. This part of floating bodies belong to special function floating bodies. Under extreme conditions, when the floating structure as a whole heels at an extremely large angle, the plurality of spaced-apart floating bodies included in the connection structures 21 in the first direction are immersed in water, and can provide reserve buoyancy. As the righting arm is quite long, a relatively large righting moment is produced on the whole, which can enable the floating structure as a whole to have more reliable stability.

[0261] For example, according to current design calculation and experimental data, when a sum of sectional areas of the connection structures 21 in the first direction is greater than 5% of the waterplane area of the multiple lower floating bodies 3 at the hydrostatic waterline, and when a distance from an outermost connection structure 21 in the first direction to the floating structure's center of gravity is greater than 2 times the distance from the floating structure's center of gravity to a water surface, a total righting moment of the floating structure can be greater than a maximum overturning moment received by the floating structure under the combined effect of possible wind, waves and the like, and the floating structure can be enabled to have the safety against overturning.

[0262] The plurality of floating bodies of the connection structures 21 in the first direction in the embodiment of the present disclosure may be a plurality of floating-body type connection structures intersecting at the water surface, and breadth of sections of these floating-body type connection structures in the horizontal plane is smaller than waterplane breadth of connected pontoons 31. The breadth refers to a dimension perpendicular to a length direction of the strip-shaped pontoons 31. The plurality of floating bodies of the connection structures 21 in the first direction may be columnar structures, or a flat-sheet type hollowed connection structures extending upward and downward; but in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of floating bodies of the connection structures 21 in the first direction are spaced apart from each other for wave crossing, reducing an external load received by the floating structure as a whole, so as to ensure safety. The plurality of floating-body type connection structures referred to in this paragraph should be understood as meaning that each single pontoon 31 is correspondingly connected with more than three floating-body type connection structures that are spaced apart from each other.

[0263] The connection structure 21 in the first direction may include a plurality of vertical upright columns, and the upright columns are in a hollowed airtight structure. The upright columns can be divided, in terms of appearance, into round upright columns and square upright columns, equal-section upright columns and variable-section upright columns. The upright columns mostly may be equal-section round upright columns, and a few may be square upright columns. In the current analysis, the embodiment of the floating-body type connection upright columns have the advantage of bearing a small external load, and have better supporting strength. As the multiple lower floating bodies 3 include a plurality of strip-shaped pontoons 31 arranged in a dispersed manner, the plurality of upright column-type floating bodies of the connection structures 21 in the first direction can be distributed on a plurality of rows, and various upright columns on each row are spaced apart by a certain distance, and an arrangement manner of the upright columns depends on an arrangement manner of individual pontoons 31 in the multiple lower floating bodies 3, and in principle, a plurality of upright columns are connected at intervals on each pontoon 31. A lead angle connection portion can be provided on a front side and a rear side of a joint of the upright column with the upper structure and the multiple lower floating bodies 3, and the lead angle connection portion is a hollowed structure. A standard box-type node structure can also be used at a joint of the upright column with the upper structure and the multiple lower floating bodies 3. Moreover, transport equipment such as elevators or stairs can also be installed inside the upright columns 21 so as to transport personnel or materials to the upper structure.

[0264] FIG. 4 shows data of overturning test of the floating structure when the connection structures 21 in the first direction provide no buoyancy, wherein after a heeling angle exceeds 10 degrees, the righting arm of the floating structure will drop rapidly from a positive value, and after the heeling angle exceeds 45 degrees, the righting arm will have a negative value, which instead accelerates overturning of the floating structure. In the above, signs are explained as follows:

TABLE-US-00001 sign meaning unit V3, V4 water entry GZ righting arm m EPHI area enclosed by a righting arm curve and a m.sup.2 heeling angle coordinate axis MOM wind heeling arm when a wind speed is 100 kn m FREEBOARD freeboard

[0265] Referring to what is shown in FIG. 5, an overall sectional area of the floating-body type connection structure in the embodiment of the present disclosure is about 10% to 30% of the hydrostatic waterline area of the multiple lower floating bodies 3, which can ensure continuity of upward distribution of the floating bodies, and the righting arm still has a positive value when the maximum inclination appears (the strip-shaped floating bodies at one side all enter the water), ensuring that the floating structure still can maintain relatively good anti-overturning property under extreme conditions.

[0266] For example, the floating structure in the embodiment of the present disclosure may also be selectively provided with a plurality of connection structures 22 in a second direction, and the connection structures 22 in the second direction extend along a horizontal plane.

[0267] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, upright columns of the connection structures 22 in the second direction can be formed by welding steel plates, and a shifting board or a reinforced ribbed plate can be disposed inside. For further example, in an embodiment as shown in FIG. 13 to FIG. 15, a plurality of connection structures 22 in the second direction can be connected between adjacent pontoons 31, and a plurality of connection structures 22 in the second direction may be arranged at intervals along a longitudinal direction of the pontoons 31. A connection rod perpendicular to an extending direction of the pontoons 31 may be included, and a connection rod that intersects the extending direction of the pontoons 31 also can be included. The connection structures 22 in the second direction may be connection rods with a hollowed airtight structure, and a sectional shape of the connection rods may be a waterdrop shape, a wing shape or other streamline shape, and the sectional shape of the connection rods may be parallel to the horizontal plane so as to reduce resistance during navigation. The connection rods can be integrally connected to each pontoon 31 and in fixed connection with the pontoons 31, and can be fixedly connected by welding, riveting or screwing. Of course, they also can integrally penetrate each pontoon 31 and be connected to structural beams in each pontoon 31. The connection rods may also be replaced by connection structures such as connection wings. The connection rods not only can be connected perpendicular to each pontoon 31, but also can be connected thereto in a manner of being inclined to the pontoons 31, in this way, structural stability of the multiple lower floating bodies 3 can be improved by the connection rods 22. As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, in an embodiment of the multiple lower floating bodies 3, the multiple lower floating bodies 3 include a plurality of strip-shaped pontoons 31, and further, it may include at least three or more strip-shaped pontoons 31, and these strip-shaped pontoons 31 can be arranged in parallel at an interval of a certain distance. The overall requirement is that a sum of the displacement volumes of various floating bodies is greater than the displacement volume when the floating structure is in a full-load state, so as to ensure that the waterline is always located within a height range of the multiple lower floating bodies 3 no matter the floating structure is in a no-load state or in a full-load state. In this way, a relatively higher loading capacity is provided to a very large waterplane floating structure that is insensitive to load changes.

[0268] In the embodiment as shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, a plurality of strip-shaped pontoons 31 are all arranged longitudinally along a longitudinal direction of the floating structure, and arranged in parallel at an interval of a certain distance. Of course, the multiple lower floating bodies 3 may be in forms of various different shapes by combining a plurality of pontoons 31, or multiple lower floating bodies 3 also may be formed by floating bodies of different shapes intersecting vertically and horizontally, as long as respective pontoons 31 are left with appropriate intervals to eliminate wave effect.

[0269] Each pontoon 31 may be mainly composed of a plurality of vertical and horizontal reinforcing structures and a casing grillage to form a watertight housing. The structure needs to ensure watertightness and strength. The maximum height dimension of the section of a single pontoon 31 may be selected to be less than of the maximum wave height dimension of an applicable water area, and the maximum breadth dimension may be selected to be no more than 2 times the maximum height dimension of the section; a clear spacing between various adjacent pontoons 31 of the multiple lower floating bodies 3 may be selected to be greater than 0.5 times the breadth dimension of the section of the pontoon 31 with a larger breadth dimension in two adjacent floating bodies.

[0270] The floating bodies have a small total volume, and dispersed into many floating bodies with a small dimension relative to the design wave height, which is advantageous for reducing the acting load of the waves on the floating structure. However, the floating structure of the present disclosure has a quite large main scale, large relative waterplane area, and quite small floating body freeboard, and still can provide enough stable moment. When the wave height of the waves is significantly smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical floating bodies, a distribution length of the cylindrical pontoons 31 can generally span a plurality of wavelengths, and a plurality of cylindrical floating bodies are juxtaposed in a breadth direction. Acting force of many waves on the floating structure are canceled by each other, therefore, the floating structure obviously is easy to maintain quite good attitude stability.

[0271] Further, a sum of the displacement volumes of various pontoons 31 is selected to be equal to or less than 2 times the equivalent water volume of the full weight when the floating structure is fully loaded, such that the static waterline of the floating structure is substantially located in an upper half of each pontoon 31. One option is that the displacement volume corresponding to the variable load of the floating structure is less than or equal to of the total volume of various pontoons 31. Within this range, as many floating bodies as possible can be tiled to increase the load of the floating structure.

[0272] In the specific embodiment as shown in the figures, the multiple lower floating bodies 3 may include a plurality of strip-shaped pontoons 31 located in the same plane (although in the figures, the floating bodies of the same dimension are in the same plane, it also may be the case that the floating bodies are of different dimensions, and they are not necessarily located in the same plane). Various pontoons 31 are substantially the same in diameter and length, and various pontoons 31 are spaced apart by a certain distance. Herein, various pontoons 31 are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction along the longitudinal direction of the floating structure, herein the number of the pontoons 31 is 9, with one in the middle, and 4 symmetrically arranged on each of two sides. The pontoon 31 may have a section in a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a square shape or other geometrical shapes. Of course, various pontoons 31 may also be of different sizes, for example, the pontoons 31 of different outer contour dimensions are used in combination, so as to avoid consistent wave response or load response of the pontoons 31 of the same dimension, avoiding stress concentration or occurrence of resonance hazards.

[0273] Several outermost pontoons 31 of the multi-floating body are preferably filled therein with a light non-absorbent material 311, for example, polystyrene foam, and in the specific embodiment as shown in the figures, three pontoons 31 are filled respectively on the left and right sides, six pontoons 31 are filled in total, and total buoyancy provided by the six pontoons 31 is about 1.1 times the displacement equivalent to the dead weight of the whole floating structure, such that the six filled pontoons 31 still will not lose buoyancy when housings of the floating bodies are damaged caused by collision or stranding of the floating structure, thus the structure of the floating structure will not overturn or sink due to loss of buoyancy of the floating bodies, possessing a great practical value.

[0274] In addition, each floating body of the connection structure 21 in the first direction can also be filled with a light non-absorbent material, so as to ensure that water does not enter when it is damaged, and a righting moment still can be provided. The floating bodies may be all filled with a light non-absorbent material, or it is also feasible to merely fill the floating-body type connection structures on the outer peripheral side with the light non-absorbent material corresponding to the circumstance of the pontoons 31, thus the safety of the floating structure can be greatly improved.

[0275] In the large floating structure of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the connection structures 21 in the first direction cooperate with the multiple lower floating bodies 3, forming a variable waterplane floating body structure with respect to the waves, and effectively reducing the wave load. The floating structure of the embodiment of the present disclosure is merely provided with the connection structures 21 in the first direction, and a large-area barrier-free water surface operation space can be formed between the floating bodies.

[0276] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the floating structure is equipped with a driving device and a direction control device. Specifically, a plurality of propellers 4 may be arranged on each pontoon 31, and these propellers may be full-revolving propellers. When it is necessary to avoid extreme sea conditions, the floating structure can steer and navigate fast, and a navigational speed can reach 10 knots; the combined effect of the plurality of full-revolving propellers can realize a dynamic positioning function.

[0277] The large floating structure provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the upper structure 1 that is rigid as a whole, the intermediate connection structures 2 and the multiple lower floating bodies 3, and it generally can be analogized to an I-shaped section. The upper structure can be equivalent to an upper flange of the I-shaped section; the multiple lower floating bodies 3 are equivalent to a lower flange of the I-shaped section, and the intermediate connection structure 2 is equivalent to a web of the I-shaped section, Through reasonable structural design, for example, the sectional area of the multiple lower floating bodies 3 and the sectional area of the upper structure 1 have roughly equivalent contribution to the cross-section moment of inertia of a neutral axis of the floating structure, the moment of inertia of the section itself of the multiple lower floating bodies 3 and the moment of inertia of the section itself of the upper structure 1 are roughly equivalent, and the neutral axis of the present floating structure can be designed in a middle position of the structure of the floating structure, such that the upper structure 1 and the multiple lower floating bodies 3 (steel) both can function with the maximum efficiency, and obtain the maximum strength (including resisting combined effects such as tension, compression, bending, shearing, and torsion) with the smallest amount of steel used, greatly improving the utilization ratio of structural materials (steel).

[0278] Referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, a specific application example provided in the present disclosure is as follows:

[0279] As exemplified in the figures, a statistical value of the maximum wave height that may occur in the sea area where the floating structure is used is about 28 meters. The upper structure of the floating structure is designed as a box structure with three layers of decks, forming a strength deck of this floating structure. For example, as shown in the figures, the upper structure may have a length of 600 meters, a breadth of 130 meters, and a height of 10 meters. An upper surface complete deck of 78000 square meters and an upper cabin of 234000 square meters can be provided.

[0280] The multiple lower floating bodies 3 of the floating structure are selected to be provided with 9 pontoons 31 (or called as strip-shaped floating bodies) of the same shape that are independent from each other and longitudinally arranged, providing buoyancy for the whole floating structure. For example, as shown in the figures, the cross section of each pontoon 31 of the multiple lower floating bodies 3 can be designed with the same rounded rectangular shape, each pontoon 31 may have a length of 600 meters, a height of 11.5 meters, and a maximum breadth of 8.8 meters, and a spacing between the pontoons 31 may be 6 meters. An outer edge distribution breadth of 9 pontoons 31 may be 130 meters, and the multi-floating body provides a displacement volume of about 546000 cubic meters in total. A sum of the waterline areas of the multi-floating body may be 47400 square meters. A maximum displacement of the floating structure is about 335000 tons, in which the dead weight is about 175000 tons, and a design load capacity is about 185000 tons. In the design full-load state, the draught is about 7.7 meters, and the draught is about 4.7 meters under light ship. The draught change is about 2.9 meters between light ship and full load. Under light ship, the height H from the floating structure's center of gravity G to the still water surface is about 23.4 meters. The length distribution dimension of the multi-floating body of this floating structure in the horizontal direction is equal to 25 times the height from the center of gravity to the still water surface when the floating structure is in light ship, and the distribution dimension in the breadth direction is equal to 5.56 times the height from the center of gravity to the still water surface when the floating structure is in light ship.

[0281] When the design wave (which is modified sine wave) height is 22 meters and the wavelength is 621 meters, a predicted value of a maximum total longitudinal bending moment of the floating bodies is about 9.76E10NM. A maximum structural stress of a midship is about 220 MP (an allowable stress is 320 MP), and an overall structural deflection is about 1/500, satisfying the condition of rigid body.

[0282] The connection structures 21 in the first direction are hollowed rectangular upright column bodies with rounded angles, with a length of about 10 meters, a breadth of about 6 meters, and a height of about 28 meters. A single cross-section area thereof may be 60 square meters, and each strip-shaped floating body is equidistantly distributed with 12 connection structures 21 in the first direction, 9 floating bodies in total having 108 connection structures in the first direction, with a total cross-section area of about 6048 square meters, which is 13% of the waterplane area of the multi-floating body.

[0283] A single pontoon 31 of this floating structure has a volume of 60720 cubic meters, and the displacement volume of full weight of the floating structure is 335000 cubic meters, therefore, inner spaces of six outermost pontoons 31 are all filled with the light non-absorbent material 311, which has a displacement volume of approximately 364000 cubic meters, which is greater than the equivalent water volume of the full weight of the floating structure.

[0284] As shown in FIG. 2, a driving device and a direction control device 4 can be provided respectively in a bow portion and a stern portion of each pontoon 31. Specifically as shown in the figure, a set of electrical propulsion rudder propeller may be provided in the bow portion and the stern portion respectively, for example, 22 sets in total, providing an excellent driving power and an omnidirectional control capability for the floating structure.

Second Embodiment

[0285] 1. Overview

[0286] FIG. 6, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 show application of a very large offshore floating structure, wherein this floating structure is designed to be suitable for offshore navigation, and the large offshore floating structure is propelled by 18 full-revolving propellers 4, can be loaded with large objects, helicopters, containers, etc. on an outdoor upper deck or other decks, and also can provide oil reserves, refrigerated cargo reserves, personnel living facilities, etc.

[0287] 2. Structural Form

[0288] An overall structure of this floating structure is designed with three distinct portions (see FIG. 6, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8), that is, an upper structure 1, multiple lower floating bodies 3, and an intermediate connection structure 2 connecting the upper structure 1 and the multiple lower floating bodies 3.

[0289] 1) Upper Structure 1

[0290] The upper structure 1 of this floating structure is designed as a box structure in a structure with two layers of decks (from a deck A to a deck B), forming strength decks of this floating structure. The upper structure 1 has a length of 310 meters and a breadth of 90 meters, and can provide a flat complete upper deck with an area of 27900 square meters, for the storage site of large cargo and large container, helicopter parking, recreational sports venues (golf, etc.) and temporary cargo stacking and so on.

[0291] In the upper structure 1, there are mainly arranged: an oil separator compartment, a carbon dioxide compartment, a cabin local water-based fire equipment room, auxiliary equipment, a cooling water compartment, a daily fresh water compartment, a drinking water compartment, a windlass and hydraulic engine compartment, a sewage treatment equipment room, a sewage compartment, a rainwater purification equipment room, a desalination equipment room, a sewage treatment equipment room, a compressor compartment, a hydraulic pump room, etc.

[0292] 2) Multiple Lower Floating Bodies 3

[0293] This floating structure is provided with 9 pontoons 31 of the same shape and streamlined contour that are independent from each other and longitudinally arranged, providing buoyancy for the whole floating structure. Each pontoon 31 of the multiple lower floating bodies 3 is designed with the same drop-shaped cross section, each pontoon 31 has a length of 310 meters, a height of 7.5 meters, and a maximum breadth of 5 meters. A spacing between the pontoons is 5.5 meters. The 9 floating bodies provide a displacement of 84500 tons in total. In the design full-load state, the draught is 6.0 meters, which can provide a displacement of 68000 tons.

[0294] A set of rudder propeller is provided respectively in a bow portion and a stern portion of each pontoon 31, providing an excellent driving power and a directional control capability for the floating structure.

[0295] 3) Intermediate Connection Structure 2

[0296] The intermediate connection structures 2 mainly include a plurality of connection structures 21 in a first direction. The pontoons 31 and the upper structure 1 are connected therebetween with the connection structures 21 in the first direction. Each connection structure 21 in the first direction includes a vertical upright column and an inclined upright column, and the two further may constitute an overall truss support structure.

[0297] 3. Main Scales

TABLE-US-00002 total length 310 m length between two columns 310 m molded breadth 90 m molded depth 22.3 m summer load line draught (molded) 6 m structural draught (molded) 6 m displacement (during summer ~68000 t load line draught)

[0298] 4, Function

[0299] The structural form of the present floating structure is designed to be spatially distributed, can provide a relatively large internal storage space and upper deck area, and can realize a wide range of civil and special purposes:

[0300] 1) Providing ship berthing (below 10000-ton level), loading and unloading functions (hoisting, rolling, conveyor belt loading and unloading).

[0301] 2) Providing condition guaranty for island development and construction; types of ships that can berth include: official vessels, supply vessels, transport vessels, fishing boats, yachts and other supporting vessels.

[0302] 3) Providing material reserve, sorting, and transfer functions, wherein categories of goods may include: dry bulk cargos, containers, rolling goods, large structural parts, refrigerated goods, etc.

[0303] 4) Providing power supply, material supply, and transportation to moored islands (due to difficult construction of coral island reef pile foundation, floating landing stage form are considered) and other living condition supports.

[0304] 5) Providing replenishment function for offshore ships: fuel oil, fresh water, living materials, etc. can be replenished, extending a cruising and working cycle, and increasing cruising frequency and mobility.

[0305] 6) Functioning as a communication base station at sea, increasing coverage of communication signals, and providing communication convenience services for marine police cruising and right-protecting crew and operators in surrounding sea areas, and fishermen.

[0306] 7) Providing navigation safety and rescue support functions for operators at sea and islanders within a sea area surrounding the floating structure: medical center, emergency search and rescue (helicopter, fast ship) and rescue function are provided on the floating structure. [0307] 8) Providing condition guaranty for ship berthing and conditioning of maritime police on voyage (entertainment gym) and crew retention.

[0308] 9) Providing helicopter take-off and landing, communication, monitoring, radar, navigation, helicopter hangar (provided on the deck).

[0309] 5. Main Characteristics

[0310] Characteristics of this floating structure conforming to a preferred scope of the embodiment are as follows:

[0311] 1) 9 strip-shaped floating bodies are horizontally arranged for lower floating bodies of this floating structure, and a spacing between adjacent floating bodies is 5.5 meters. A total volume of respective floating bodies of this floating structure is 82400 cubic meters, greater than the displacement volume of 66340 cubic meters under full load. The upper structure of the floating structure is a box structure, and the intermediate connection structures include a truss structure composed of vertical upright columns, cross slant supports (inclined upright columns), transverse horizontal bars and horizontal supports. The three structural portions above are connected with each other to form an overall hyperstatic space structure.

[0312] 2) This floating structure has a length of 310 meters, therefore, it conforms to the characteristic that an outer contour dimension is greater than 150 meters in at least one direction in the preferred scope of the embodiment.

[0313] 3) A single floating body of this floating structure has a height of 7.5 meters and a breadth of 5.0 meters, and an applicable water area has a maximum wave height not lower than 23 meters, thus conforming to the characteristics that a maximum height dimension of a single floating body's section is smaller than of the maximum wave height dimension of the applicable water area, and the maximum breadth dimension is no larger than 2 times the maximum height dimension of the section in the preferred scope of the embodiment; a clear spacing between adjacent floating bodies is 5.5 meters, conforming to the characteristic that the clear spacing between adjacent floating bodies is greater than 0.5 times a sectional breadth dimension of one floating body of two adjacent floating bodies which has a larger breadth dimension in the preferred scope of the embodiment.

[0314] 4) A total volume of respective floating bodies of this floating structure is 82400 cubic meters, and the displacement volume is 66340 cubic meters under full load, conforming to the characteristic that a total volume of respective floating bodies is less than 2 times the equivalent water volume of the full weight when the floating structure is fully loaded in the preferred scope of the embodiment.

[0315] 5) This floating structure has a length of 310 m (L) and a breadth of 90 m (B), the center of gravity is 14.5 m (H) from the still water surface under light ship, having the characteristic that the length and breadth distribution of the floating structure in the horizontal direction is equal to or greater than 4 times the height from the center of gravity to the still water surface when the floating structure is in light ship in the preferred scope of the embodiment above.

[0316] 6) This floating structure is equipped with 18 full-revolving propellers 4, which can make the floating structure have self-propelled capability, and can control heading of the floating structure by adjusting an azimuth of the full-revolving propeller 5. This point conforms to the characteristic that the floating structure is mounted with a driving device and a direction control device in the preferred scope of the embodiment above.

[0317] 7) A single floating body of this floating structure has a volume of 9156 cubic meters, and the displacement volume of the full weight of the floating structure is 66340 cubic meters, therefore, inner spaces of 8 floating bodies are all filled with the light non-absorbent material 311, which has a displacement volume greater than the equivalent water volume of full weight of the floating structure, that is, conforming to the characteristic in the preferred scope of the embodiment above.

[0318] Regarding the above embodiments, the following illustration is made:

[0319] A. The floating structure provided in the present disclosure can have a considerable overall scale.

[0320] In the sea conditions of 4-5 level in which routine operations can be carried out, a wavelength length corresponding to the wave spectral peak period is less than about 100 meters, and the floating structure's swing amplitude is mainly related to a ratio of the wavelength to the total length of the floating structure. In order to maintain relatively good motion response of the floating structure in the longitudinal direction, a scale of the floating structure in the length direction is defined to be greater than 150 meters. Thus, the floating structure can have a large scale, and is stable in an operation environment.

[0321] Under extreme sea conditions, when the design wave height reaches 22 meters, and the wavelength is 621 meters, the floating structure of the present disclosure with the main scale reaching 600 meters still can be ensured to meet criteria of various specifications, and at the same time, satisfy the conditions of rigid body.

[0322] B. An embodiment of the total volume of the multiple floating bodies, the reserve buoyancy and the waterline position of the floating structure is exemplified.

[0323] As the sum of displacement volumes of various floating bodies is required to be greater than the displacement volume when the floating structure is in a full-load state, and meanwhile, a sectional scale of the floating bodies is limited, the lower floating bodies necessarily are distributed with a small total height, a large number, and a flat shape as a whole, and the waterplane area thereof will be much larger than that of conventional ships and floating platforms.

[0324] It is exemplified that a total volume of the multiple floating bodies is not more than 2 times the equivalent water volume of the full weight when the floating structure is fully loaded. Therefore, when the floating structure is fully loaded, the reserve buoyancy of the floating bodies is not more than one time the full weight. When the sections of the floating bodies are consistent, the waterline is within the height range of the floating bodies; if the reserve buoyancy is about 1 time the full weight of the floating structure, it is apparent that the waterline is at about of the floating bodies' height. Obviously, under the effect of variable loads, the draught of the floating structure changes much less than that of conventional ships; as the conventional ships are large waterplane structures, the floating structure of the present disclosure is a very large waterplane structure compared with the conventional ships.

[0325] C. The total volume of the floating bodies is dispersed on a plurality of floating bodies with a relatively small volume.

[0326] It is exemplified that the maximum height dimension of a single floating body's section is less than of the maximum wave height dimension of an applicable water area, and that the maximum breadth dimension is no more than 2 times the maximum height dimension of the section; it is exemplified that a clear spacing between adjacent floating bodies of the multiple floating body layer is greater than 0.5 times the sectional breadth dimension of one floating body of two adjacent floating bodies which has a larger breadth dimension. Typically, the maximum wave height is about 30 meters, therefore, the maximum height dimension of a single floating body's section is no more than about 15 meters, the maximum breadth dimension is no more than about 30 meters, and a clear spacing between adjacent floating bodies is greater than about 15 meters. A small sectional dimension of the floating body results in a relatively small volume of each floating body, therefore, the floating bodies should have a certain total length and number, such that they can have a certain total volume. Meanwhile, it is required that various floating bodies are arranged in a dispersed manner, and the spacing between the floating bodies functions to ensure smooth flowing of waves between the floating bodies, so as to release the kinetic energy of the waves. It is exemplified that when a main scale of a single floating body's section is much smaller than the main dimension of the maximum wave height (such as 0.5 times), at the maximum wave height, some of the waves will cross the floating bodies, some of the floating bodies will break away from the waves, and the wave load will no longer linearly increase with the increase of the wave height, that is, the response of the floating structure wave load to the wave height appears nonlinear, thus the wave load of the floating structure during large waves can be greatly reduced. In addition, the static waterline is designed at an upper half of the floating bodies, and when the wave height is relatively high, the wave will cross upper edges of the floating bodies, such that a buoyancy value that the floating bodies instantaneously lose is not equal to the gravity value, and the floating bodies must sink (dive) vertically to a certain extent so as to reach a new balanced state, and in the new balanced state, as the kinetic energy of the waves will decrease as the water depth increases, the wave load will be further decreased relative to an original state.

[0327] At the same time, the small floating bodies enable the whole floating structure to have a quite shallow draught. The dispersed floating bodies create conditions for fluid motion for the waves to cross the floating bodies, and at the same time, make the waterplane area to be distributed in a dispersed manner, which has very large righting force and righting moment, which can ensure that the structure has relatively good stability. When a plurality of small floating bodies are arranged in a dispersed manner and function in combination, an enough displacement volume and a very large waterplane area can be provided, therefore, under the same load condition, the draught changes little under no-load and full-load working conditions, therefore, it may have extremely high stability, and may not need to be configured with a large capacity ballast tank. The strip-shaped floating body refers to an elongated floating body structure, and its function on one hand is that it can naturally become a part of the force-receiving component of the overall structure of the floating structure, and on the other hand, it is advantageous to reduce the navigation resistance, and ensure that the heading stability can still be achieved with a relatively small wet surface aspect ratio.

[0328] D. The connection structures in the first direction in the intermediate connection structures are floating-body type connection structures.

[0329] It is exemplified that the connection structures in the first direction in the intermediate connection structures are floating-body type connection structures, which provide reserve buoyancy, and ensure continuity of upward distribution of the floating bodies, and the righting arm still has a positive value in the event of an unexpectedly large inclination (the strip-shaped floating bodies at one side all enter the water), ensuring that under extreme conditions, the floating structure still can have high enough stability safety redundancy, so as to maintain reliable anti-overturning capacity.

[0330] E. The distribution scale of the large floating structure in the horizontal direction is equal to or greater than 4 times the distance from the center of gravity to the still water surface when the floating structure is in light ship.

[0331] Referring to what is shown in FIG. 9 to FIG. 10, the length and breadth distribution of the large floating structure in the horizontal direction is equal to or greater than 4 times the distance from the center of gravity to the still water surface when the floating structure is in light ship. It is equivalent to the fact that the floating body's scale in the breadth direction is greater than 4 times the distance from the center of gravity to the still water surface when the floating structure is in light ship, such that the transverse section of the floating structure as a whole has an ultra-flat shape. As shown in FIG. 9, the hydrostatic waterline of the multi-floating body of the floating structure and two sides from two outermost points of the multi-floating body to the center of gravity form a stable triangle, where an angle of this triangle at most is 27 degrees. In rough storms, maximum wave steepness is 1/7, and a corresponding wave inclination is 16 degrees, and under the most unfavorable working conditions, the floating structure is transversely placed on the wave surface of the waves, but it still can ensure that the floating structure does not tip over under the effects of wind heeling moment and wave load.

[0332] When stranded in shoals at various angles, due to the restriction of the stable triangle, it can be ensured that the floating structure does not tip over. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the principle that the floating structure does not tip over when the floating structure is stranded on a shoal having a relatively large slope angle (for example, a slope angle of less than 20 degrees).

[0333] F. The floating structure has maneuverability and ability to adjust the heading.

[0334] It is exemplified that the floating structure is equipped with a driving device and a direction control device, specifically, a plurality of full-revolving propellers can be arranged in a bow portion and a stern portion of each floating body of the multi-floating body, and these propellers have a long distance from front to back and can rotate omnidirectionally, and can generate a huge yaw moment according to needs while generating an omnidirectional thrust.

[0335] Specifically, the floating structure further can be realized by providing thereon a sail, a direct-push propeller, a rudder and so on.

Third Embodiment

[0336] 1. Overview

[0337] FIG. 13, FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 show application of a very large offshore floating structure, wherein this floating structure is designed to be suitable for offshore navigation, and the large offshore floating structure is propelled by 18 full-revolving propellers 4, can be loaded with large objects, helicopters, containers, etc, on an outdoor upper deck or other decks, and also can provide oil reserves, refrigerated cargo reserves, personnel living facilities, etc.

[0338] 2. Structural Form

[0339] An overall structure of this floating structure is designed with three distinct portions (see FIG. 6, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8), that is, an upper structure 1, multiple lower floating bodies 3, and an intermediate connection structure 2 connecting the upper structure 1 and the multiple lower floating bodies 3,

[0340] 1) Upper Structure 1

[0341] The upper structure 1 of this floating structure is designed as a box structure in a structure with two layers of decks (from a deck A to a deck B), forming strength decks of this floating structure. The upper structure 1 has a length of 310 meters and a breadth of 90 meters, and can provide a flat complete upper deck with an area of 27900 square meters, for the storage site of large cargo and large container, helicopter parking, recreational sports venues (golf, etc.) and temporary cargo stacking and so on.

[0342] In the upper structure 1, there are mainly arranged: an oil separator compartment, a carbon dioxide compartment, a cabin local water-based fire equipment room, auxiliary equipment, a cooling water compartment, a daily fresh water compartment, a drinking water compartment, a windlass and hydraulic engine compartment, a sewage treatment equipment room, a sewage compartment, a rainwater purification equipment room, a desalination equipment room, a sewage treatment equipment room, a compressor compartment, a hydraulic pump room, etc.

[0343] 2) Multiple Lower Floating Bodies 3

[0344] This floating structure is provided with 9 pontoons 31 of the same shape and streamlined contour that are independent from each other and longitudinally arranged, providing buoyancy for the whole floating structure. Each pontoon 31 of the multiple lower floating bodies 3 is designed with the same drop-shaped cross section, each pontoon 31 has a length of 310 meters, a height of 7.5 meters, and a maximum breadth of 5 meters. A spacing between the floating bodies is 5.5 meters. The 9 floating bodies provide a displacement of 84500 tons in total. In the design full-load state, the draught is 6.0 meters, which can provide a displacement of 68000 tons.

[0345] A set of rudder propeller is provided respectively in a bow portion and a stern portion of each pontoon 31, providing an excellent driving power and a directional control capability for the floating structure.

[0346] 3) Intermediate Connection Structure 2

[0347] The intermediate connection structures 2 mainly include connection structures 21 in a first direction, and connection structures 22 in a second direction. The pontoons 31 and the upper structure 1 are connected therebetween with the connection structures 21 in the first direction, and the 9 pontoons 31 are connected by the connection structures 22 in the second direction. Each connection structure 21 in the first direction includes a vertical upright column and an inclined upright column, and the two further may constitute an overall truss support structure. The connection structures 22 in the second direction may be transverse trusses, can be arranged in a transverse section of the vertical upright column, and composed of cross slant supports, for connecting the nine pontoons 31.

[0348] 3. Main Scales

TABLE-US-00003 total length 310 m length between two columns 310 m molded breadth 90 m molded depth 22.3 m summer load line draught (molded) 6 m structural draught (molded) 6 m displacement (during summer ~68000 t load line draught)

[0349] 4. Function

[0350] The structural form of the present floating structure is designed to be spatially distributed, can provide a relatively large internal storage space and upper deck area, and can realize a wide range of civil and special purposes:

[0351] 1) Providing ship berthing (below 10000-ton level), loading and unloading functions (hoisting, rolling, conveyor belt loading and unloading).

[0352] 2) Providing condition guaranty for island development and construction; types of ships that can berth include: official vessels, supply vessels, transport vessels, fishing boats, yachts and other supporting vessels.

[0353] 3) Providing material reserve, sorting, and transfer functions, wherein categories of goods may include: dry bulk cargos, containers, rolling goods, large structural parts, refrigerated goods, etc.

[0354] 4) Providing power supply, material supply, and transportation to moored islands (due to difficult construction of coral island reef pile foundation, floating landing stage form are considered) and other living condition supports.

[0355] 5) Providing replenishment function for offshore ships: fuel oil, fresh water, living materials, etc. can be replenished, extending a cruising and working cycle, and increasing cruising frequency and mobility.

[0356] 6) Functioning as a communication base station at sea, increasing coverage of communication signals, and providing communication convenience services for marine police cruising and right-protecting crew and operators in surrounding sea areas, and fishermen.

[0357] 7) Providing navigation safety and rescue support functions for operators at sea and islanders within a sea area surrounding the floating structure: medical center, emergency search and rescue (helicopter, fast ship) and rescue function are provided on the floating structure.

[0358] 8) Providing condition guaranty for ship berthing and conditioning of maritime police on voyage (entertainment gym) and crew retention.

[0359] 9) Providing helicopter take-off and landing, communication, monitoring, radar, navigation, helicopter hangar (provided on the deck).

[0360] 5. Main Characteristics

[0361] Characteristics of this floating structure conforming to a preferred scope of the embodiment are as follows:

[0362] 1) 9 strip-shaped floating bodies are horizontally arranged for lower floating bodies of this floating structure, and a spacing between adjacent floating bodies is 5.5 meters. A total volume of respective floating bodies of this floating structure is 82400 cubic meters, greater than the displacement volume of 66340 cubic meters under full load. The upper structure of the floating structure is a box structure, and the intermediate connection structures include a truss structure composed of vertical upright columns, cross slant supports (inclined upright columns), transverse horizontal bars and horizontal supports. The three structural portions above are connected with each other to form an overall hyperstatic space structure.

[0363] 2) This floating structure has a length of 310 meters, therefore, it conforms to the characteristic that an outer contour dimension is greater than 150 meters in at least one direction in the preferred scope of the embodiment.

[0364] 3) A single floating body of this floating structure has a height of 7.5 meters and a breadth of 5.0 meters, and an applicable water area has a maximum wave height not lower than 23 meters, thus conforming to the characteristics that a maximum height dimension of a single floating body's section is smaller than of the maximum wave height dimension of the applicable water area, and a maximum breadth dimension is no larger than 2 times the maximum height dimension of the section in the preferred scope of the embodiment; a clear spacing between adjacent floating bodies is 5.5 meters, conforming to the characteristic that the clear spacing between adjacent floating bodies is greater than 0.5 times the sectional breadth dimension of one floating body of two adjacent floating bodies which has a larger breadth dimension in the preferred scope of the embodiment.

[0365] 4) A total volume of respective floating bodies of this floating structure is 82400 cubic meters, and the displacement volume is 66340 cubic meters under full load, conforming to the characteristic that a total volume of respective floating bodies is less than 2 times the equivalent water volume of the full weight when the floating structure is fully loaded in the preferred scope of the embodiment.

[0366] 5) This floating structure has a length of 310 m (L) and a breadth of 90 m (B), the center of gravity is 14.5 m (H) from the still water surface under light ship, having the characteristic that the length and breadth distribution of the floating structure in the horizontal direction is equal to or greater than 4 times the height from the center of gravity to the still water surface when the floating structure is in light ship in the preferred scope of the embodiment above.

[0367] 6) This floating structure is equipped with 18 full-revolving propellers 4, which can make the floating structure have self-propelled capability, and can control heading of the floating structure by adjusting an azimuth of the full-revolving propeller 5. This point conforms to the characteristic that the floating structure is mounted with a driving device and a direction control device in the preferred scope of the embodiment above.

[0368] 7) A single floating body of this floating structure has a volume of 9156 cubic meters, and the displacement volume of the full weight of the floating structure is 66340 cubic meters, therefore, inner spaces of 8 floating bodies are all filled with the light non-absorbent material 311, which has a displacement volume greater than the equivalent water volume of full weight of the floating structure, that is, conforming to the characteristic in the preferred scope of the embodiment above.

[0369] The floating structure is a unitary structure at least composed of 5 floating bodies, 25 upright columns and one spatially continuous upper box structure. Referring to what is shown in FIG. 16 to FIG. 18, according to the knowledge of structural mechanics, 2 lower floating bodies, 4 upright columns and corresponding part of the upper box structure (which can be analogized to a semi-submersible platform) can form an airtight hyperstatic spatial structural unit, therefore, the floating structure of the present disclosure is, in any direction, a continuous combination of at least four hyperstatic spatial structural units, and viewed on the whole, the floating structure of the present disclosure is a combined structure at least composed of 16 hyperstatic spatial structural units, therefore, the structure as a whole has quite great redundancy in terms of anti-disintegration.

[0370] From the structural composition analysis of the floating structure, it can be found that the lower floating body structures and the intermediate connection structures thereof are both in a large number and arranged in a dispersed manner. When the structure is stressed, each built-up member works synthetically in a relatively balanced manner. In the event of encountering the most unfavorable sea conditions that are foreseeable and occurring the most unfavorable accidents, such as collisions, rock striking, stranding, abnormal displacement of goods, etc. that are recorded, even if some members of a certain or even several hyperstatic spatial structural units are damaged and out of service, the remaining structure is still a combined structure composed of the hyperstatic spatial structural units, and still can work normally.

[0371] In the design of the present disclosure, upon reasonable analysis by retrieving statistical data of various sea conditions and accidents, extreme loads of bad sea conditions and destructive extremums of various recorded accident forms are predicted, and as the recorded samples of the modern shipwreck accidents are enough and typical, it is credible to analyze the accident contour profile and extremum according to these accidents, and it also can be achieved by technicians in the industry. Thus, it can provide a basis for the design of the overall structure of the platform, so as to ensure that the floating structure of the present disclosure will not suffer from continuous destruction of a plurality of local units under extreme conditions, further ensuring that the floating structure of the present disclosure has definite safety performance of integrity of the whole structure under the above conditions.

[0372] For the ships and the ocean platforms in the conventional technology, key components, important components, secondary members and the like are classified according to importance of the members and different stressed states. However, various stressed members of the present disclosure are of substantially equivalent importance, and can support each other, without the risk of successive failures and overall collapse of relevant structures due to failure of soft spot components.

[0373] Distinguished from the semi-submersible platform, damage to any floating body or upright column of the semi-submersible platform will cause water to enter the floating cabin, and lead to stress deterioration of the whole structure, and if not handled timely, it may lead to catastrophic consequences of heeling, breaking or even overturning and sinking.

Detailed Description of Basic Module

[0374] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a basic module of a very large floating structure. Specifically, more than two basic modules can be connected with each other at sea, so as to form the very large floating structure (VLFS), which may function as a floating comprehensive support base, for various ships to directly dock, where a deck surface can be equipped with a large loading and unloading machine to provide loading, unloading, transshipment and storage functions. A basic contour profile of the basic module of the very large floating structure can be selected to be an ultra-flat space structure, mainly including lower floating body structures, an upper structure and intermediate connection structures.

[0375] Referring to what is shown in FIG. 19 to FIG. 21, the basic module of the very large floating structure in an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an upper structure 1, intermediate connection structures 2 and multiple lower floating body structures 3. Both length and breadth of the basic module of the very large floating structure in a horizontal direction can reach to be equal to or greater than 4 times a height (H) from a center of gravity to a still water surface when the basic module of the very large floating structure is in light ship, and it as the whole has an ultra-flat shape contour.

[0376] For example, the basic module is a unitary structure at least composed of 5 floating bodies, 25 upright columns (more are shown in the figures) and one spatially continuous upper box structure. According to the knowledge of structural mechanics, 2 lower floating bodies, 4 upright columns and corresponding part of the upper box structure (which can be analogized to a semi-submersible platform) can form an airtight hyperstatic spatial structural unit, therefore, the basic module of the present disclosure is, in any direction, a continuous combination of at least four hyperstatic spatial structural units, and viewed on the whole, the basic module of the present disclosure is a combined structure at least composed of 16 hyperstatic spatial structural units, therefore, the structure as a whole has quite great redundancy in terms of anti-disintegration.

[0377] From the structural composition analysis of the basic module, it can be found that the lower floating body structures and the intermediate connection structures thereof are both in a large number and arranged in a dispersed manner. When the structure is stressed, each built-up member works synthetically in a relatively balanced manner. In the event of encountering the most unfavorable sea conditions that are foreseeable and occurring the most unfavorable accidents, such as collisions, rock striking, stranding, abnormal displacement of goods, etc. that are recorded, even if some members of a certain or even several hyperstatic spatial structural units are damaged and out of service, the remaining structure is still a combined structure composed of the hyperstatic spatial structural units, and still can work normally.

[0378] In the design of the present disclosure, upon reasonable analysis by retrieving statistical data of various sea conditions and accidents, extreme loads of bad sea conditions and destructive extremums of various recorded accident forms are predicted, and as the recorded samples of the modern shipwreck accidents are enough and typical, it is credible to analyze the accident contour profile and extremum according to these accidents, and it also can be achieved by technicians in the industry. Thus, it can provide a basis for the design of the overall structure of the platform, so as to ensure that the basic module of the present disclosure will not suffer from continuous destruction of a plurality of local units under extreme conditions, further ensuring that the basic module of the present disclosure has definite safety performance of integrity of the whole structure under the above conditions.

[0379] For the ships and the ocean platforms in the conventional technology, key components, important components, secondary members and the like are classified according to importance of the members and different stressed states. However, various stressed members of the present disclosure are of substantially equivalent importance, and can support each other, without the risk of successive failures and overall collapse of relevant structures due to failure of soft spot components.

[0380] Distinguished from the semi-submersible platform, damage to any floating body or upright column of the semi-submersible platform will cause water to enter the floating cabin, and lead to stress deterioration of the whole structure, and if not handled timely, it may lead to catastrophic consequences of heeling, breaking or even overturning and sinking.

[0381] Referring to what is shown in FIG. 19 to FIG. 20, an upper surface and a lower surface of the upper structure 1 are upper and lower decks, and an intermediate deck also can be added. The upper and lower decks participate in the stress of the overall structure. In an embodiment, the upper structure 1 may be a rigid structure realized by a frame structure, and a plurality of compartments can be selectively formed in the upper structure 1.

[0382] The frame structure refers to a structure in which beams and columns are connected to constitute a load-bearing system, that is, the beams and columns forming the frame jointly resist a horizontal load and a vertical load that appear during use.

[0383] Referring to what is shown in FIG. 19 to FIG. 20, in an exemplary embodiment, in a height direction, a single layer distribution or a multilayer distribution of at least two layers can be designed inside the upper structure 1. A plurality of compartments can be arranged in each layer, and the compartments may be arranged in a manner according to functional requirements. In the above, main structural supports of each compartment may be at least three upright columns in a vertical direction and horizontal connecting beams in a top portion, and the connecting beams can connect the upright columns respectively in the top portion or a bottom portion. Transverse beams and the upright columns can be connected with connectors, such as branched sleeve joints. The various components can be welded, riveted, bolted or quickly clamped. In this way, a main stable structural support is composed of the transverse beams and the upright columns. Of course, a pole-type bracing or a truss-type support structure also can be added between the transverse beams and the upright columns, such that an overall structure of the upper structure 1 meets the requirements of structural safety level.

[0384] Further, a rigid support structure is composed of the transverse beams and the upright columns or other pole-type support structures inside the upper structure, for example, referring to room configuration manners of a building, individual functional compartments are formed by closing them with panels. As a wall panel is a non-bearing structure, lightweight panels can be chosen, for example, aluminum honeycomb panels, composite rock-wool panels, and light steel keel composite walls, but panels with flame retardant effect are preferred. Steel plates or other bearing plates can be chosen for the top plate and the floor.

[0385] It should be understood that the beam-column structure of the upper structure 1 may be in any beam-column structural form meeting the requirements of structural safety level. For example, a plurality of vertical or horizontal truss type support structures may be utilized to constitute the upper structure 1, and meanwhile, a plurality of functional compartments are separated.

[0386] When the upper structure is realized in the manner of the frame structural formed by the space beams and columns, structural design freedom (or flexibility) of the upper structure 1 will be greatly increased compared with designs of conventional ships and floating body structures, and design and arrangement of the upper functional compartments can be changed flexibly. The modifiable space of the upper structure 1 will be greatly increased, the main bearing structures are beams, columns and other supports (possibly none), and remaining members (split parts between operation compartments, upper and lower plates of the operation compartments, etc.) can be designed as non-main bearing structures, and only bear local functional loads but do not participate in the overall structural stress of the basic module. Due to the above characteristics, all the non-main bearing structures of the basic module can be arbitrarily changed under the premise of satisfying the local functional load without affecting the overall structural stress; non-metallic materials also can be considered for the non-main bearing structures so as to greatly reduce the cost of corrosion protection; it also can be considered to connect the non-main bearing structures to the main bearing structures by means of assembling (non-welding).

[0387] In another embodiment, the upper structure 1 also may be a rigid structural layer composed of a box structure, the main bearing structure is a space slab-beam structure, and members such as transverse bulkheads and longitudinal girders in the compartment, and upper and lower decks forming the compartment generally act as stressed structural members to participate in calculation of a total longitudinal strength.

[0388] The box structure referred to herein is a space box structure composed of a plurality of mutually constrained plates, and each plate is subjected to a local load, and is subjected to an undetermined distribution bending moment at four sides.

[0389] For example, the upper structure 1 may be a space box structure composed of a deck, a surrounding wall and several longitudinal and lateral bulkheads. There may be several layers of decks, for example, a main deck, an intermediate deck, and a lower deck. A main body of the upper structure 1 can be designed to have reserve buoyancy, that is, the main body of the upper structure 1 is watertight or has certain watertightness. The main body of the upper structure 1 may be an integral box structure, or may be a combination of several vertical and horizontal box structures, such as a (a Chinese character) shape, a (a Chinese character) shape, and a shape.

[0390] For example, the structure of the upper structure 1 may be selected to have a vertical and horizontal hybrid skeleton form, main beams in each region have different directions, and at the same time, strong frames with different distances are arranged perpendicular to a length direction of the main beams, all main side wall skeletons are horizontally arranged, and all inner walls use vertical stiffener. As the frame structure is a common structural form of existing ships or offshore basic module compartments, it is not redundantly described herein.

[0391] It should be understood that the upper structure 1 also may be selected to be formed by combining both the box structure and the frame structure. For example, longitudinal or horizontal slab beams are added to the frame structure, so as to further improve the structural strength. Of course, various upright columns and transverse beams also can be added, for strengthening, to the structure dominated by the box structure. For another example, the middle of the upper structure 1 adopts a frame structure, while an outer periphery and/or a bottom layer adopts a box structure.

[0392] The upper structure 1 of the embodiment of the present disclosure is entirely above the maximum wave height of the water area where it is used, and the plurality of compartments formed in the upper structure 1 may be selected as sealable compartments. In the case of a compartment structure with multiple layers and zones, at least compartments below the middle are normally hermetic, and existing cabin structures can be referred to. Thus, if encountering extreme situations, the upper structure 1 still can remain self-floating when the multiple lower floating bodies 3 fail.

[0393] Referring to what is shown in FIG. 19 to FIG. 20, in an embodiment, the intermediate connection structures 2 include connection structures 21 in a first direction intersecting a horizontal plane, the connection structures 21 in the first direction include a plurality of spaced-apart floating bodies that can be regarded as upward extension of the multi-floating body. This part of floating bodies belong to special function floating bodies. Under extreme conditions, when the basic module as a whole heels at an extremely large angle, the plurality of spaced-apart floating bodies included in the connection structures 21 in the first direction are immersed in water, and can provide buoyancy. As the righting arm is quite long, a relatively large righting moment is produced on the whole, which can enable the basic module as a whole to have more reliable stability.

[0394] It should be indicated that when the basic module is inclined greatly, the intermediate connection structure intersecting the horizontal plane enters water, which can provide a safe righting force. For example, according to current design calculation and experimental data, when a sum of cross-section areas of the intermediate connection structures intersecting the horizontal plane is greater than 5% of the waterplane area of the multiple lower floating bodies 3 at the hydrostatic waterline, and a distance from an outermost intermediate connection structure intersecting the horizontal plane to the basic module's center of gravity is greater than 2 times the distance from the basic module's center of gravity to a water surface, the total righting moment of the basic module can be greater than the maximum overturning moment received by the basic module under the combined action of possible wind, waves and the like, and the basic module can be enabled to have the safety against overturning. Regarding the small waterplane characteristic, when the intermediate connection structure according to the present disclosure uses the upright column structure, it is similar to the conventional semi-submersible platform in the aspect of structural appearance, while the difference is that this part of upright column structure is only temporarily submerged into the water when the basic module is heeled greatly or large waves cross the lower floating body structures, but there is no such working condition that the platform as a whole sinks in the vertical direction to make the upright column structure sink in the water continuously.

[0395] For example, the basic module of the embodiment of the present disclosure may be selected to be merely provided with the connection structures 21 in the first direction, and a large-area barrier-free water surface operation space can be formed between the floating bodies.

[0396] For the intermediate connection structure 2 with small waterplane characteristic in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of floating bodies of the connection structures 21 in the first direction may be a plurality of floating-body type connection structures intersecting at the water surface, and breadth of sections of these floating-body type connection structures in the horizontal plane is smaller than waterplane breadth of connected pontoons 31. The breadth refers to a dimension perpendicular to a length direction of the strip-shaped pontoons 31. The plurality of floating bodies of the connection structures 21 in the first direction may be columnar structures, or a flat-plate type hollowed connection structures extending upward and downward; but in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of floating bodies of the connection structures 21 in the first direction are spaced apart from each other for wave crossing, reducing an external load received by the platform as a whole, so as to ensure safety. The plurality of floating-body type connection structures referred to in this paragraph should be understood as meaning that each single pontoon 31 is correspondingly connected with more than five floating-body type connection structures that are spaced apart from each other.

[0397] The connection structure 21 in the first direction may include a plurality of vertical upright columns, and the upright columns are in a hollowed airtight structure. The upright columns can be divided, in terms of appearance, into round upright columns and square upright columns, equal-section upright columns and variable-section upright columns. The upright columns mostly may be equal-section, round upright columns, and a few may be square upright columns. In the current analysis, the embodiment of the floating-body type connection upright columns have the advantage of bearing a small external load, and have better supporting strength. As the multiple lower floating bodies 3 include a plurality of strip-shaped pontoons 31 arranged in a dispersed manner, the plurality of upright column-type floating bodies of the connection structures 21 in the first direction can be distributed on a plurality of rows, and various upright columns on each row are spaced apart by a certain distance, and an arrangement manner of the upright columns depends on an arrangement manner of individual pontoons 31 in the multiple lower floating bodies 3, and in principle, a plurality of upright columns are connected at intervals on each pontoon 31. A lead angle connection portion can be provided on a front side and a rear side of a joint of the upright column with the upper structure and the multiple lower floating bodies 3, and the lead angle connection portion is a hollowed structure. A standard box-type node structure can also be used at a joint of the upright column with the upper structure and the multiple lower floating bodies 3. Moreover, transport equipment such as elevators or stairs can also be installed inside the upright columns 21 so as to transport personnel or materials to the upper structure.

[0398] FIG. 22 shows data of overturning test of the basic module when the connection structures 21 in the first direction provide no buoyancy, wherein after a heeling angle exceeds 10 degrees, the righting arm of the basic module will drop rapidly from a positive value, and after the heeling angle exceeds 45 degrees, the righting arm will have a negative value, which instead accelerates overturning of the basic module. In the above, signs are explained as follows:

TABLE-US-00004 sign meaning unit V3, V4 water entry GZ righting arm m EPHI area enclosed by a righting arm curve and a m.sup.2 heeling angle coordinate axis MOM wind heeling arm when a wind speed is 100 kn m FREEBOARD freeboard

[0399] Referring to what is shown in FIG. 23, an overall sectional area of the floating-body type connection structure in the embodiment of the present disclosure is about 10% to 30% of the hydrostatic waterline area of the multiple lower floating bodies 3, which can ensure continuity of upward distribution of the floating bodies, and the righting arm still has a positive value when the maximum inclination appears (the strip-shaped floating bodies at one side all enter the water), ensuring that the basic module still can maintain relatively good anti-overturning property under extreme conditions.

[0400] As shown in FIG. 19 to FIG. 21, in an embodiment of the multiple lower floating bodies 3, the multiple lower floating bodies 3 include a plurality of strip-shaped pontoons 31, and further, it may include at least five or more strip-shaped pontoons 31, and these strip-shaped pontoons 31 can be arranged in parallel at an interval of a certain distance. The overall requirement is that a sum of the displacement volumes of various floating bodies is greater than the displacement volume when the basic module is in a full-load state, so as to ensure that the waterline is always located within a height range of the multiple lower floating bodies 3 no matter the basic module is in a no-load state or in a full-load state. In this way, a relatively higher loading capacity is provided to a very large waterplane basic module that is insensitive to load changes. In the embodiment as shown in FIG. 19 to FIG. 21, a plurality of strip-shaped pontoons 31 are all arranged longitudinally along a longitudinal direction of the basic module, and arranged in parallel at an interval of a certain distance. Of course, the multiple lower floating bodies 3 may be in forms of various different shapes by combining a plurality of pontoons 31, or multiple lower floating bodies 3 also may be formed by floating bodies of different shapes intersecting vertically and horizontally, as long as respective pontoons 31 are left with appropriate intervals to eliminate wave effect.

[0401] Each pontoon 31 may be mainly composed of a plurality of vertical and horizontal reinforcing structures and a casing grillage to form a watertight housing. The structure needs to ensure watertightness and strength. The maximum height dimension of the section of a single pontoon 31 may be selected to be less than of the maximum wave height dimension of an applicable water area, and the maximum breadth dimension may be selected to be no more than 2 times the maximum height dimension of the section; a clear spacing between various adjacent pontoons 31 of the multiple lower floating bodies 3 may be selected to be greater than 0.5 times the breadth dimension of the section of the pontoon 31 with a larger breadth dimension in two adjacent floating bodies.

[0402] Further, a sum of the displacement volumes of various pontoons 31 is selected to be equal to or less than 2 times the equivalent water volume of the full weight when the basic module is fully loaded, such that the static waterline of the basic module is substantially located in an upper half of each pontoon 31. One option is that the displacement volume corresponding to the variable load of the basic module is less than or equal to of the total volume of various pontoons 31. Within this range, as many floating bodies as possible can be tiled to increase the load of the basic module.

[0403] In the specific embodiment as shown in the figures, the multiple lower floating bodies 3 may include a plurality of strip-shaped pontoons 31 located in the same plane (although in the figures, the floating bodies of the same dimension are in the same plane, it also may be the case that the floating bodies are of different dimensions, and they are not necessarily located in the same plane), Various pontoons 31 are substantially the same in diameter and length, and various pontoons 31 are spaced apart by a certain distance. Herein, various pontoons 31 are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction along the longitudinal direction of the basic module, herein the number of the pontoons 31 is 11, with one in the middle, and 5 symmetrically arranged on each of two sides. The pontoon 31 may have a section in a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a square shape or other geometrical shapes. Of course, various pontoons 31 may also be of different sizes, for example, the pontoons 31 of different outer contour dimensions are used in combination.

[0404] Several outermost pontoons 31 of the multi-floating body are preferably filled therein with a light non-absorbent material 311, for example, polystyrene foam, and in the specific embodiment as shown in the figures, four pontoons 31 are filled respectively on the left and right sides, eight pontoons 31 are filled in total, and total buoyancy provided by the eight pontoons 31 is about 1.2 times the displacement equivalent to the dead weight of the whole basic module, such that the eight filled pontoons 31 still will not lose buoyancy when housings of the floating bodies are damaged caused by collision or stranding of the basic module, thus the structure of the basic module will not overturn or sink due to loss of buoyancy of the floating bodies, possessing a great practical value.

[0405] It should be understood that the pontoons 31 may not be limited to a strip shape. In another embodiment, the multiple lower floating bodies 3 include a plurality of independent floating bodies arranged in a spatially dispersed manner, and the shape of the floating bodies may be spheroid, ellipsoid and various forms that can be considered to apply to the basic module.

[0406] It should be understood that in another embodiment, the multiple lower floating bodies 3 may be a combination or union of floating bodies of many forms. For example, on the basis of the multiple lower floating bodies 3 composed of strip-shaped pontoons, a plurality of independent floating bodies arranged in a spatially dispersed manner are further included, and the shape of the floating bodies may be spheroid, ellipsoid and various forms that can be considered to apply to the basic module.

[0407] In addition, each floating body of the connection structure 21 in the first direction can also be filled with a light non-absorbent material, so as to ensure that water does not enter when it is damaged, and a righting moment still can be provided. The floating bodies may be all filled with a light non-absorbent material, or it is also feasible to merely fill the floating-body type connection structures on the outer peripheral side with the light non-absorbent material corresponding to the circumstance of the pontoons 31, thus the safety of the basic module can be greatly improved.

[0408] In the large basic module of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the small-waterplane connection structures 21 in the first direction cooperate with the multiple lower floating bodies 3, forming a variable waterplane floating body structure with respect to the waves, thus effectively reducing the wave load.

[0409] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the basic module is equipped with a driving device and a direction control device. Specifically, a plurality of propellers 4 can be arranged on each pontoon 31, and these propellers 4 may be full-revolving propellers. When it is necessary to avoid extreme sea conditions, the basic module can steer and navigate fast, and a navigational speed can reach 10 knots; the combined effect of the plurality of full-revolving propellers 4 can realize a dynamic positioning function.

[0410] The basic module provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the upper structure 1 that is rigid as a whole, the intermediate connection structures 2 and the multiple lower floating bodies 3, and it generally can be analogized to an I-shaped section. The upper structure can be equivalent to an upper flange of the I-shaped section; the multiple lower floating bodies 3 are equivalent to a lower flange of the I-shaped section, and the intermediate connection structure 2 is equivalent to a web of the I-shaped section. Through reasonable structural design, for example, the sectional area of the multiple lower floating bodies 3 and the sectional area of the upper structure 1 have roughly equivalent contribution to the cross-section moment of inertia of a neutral axis of the basic module, the moment of inertia of the section itself of the multiple lower floating bodies 3 and the moment of inertia of the section itself of the upper structure 1 are roughly equivalent, and the neutral axis of the present basic module structure can be designed in a middle position of the basic module structure, such that the upper structure 1 and the multiple lower floating bodies 3 (steel) both can function with the maximum efficiency, and obtain the maximum strength (including resisting combined effects such as tension, compression, bending, shearing, and torsion) with the smallest amount of steel used, greatly improving the utilization ratio of structural materials (steel).

[0411] The scale of a single basic module in a length direction is more than 400 meters, and upon scientific and reasonable design, its scale can reach about 600-800 meters, the basic module itself is a large floating structure, and a very large floating structure (VLFS) of the kilometer level can be realized just by splicing two basic modules once.

[0412] Referring to what is shown in FIG. 19 to FIG. 20, in an exemplary embodiment, a bow portion, a stern portion and/or a broadside of each basic module are selected to be provided with more than two cable traction devices 11 for connection. As shown in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, it is selected to provide two cable traction devices 11 respectively at end faces of the bow portion and the stern portion of the upper structure 1. For example, the cable traction device 11 mainly includes components such as a hoist, a locking device, and a cable 13. It is selected to provide one cable traction device 11 respectively in lower portions of the connection structures 21 in the first direction of the bow portion and the stern portion, so as to form a cable traction system with a triangular layout on the end faces of the bow portion and the stern portion of the basic module. It should be understood that a variety of other combinations also may be selected for the layout manner of the cable traction system. As shown in FIG. 20, a transverse cable traction system also can be formed at the broadside with reference to the above manner.

[0413] Referring to what is shown in FIG. 19 to FIG. 20, in an exemplary embodiment, the bow portion, the stern portion and/or the broadside of the basic module are provided with connection devices 12 for connection and separation between the modules. Magnetic connection devices or mechanical connection devices, or a combination of the two may be selected as the connection devices 12. The connection devices 12 are selected to be provided on the bow portion, the stern portion and/or the broadside of the upper structure 1 or the lower floating body structures 3, or a combination of the two, then rigid connection between the basic modules can be realized. It should be understood that the number and location of the connection devices 12 further may have a variety of options, and articulated connection can be realized as desired.

[0414] Referring to what is shown in FIG. 31 to FIG. 32, in the process of connecting the basic modules, first, the cable traction devices 11 of the two basic modules are connected by the cables 13; next, the full-revolving propelling devices 4 of the two basic modules propel along opposite directions, then the cables 13 begin to tension, restricting the two basic modules from getting away from each other; subsequently, the hoist is started, and the cables 13 continue to be tightened so that a tightening force T is greater than a reverse propulsive force F, and the two basic modules get close to each other until various connection devices 12 on the two basic modules are butted against each other, and the respective connection devices 12 are locked to each other.

[0415] In the connection process, the full-revolving propelling devices 4 of the two basic modules are required to always propel along opposite directions, so that the cables are always maintained in tension, and by controlling the tightening force T of the cable traction device 11 and the reverse propulsive force F of the propellers 4, it is realized that the two basic modules get close to each other under controlled conditions, and positioning and guiding between the basic modules can be realized, such that a contact load between the basic modules with huge mass is minimized, preventing the contact load from causing damage to the module structure.

[0416] As shown in FIG. 24 to FIG. 26, in another embodiment of the present disclosure, it is distinguished from the above embodiment in that the intermediate connection structures 2 further have connection structures 22 in a second direction, and the connection structures 22 in the second direction are beam structures horizontally provided, which may be formed by welding steel plates, and a shifting board or a reinforced ribbed plate may be disposed inside. For further example, in an embodiment as shown in FIG. 19 to FIG. 21, a plurality of connection structures 22 in the second direction may be connected between adjacent pontoons 31, and a plurality of connection structures 22 in the second direction may be arranged at intervals along a longitudinal direction of the pontoons 31. A connection rod perpendicular to an extending direction of the pontoons 31 may be included, and a connection rod that intersects the extending direction of the pontoons 31 also may be included. The connection structures 22 in the second direction may be connection rods in a hollowed airtight structure, and a sectional shape of the connection rods may be a waterdrop shape, a wing shape or other streamline shape, and the sectional shape of the connection rods may be parallel to the horizontal plane so as to reduce resistance during navigation. The connection rods may be integrally connected above each of the pontoons 31, and can be fixedly connected by means of welding, riveting or screwing. Of course, they also can integrally penetrate each pontoon 31 and be connected to structural beams in each pontoon 31. The connection rods may also be replaced by connection structures such as connection wings. The connection rods not only can be connected perpendicular to each pontoon 31, but also can be connected thereto in a manner of being inclined to the pontoons 31, in this way, structural stability of the multiple lower floating bodies 3 can be improved by the connection structures 22 in the second direction.

[0417] Referring to FIG. 19 to FIG. 21, a specific application example provided in the present disclosure is as follows:

[0418] As exemplified in the figures, a statistical value of the maximum wave height that may occur in the sea area where the basic module is used is about 22 meters. The upper structure of the basic module is designed as a box structure with three layers of decks, forming a strength deck of this basic module. For example, as shown in the figures, the upper structure may have a length of 600 meters, a breadth of 151 meters, and a height of 13 meters. An upper surface complete deck of 90600 square meters and an upper cabin of 271800 square meters can be provided.

[0419] The multiple lower floating bodies 3 of the basic module are selected to be provided with 11 pontoons 31 (or called as strip-shaped floating bodies) of the same shape that are independent from each other and longitudinally arranged, providing buoyancy for the whole basic module. For example, as shown in the figures, the cross section of each pontoon 31 of the multiple lower floating bodies 3 can be designed with the same rounded rectangular shape, each pontoon 31 may have a length of 600 meters, a height of 11.5 meters, and a maximum breadth of 8.8 meters, and a spacing between the pontoons 31 may be 6 meters. An outer edge distribution breadth of 11 pontoons 31 may be 151 meters, and the multi-floating body provides a displacement volume of about 667000 cubic meters in total. A sum of the waterline areas of the multi-floating body may be 57800 square meters. A maximum displacement of the basic module is about 410000 tons, in which the dead weight is about 190000 tons, and a design load capacity is about 200000 tons. In the design full-load state, the draught is about 7.3 meters, and the draught is about 4.8 meters under light ship. The draught change is about 2.5 meters between light ship and full load. Under light ship, the height H from the basic module's center of gravity G to the still water surface is about 25 meters. The distribution dimension of the multi-floating body of this basic module in the breadth direction is equal to 6.04 times the height from the basic module's center of gravity to the still water surface under light ship.

[0420] When the design wave (which is modified sine wave) height is 22 meters and the wavelength is 621 meters, a predicted value of a maximum total longitudinal bending moment of the floating bodies is about 9.76E10NM. A maximum structural stress of a midship is about 220 MP (an allowable stress is 320 MP), and an overall structural deflection is about 1/500, satisfying the condition of rigid body.

[0421] The connection structures 21 in the first direction are hollowed rectangular upright column bodies with rounded angles, with a length of about 10 meters, a breadth of about 6 meters, and a height of about 28 meters. A single cross-section area thereof may be 60 square meters, and each strip-shaped floating body is equidistantly distributed with 15 connection structures 21 in the first direction, 11 floating bodies in total having 165 connection structures in the first direction, with a total cross-section area of about 9900 square meters, which is 17.1% of the waterplane area of the multi-floating body.

[0422] A single pontoon 31 of this basic module has a volume of 60720 cubic meters, and the displacement volume of full weight of the basic module is 410000 cubic meters, therefore, inner spaces of eight outermost pontoons 31 are all filled with the light non-absorbent material 311, which has a displacement volume of approximately 485760 cubic meters, greater than the equivalent water volume of the full weight of the basic module.

[0423] As shown in FIG. 20, a driving device and a direction control device 4 can be provided respectively in a bow portion and a stern portion of each pontoon 31, Specifically as shown in the figure, a set of electrical propulsion rudder propeller may be provided in the bow portion and the stern portion respectively, for example, 22 sets in total, providing an excellent driving power and an omnidirectional control capability for the basic module.

Another Specific Embodiment

[0424] 1. Overview

[0425] FIG. 24, FIG. 25 and FIG. 26 show application of a very large offshore basic module, wherein this basic module is designed to be suitable for offshore navigation, and the large offshore basic module is propelled by 22 full-revolving propellers 4, can be loaded with large objects, helicopters, containers, etc. on an outdoor upper deck or other decks, and also can provide oil reserves, refrigerated cargo reserves, personnel living facilities, etc.

[0426] As exemplified in the figures, a statistical value of the maximum wave height that may occur in the sea area where the basic module is used is about 22 meters. The upper structure of the basic module is designed as a box structure with three layers of decks to form strength decks of the basic module. For example, as shown in the figures, the upper structure may have a length of 600 meters, a breadth of 151 meters, and a height of 13 meters. An upper surface complete deck of 90600 square meters and an upper cabin of 271800 square meters can be provided.

[0427] The multiple lower floating bodies 3 of the basic module are selected to be provided with 11 pontoons 31 (or called as strip-shaped floating bodies) of the same shape that are independent from each other and longitudinally arranged, providing buoyancy for the whole basic module. For example, as shown in the figures, the cross section of each pontoon 31 of the multiple lower floating bodies 3 can be designed with the same rounded rectangular shape, each pontoon 31 may have a length of 600 meters, a height of 11.5 meters, and a maximum breadth of 8.8 meters. A spacing between the pontoons 31 may be 6 meters. An outer edge distribution breadth of 11 pontoons 31 may be 151 meters, and the multi-floating body provides a displacement volume of about 667000 cubic meters in total. A sum of the waterline areas of the multi-floating body may be 57800 square meters. A maximum displacement of the basic module is about 410000 tons, in which the dead weight is about 200000 tons, and a design load capacity is about 200000 tons. In the design full-load state, the draught is about 7.5 meters, and the draught is about 5 meters under light ship. The draught change is about 2.5 meters between light ship and full load. Under light ship, the height H from the basic module's center of gravity G to the still water surface is about 25 meters. The distribution dimension of the multi-floating body of this basic module in the breadth direction is equal to 6.04 times the height from the basic module's center of gravity to the still water surface under light ship.

[0428] When the design wave (which is modified sine wave) height is 22 meters and the wavelength is 621 meters, a predicted value of a maximum total longitudinal bending moment of the floating bodies is about 9.76E10NM. A maximum structural stress of a midship is about 220 MP (an allowable stress is 320 MP), and an overall structural deflection is about 1/500, satisfying the condition of rigid body.

[0429] The connection structures 21 in the first direction are hollowed rectangular upright column bodies with rounded angles, with a length of about 10 meters, a breadth of about 6 meters, and a height of about 28 meters. A single cross-section area thereof may be 60 square meters, and each strip-shaped floating body is equidistantly distributed with 15 connection structures 21 in the first direction, 11 floating bodies in total having 165 connection structures in the first direction, with a total cross-section area of about 9900 square meters, which is 17.1% of the waterplane area of the multi-floating body. The intermediate connection structures 2 further have connection structures 22 in the second direction, and the connection structures 22 in the second direction are beam structures horizontally provided, which may be formed by welding steel plates, and a shifting board or a reinforced ribbed plate may be disposed inside.

[0430] A single pontoon 31 of this basic module has a volume of 60720 cubic meters, and the displacement volume of full weight of the basic module is 410000 cubic meters, therefore, inner spaces of eight outermost pontoons 31 are all filled with the light non-absorbent material 311, which has a displacement volume of approximately 485760 cubic meters, greater than the equivalent water volume of the full weight of the basic module.

[0431] As shown in FIG. 20, a driving device and a direction control device 4 can be provided respectively in a bow portion and a stern portion of each pontoon 31. Specifically as shown in the figure, a set of electrical propulsion rudder propeller may be provided in the bow portion and the stern portion respectively, for example, 22 sets in total, providing an excellent driving power and an omnidirectional control capability for the basic module.

[0432] Unless otherwise defined, terms used in the present disclosure are all commonly understood by those skilled in the art. The embodiments described in the present disclosure are for illustrative purposes only, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present disclosure, and various other alternatives, modifications and improvements can be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present disclosure, therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, but is only limited by the claims.