Protective construction for a platform installed in the open sea against the impact of floating objects

US4666343A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Bilfinger & Berger Bauaktiengesellschaft · DE

Inventors

• Heinz G. Butt · Pinneberg, DE
• Michael Vogt · Gilching, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: May 2, 1986
• Grant date: May 19, 1987
• Expiry date: May 2, 2006

Classification

• Technology area (CPC E): Fixed Constructions
• CPC primary: E02B17/0021
• WIPO field: Civil engineering
• WIPO sector: Other fields

Abstract

A protective device protects a platform installed in the open sea against the impact of floating objects such as icebergs, ice formations, or ships. A massive protective body surrounds the platform to be protected and has a bottom with inclined bearing surfaces. The body is movably supported on large bearings having inclined bearing areas that slidingly engage the bearing surfaces. When the protective body is struck by a floating object the kinetic energy of the impact pushes the protective body upwards on a portion of the inclined bearing areas and is transformed into potential energy of the elevated body. The protective body is able to thrust the floating object away from the platform as the body moves downwardly to its original position as its potential energy is reconverted to kinetic energy.