Method for Constructing a Floating Unit

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for constructing a unit adapted to float in a body of water, the method comprising the steps of: providing a cavity in the unit such that the cavity is open to the environment surrounding the unit, wherein at least a portion of the cavity is adapted to be located below a still water surface when the unit floats in the body of water, and determining a first value of at least a first parameter relating to required hydrostatic properties for the unit. The present invention also relates to a unit adapted to float in a body of water. The unit comprises a cavity such that the cavity is open to the environment surrounding the unit. At least a portion of the cavity is adapted to be located below a still water surface when the unit floats in the body of water. Moreover, the present invention relates to a use of a cavity in a unit adapted to float in a body of water.

1 . A method for constructing a unit adapted to float in a body of water, said method comprising the steps of:
 providing a cavity in said unit such that said cavity is open to the environment surrounding said unit, at least a portion of said cavity being adapted to be located below a still water surface when said unit floats in said body of water;   determining a first value of at least a first parameter relating to required hydrostatic properties for said unit; and   fixedly sealing at least a portion of said cavity from the surrounding environment to thereby form an enclosed volume such that a second value of said first parameter is obtained, such that the absolute value of the difference between said first value and said second value is below a predetermined value.   
   
   
       2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the method comprises the step of providing a plurality of cavities in said unit. 
   
   
       3 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein said step of fixedly sealing at least a portion of said cavity is performed for at least two of said plurality of cavities. 
   
   
       4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said unit comprises a float adapted to be located under said still water surface, said floating unit further comprises a plurality of support columns, each one of said support columns extending from said float and being adapted to intersect said still water surface, wherein said cavity is provided on at least one of said support columns. 
   
   
       5 . The method according to  claim 4 , wherein at least one cavity is provided in each one of said support columns. 
   
   
       6 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said step of determining said first value comprises a step of determining at least one of a weight and centre of gravity of said unit. 
   
   
       7 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said step of determining said first value comprises a step of determining at least one of buoyancy and centre of buoyancy of said unit. 
   
   
       8 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said step of determining said first value comprises a step of determining a load carrying capacity of said unit. 
   
   
       9 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said step of fixedly sealing at least a portion of said cavity comprises the steps of providing said unit with a sealing member, such as a panel, and fixedly attaching said sealing member to said unit. 
   
   
       10 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising modifying at least one hydrostatic property of said unit by fixedly sealing at least a portion of said cavity from the surrounding environment. 
   
   
       11 . A unit adapted to float in a body of water, said unit comprising a cavity such that said cavity is open to the environment surrounding said unit, wherein at least a portion of said cavity is adapted to be located below a still water surface when said unit floats in said body of water, wherein said cavity is adapted to receive at least one sealing member to thereby fixedly seal at least a portion of said cavity from the surrounding environment. 
   
   
       12 . The unit according to  claim 11 , wherein said unit comprises guide means for guiding said sealing member into position in said cavity. 
   
   
       13 . The unit according to  claim 11 , further comprising a plurality of cavities in said unit. 
   
   
       14 . The unit according to  claim 13 , wherein at least a portion of at least two of said plurality of cavities are fixedly sealed from the surrounding environment. 
   
   
       15 . The unit according to  claim 11 , further comprising a float located under said still water surface, said floating unit further comprising a plurality of support columns, each one of said support columns extending from said float and adapted to intersect said still water surface, wherein said cavity is provided on at least one of said support columns. 
   
   
       16 . The unit according to  claim 15 , wherein at least one cavity is provided in each one of said support columns.