Method and apparatus for fabrication of structures used in construction of tower base supports

Abstract

Disclosed are apparatus and corresponding methodologies for providing a base support, such as including concrete, and used such as for a wind-driven generator. Precast concrete cylinders are stacked in place upon a platform that may be partially precast and partially cast in place during assembly and supported, in certain embodiments, by plural concrete legs, the other ends of which are supported on a unitary or subdivided concrete foundation. In other embodiments, the platform may be supported by ribbed concrete panels. The concrete cylinders are glued together using an epoxy and then secured by an internal vertical post tension system extending from the platform to the upper most cylinder. Methodologies and apparatus for fabrication of concrete structure used in constructing the base support are also disclosed, with a focus on staves and various ring piece constructions.

1 - 19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . A concrete form, comprising:
 a lower concrete form; and   an upper concrete form secured to said lower form to define an enclosed casting volume within said concrete form;   wherein said lower and upper concrete forms collectively further define in said casting volume at least one concrete injection port and at least one ventilation port, and provide said casting volume with a shape for forming therein a concrete stave with a top portion and with a lower portion having a greater width than such top portion.   
     
     
         21 . A concrete form as in  claim 20 , further including anchors for securing pre-stressing tendons. 
     
     
         22 . A concrete form as in  claim 20 , wherein:
 said ventilation port is configured to be closed off; and   said injection port includes a shut-off valve.   
     
     
         23 . A concrete form as in  claim 20 , wherein said concrete form further includes a plurality of injection ports disposed along said casting volume; an embedded heater; and a vibrator. 
     
     
         24 . A concrete form as in  claim 20 , wherein said upper form and said lower form each include structural reinforcing members to allow said concrete form to be transported by a crane or cart. 
     
     
         25 . A concrete form as in  claim 24 , wherein said concrete form further includes at least one attachment mechanism for securing said concrete form to a crane or cart. 
     
     
         26 . A concrete form, comprising:
 an inner diameter form; and   an outer diameter form received over said inner diameter form to define a casting volume within said concrete form;   wherein said inner and outer diameter forms collectively further define in said casting volume at least one injection port and at least one ventilation port, and provide said casting volume with a shape for forming therein a concrete tubular structure.   
     
     
         27 . A concrete form as in  claim 26 , further including anchors for securing post-tensioning ducts. 
     
     
         28 . A concrete form as in  claim 26 , wherein:
 said ventilation port is configured to be closed off; and   said injection port includes a shut-off valve.   
     
     
         29 . A concrete form as in  claim 26 , wherein said concrete form further includes a plurality of injection ports disposed along said casting volume; an embedded heater; and a vibrator. 
     
     
         30 . A concrete form as in  claim 26 , wherein said outer diameter form and said inner form each include structural reinforcing members to allow said concrete form to be transported by a crane or cart. 
     
     
         31 . A concrete form as in  claim 30 , wherein:
 said concrete form further includes at least one attachment mechanism for securing said concrete form to a crane or cart; and   said inner diameter form comprises at least one jacking port.