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 - 31 . (canceled) 
     
     
         32 . A method of fabricating structures for use in construction of a support tower, the method comprising:
 providing respective outer diameter and inner diameter forms with the outer diameter form situated over the inner diameter form so as to collectively provide a concrete form defining a casting volume, such concrete form having at least one inlet for injection of concrete into such casting volume and at least one outlet for the displacement of air therefrom;   injecting concrete into such casting volume;   curing such concrete in such casting volume so as to form a casting;   generating a first thermal gradient between such casting and such outer diameter form;   removing such outer diameter form from such casting;   generating a second thermal gradient between such casting and such inner diameter form; and   removing such casting from such inner diameter form.   
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein generating such first thermal gradient includes spraying steam onto such outer diameter form, or using at least one heater embedded in such outer diameter form, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein generating such second thermal gradient includes spraying water or air or combinations thereof at ambient temperature onto such inner diameter form. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein such step of removing such outer diameter form includes lifting such outer diameter form. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein such step of removing such casting from such inner diameter form includes pushing up on such casting, or lifting such casting or combinations thereof.