Floating concrete structures are used to construct a large array of structures, such as highways and streets, bridges, large buildings, airport runways, irrigation structures, breakwaters, piers and pavements, silos and farm buildings and homes.
Floating concrete structures are constructed using high strength; quality controlled reinforced concrete which includes pre-stressing or post-tensioning. The designs also take advantage of positive Styrofoam floatation enclosed in concrete.
The design of the floating concrete structure must meet the operating conditions, strength and serviceability requirements, safety requirements, durability and cost-effectiveness. An appropriate design service life is prescribed depending up on the importance of the structure and the return period of natural loads. Its service life is generally expected to be as long as 50 to 100 years with preferably a low maintenance cost.
The design of the floating concrete structure must meet the operating conditions, strength and serviceability requirements, safety requirements, durability and cost-effectiveness. An appropriate design service life is prescribed depending up on the importance of the structure and the return period of natural loads. Its service life is generally expected to be as long as 50 to 100 years with preferably a low maintenance cost.
The materials used for the floating
body may be steel, or concrete or steel-concrete composite and the relevant
specifications should be followed. Since water tightness of concrete is
important to avoid or limit corrosion of the reinforcement, either watertight
concrete or offshore concrete should be used.
Advantages of Floating concrete
structures:
• Cost effective
• Environmental friendly as they do
not damage the marine eco-system
• Easy and fast to construct
• Can be easily removed
• Do not suffer from differential
settlement due to reclaimed soil consolidation
• Their positions with respect to
the water surface are constant
The tensile strength of concrete is
much lower, but by using properly designed steel reinforcing structural members
can be made that is as strong in tension as they are in compression. (ArticlesBase
SC #980827)
These types of structures do make sense as long as the ecosystems in which they reside aren't negatively impacted. Construction of these structures can have a lot of backlash if environmental concerns are ignored.
ReplyDeleteI recall that in an issue of Concrete Magazine in the 1980's there was that article dealing with Floating Concrete structures. Examples cited were: Section of a Bridge in the Highway near Seattlle, WA; A helipoint in the harbor of Philadelphia, PA (I think). In Brazil this kind of structure has been usaed also in harbor and as Guide or Trainning Wall for a Navigation Lock.
ReplyDeleteThere are many types of concrete each designed for fulfilling specific technical, structural and aesthetic.In the broadest definition, concrete is a mixture of Portland cement. Non Explosive Demolition Agent
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