OFF-SHORE PLATFORM CONSTRUCTION, AND METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TRANSFERRING LOADS

摘要

A method is described for using a particular spring element (32, 33) to facilitate the transfer of deck modules (27) to a hull or jacket (26) during the construction of an off-shore well platform. The spring element (32, 33) not only absorbs energy from the compressive loading expected during the transfer, but also resists any shear loading caused by relative motion between the module (27) and the jacket or hull (26) caused by the operation being performed in a body of water. The spring element (32, 33) includes two significantly different resistances to crushing when subjected to compressive loading including an initial resistance during which significant energy is absorbed. The spring element is also provided on the carrier barge between the barge and the deck module so that if the carrier barge should reengage the module once the transfer has been started, damage will be inhibited.