EP2362036A1 - Grid structure as foundation structure for an offshore construction - Google Patents

Abstract

The lattice structure is provided with columns (18) and struts (20) of grid components, particularly column sections (22) and strut sections (34), with multiple components of the lattice connected with one another at nodes (28,32). The components of the lattice are connected by node pieces (26,36) arranged at the nodes. The node pieces are ball-shaped or constructed as polyhedral bodies.

Description

The invention relates to a lattice structure as a foundation structure for an offshore structure according to the preamble of claim 1.

Founding structures generally serve to provide a stable base for building an offshore structure above sea level away from the open sea coast. For this purpose, the foundation structure is firmly connected to the seabed and typically projects upwards at least a few meters out of the water. At the upper end of the foundation structure usually a transition piece is arranged, with which the corresponding load, is connected. The load is, for example, a tower of an offshore wind turbine or any other part of the plant, such. As a substation or a platform. In order to ensure a high stability with simultaneous economical use of materials and low attack surface for water movements, lattice structures and in particular so-called jacket structures or else framework structures are particularly suitable for this purpose.

Such a grid structure is usually formed from a plurality of interconnected grid components. These include mainly nearly vertical columns and almost diagonal struts, which intersect in part. Connected are the columns with the struts and the struts among each other at junctions. Around The columns and struts, which at most angles do not coaxially or collinearly abut one another at different angles, are arranged at these junctions in complex construction. A disadvantage of the known lattice structures that the node pieces used must have a complicated geometry in order to adapt the lattice components of different cross-sections at different angles in addition still tapered upwards lattice structure. Thus, due to the three-dimensional joining surfaces, a complex manual production of the knot pieces is necessary.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a lattice structure with node pieces whose production can be carried out more easily and preferably by machine.

The object is achieved by a lattice structure with the features of claim 1. The lattice structure is characterized in that the node pieces are spherical or formed as a multi-surface or multi-surface body. Compared with the known knot pieces with their complicated geometry, the production is significantly simplified. Both a spherical and a multi-surface body as a knot piece is easier and above all mechanically produced as a node piece, which has a matching cross-section and spatial alignment joining surface with a pipe socket as known from the prior art for each column or strut associated with it. The number and orientation of the outer surfaces of the node pieces is determined according to the associated grid components. Particularly advantageous is simply to produce a knot piece in the form of a ball. But even a multi-surface or multi-surface body has significant advantages over the prior art by its partially planar surface.

Preferably arranged in at each node, in particular exactly one node piece. This can be connected together by a single node piece as a component multiple grid components. Preferably, at least a part of the node pieces is identical. This means that the node pieces are universally applicable without requiring special adjustments. A suitable arrangement of the areas erm O Allows an almost universal use of the knot piece by providing surfaces at different angles.

In the multi-or multi-surface outer shape at least in a part of the node pieces may also be a regular outer shape or surface, which also a symmetrical, in particular centrally symmetrical body comes as a basic form of the node piece into consideration. Particularly preferably, the node pieces on a plurality of outer surfaces, which are in particular formed as a flat outer surfaces. Overall, the node piece can also be designed as a polyhedron preferably as a regular polyhedron, preferably with at least partially congruent, so congruent, outer surfaces. A regular outer shape of the knot pieces, for example, as regular polyhedron, offers particular advantages in the manufacture and assembly of the lattice structure, since the knot pieces are interchangeable at many positions within the same. This is the case with a centrally symmetrical body, such as a sphere or a regular polyhedron.

The node pieces are in particular composed of several, preferably identical parts. Particular advantages are offered by a composition of two, in particular identical, halves. Individual parts of the knot pieces can be easily produced and combined with each other, especially in different combinations. These may be identical and / or different parts. Several parts then make up the outer shape of the knot piece. The parts are preferably welded together.

In particular, the lattice components have an at least substantially straight longitudinal extent, that is to say they are in particular designed as elongated bodies. Normally, each grid component is connected to at least one of the node pieces. In order to provide a stable construction of the grid structure, each grid component is preferably connected to two node pieces. The connection is preferably carried out with one end region of the lattice component. In this case, each grid component is preferably connected to each of its two end regions, each with a node piece.

Preferably, the longitudinal center axes of the grid components connected to each other by a node piece intersect in an associated node. This node is preferably located in the interior of the node piece, preferably in the center or center. This means that the node piece practically surrounds the node. In a central symmetrically constructed node piece, such as a ball or a regular polyhedron, therefore, all joining surfaces of the node piece have the same distance from the center, ie the node on. Thus, a good interchangeability of the node pieces with each other or a placement different positions within the lattice structure and finally an optimal force distribution in the lattice structure allows.

Preferably, an end-side cross-sectional area is connected as a joining surface of one of the grid components with the outer surface or one of the outer surfaces of the node piece. In the case of a spherical node piece while the outer surface is curved like a circular arc, while in a multi-surface design, the outer surfaces are at least partially configured as planes or flat surfaces. In this case, the respective outer surface of the node piece is preferably arranged parallel to the end-side cross-sectional area of the lattice component connected to it, so that the two surfaces can simply be put together and connected in a blunt manner. Furthermore, the end-side cross-sectional area is preferably arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis of the grid component. But it is also the longitudinal center axis of the respective lattice component angle, so obliquely oriented cross-sectional areas possible to directly cause an angular arrangement of the lattice component. This makes it possible, on the one hand to arrange the node piece on the one hand universally and to accurately connect with the grid components, while at the same time ensuring optimum introduction of force into the grid structure.

The cross-section of one of the node pieces corresponds at least to the cross-section of the grid components connected to it, however, as a rule is larger. However, the node piece is preferably in cross-section at least approximately twice as large as the largest in cross-section grating component. This ensures that several grid components can be connected to the node piece with their entire cross section. For this purpose, at least one of the outer surfaces of the node piece has at least the same cross-section as the grid component connected to it.

The knot pieces are at least partially preferably formed hollow body-like. In particular, the node pieces to an outer shell and an interior, wherein the outer shell surrounds the interior. The outer shell of the knot pieces is preferably made at least predominantly of metallic material, which is particularly preferably weldable. In particular, the material is steel. A hollow body-like design allows for easy but stable formation of the node pieces.

In particular, the node pieces or preferably the interior of a filling material, in particular, the node pieces are at least partially, preferably completely filled with a filling material. The filling material serves to stabilize the outer shell and for power transmission or distribution. In this case, preferably a non-metallic material, such as. As concrete used. Concrete has a much lower density than steel (about a factor of three), is also cheaper, but still gives the nodal piece the necessary stability. The filler material of the node pieces preferably absorbs the major part of the acting forces of grid components and preferably passes these on to the outer surface of the node pieces to other grid components.

For filling the knot pieces with the filling material, preferably at least one closable opening is provided in the knot piece. Alternatively, several composable parts of the node piece can be connected to each other after filling. The filler material can then in the node piece, in particular through this opening in flowable, so z. B. liquid or powdered form are filled. The filler material can be used as preferably after filling within the node piece curing material, such. As concrete, be selected. Alternatively, it can also serve depending on the choice of material, for example by pressing and then closing the opening for stabilization or power dissipation within the node piece.

The grid components, ie the column sections or strut sections, are in particular rod-shaped, rod-shaped or tubular. This simple geometry simplifies manufacturing. In addition, just a tubular design ensures special stability. The cross section of the grid components is preferably round, oval or angular, preferably polygonal and in particular equilateral. The edges of such a cross-sectional polygonal grating component preferably extend in a straight line along the longitudinal extent.

A foundation structure for an offshore structure is described in claim 13. This foundation structure has a lattice structure according to the above statements.

The foundation structure or the lattice structure preferably has a longitudinal central axis and two end regions. The two end regions are preferably maximally spaced along the longitudinal center axis. A first upper end region is designed to be suitable in particular for receiving a load above the sea level, while a second lower end region is designed for connection to the seabed. This results in a vertical placement of the lattice structure on the seabed, that the first end region protrudes with the load from the sea.

Preferably, at an end region of the foundation structure or grid structure, a transition piece is arranged as part of the foundation structure, which serves for connection to a load, such as a plant, a tower and / or a platform, in particular an offshore wind energy plant or an offshore substation , The transition piece has for this purpose a receptacle for the load, in particular a flange. The transition piece is used to initiate the forces occurring above all the load in the lattice structure or the foundation structure and the adaptation of the different geometry of lattice structure and load each other.

In particular, the second end region of the foundation or lattice structure is rigidly connected to the seabed. This is preferably done with the aid of foundation piles, wherein the foundation piles are preferably guided by pile sleeves, which are connected to the grid components and / or the node pieces of the grid structure. Thus, a firm, rigid and stable anchoring of the lattice structure is achieved with the seabed.

• Fig. 1 eine erfindungsgemäße Gitterstruktur als Gründungsstruktur ein Offshore-Bauwerk mit kugelförmigen Knotenstücken,
• Fig. 2 einen Ausschnitt aus einer Gitterstruktur wie in Fig. 1 gezeigt,
• Fig. 3 eine Detailansicht eines Verbindungsbereichs zwischen einem Knotenstück und einem Säulenabschnitt,
• Fig. 4 einen dem Ausschnitt der Fig. 2 entsprechenden Ausschnitt aus einer erfindungsgemäßen Gitterstruktur mit vielflächigen Knotenstücken.
• Fig. 5 ein kugelförmiges Knotenstück in einer dreidimensionalen Darstellung, und
• Fig. 6 das kugelförmige Knotenstück der Fig. 5 in einer Schnittdarstellung.

In the following an embodiment of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the figures of the drawing. In this show:

• Fig. 1 a lattice structure according to the invention as a foundation structure an offshore structure with spherical knots,
• Fig. 2 a section of a grid structure as in Fig. 1 shown,
• Fig. 3 a detailed view of a connection region between a node piece and a column section,
• Fig. 4 a the neck of the Fig. 2 corresponding section of a grid structure according to the invention with vielflächigen node pieces.
• Fig. 5 a spherical knot in a three-dimensional representation, and
• Fig. 6 the spherical knot of the Fig. 5 in a sectional view.

In the Fig. 1 a lattice structure 2 according to the invention is shown, which serves as a support structure of a foundation structure 4 for an offshore structure, such as an offshore wind turbine or an offshore substation. To connect the foundation structure 4 with the seabed 2 so-called pile sleeves 8 are arranged at the lower end portion 6 of the lattice structure. Through this pile sleeves 8 not shown foundation piles are plugged and rammed into the seabed. This produces a rigid connection between the lattice structure 2 of the foundation structure 4 and the seabed. At the upper end portion 10 of the lattice structure 2, a transition piece 12 is arranged. This transition piece 12 serves to adapt the geometry of the lattice structure 2 to the geometry of a load arranged above, which is not shown here. In the present case, the transition piece 12 to a round flange 14, on which, for example, a tower of a wind turbine, not shown here, a platform or other system can be attached.

The lattice structure 2 has a longitudinal central axis 16 which extends centrally through, inter alia, the lower end region 6 and the upper end region 10. The cross section of the lattice structure 2 perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis 16 is square in the present case. For this purpose, the grid structure 2 at the corners on four columns 18, which extend over the entire length of the grid structure. In each of the longitudinal central axis 16 perpendicular cross-sectional plane of the lattice structure 2, the distance between the four columns 18 is accordingly equal to the longitudinal center axis 16 accordingly.

At an angle to the columns 18 extend struts 20, each connecting two adjacent columns 18 together. If a different than square shape of the cross-sectional area is provided for the lattice structure 2, the number of columns 18 can be adjusted accordingly, for example to three, or even five, six and more columns 18. Here are advantageous regular cross-sectional areas, such as equilateral triangles and regular quadrilaterals or polygons used.

Each of the columns 18 is composed of a plurality of column sections 22, in the present case of four. The individual column sections 22 are connected to each of their two end regions 24, each with a node piece 26 at a node 28. Due to the fact that two column sections 22 connected to one of the node pieces 26 are arranged coaxially or collinearly on opposite sides of the node piece 26, that is to say with coincident longitudinal central axes 30, the overall result is also a straight longitudinal extension of the column 18.

In each case two struts 20 intersect in the illustrated lattice structure 2 in a node 32. At each node 32, a node piece 36 is arranged with each other for connecting the struts 20 composed of two strut sections 34 each. In this case, in each case two strut sections 34 connected to their end regions 38 with the node piece 36 on opposite sides thereof are arranged co-linearly with one another, ie. H. with coincident longitudinal central axes 40. Thus, each strut 20 has a straight line extent. A total of four strut sections 34 are accordingly connected to a node piece 36, wherein each two adjacent strut sections 34 are at least nearly perpendicular to each other. The respective end regions 38 of the strut sections 34 remote from the node piece 36 are connected to an adjacent node piece 26 at the junctions 28 of the columns 18. Accordingly, apart from the node pieces 26 at the upper end portion 10 and at the lower end portion 6 of the lattice structure 2, with each node piece 26, two opposite column sections 22 and a total of four mutually angled strut sections 34 are connected. The node pieces 26 at the lower end portion 6 and the upper end portion 10, however, are each connected to only one column section 22 and two strut sections 22.

In the illustrated lattice structure 2, each column 18 has five node pieces 26. This number can be varied depending on the desired height of the grid structure 2. In addition, the length of the individual column sections 22 or the strut sections 34 decreases from the lower end region 6 to the upper end region 10 of the lattice structure 2. As a result, the lattice structure 2 tapers from bottom to top, d. H. their cross section decreases towards the top.

In the in the Fig. 1 and 2 lattice structure 2 shown, the node pieces 26 and the node pieces 36 are each spherical. Accordingly, the column sections 22 and the strut sections 34 can be placed on the node pieces 26, 36 at arbitrary locations or at any desired angle relative to one another. In order to achieve an optimum connection, in particular by welding, the column sections 22 and the strut sections 34 are each formed tubular with a round cross section. The column sections 22 and the strut sections 34 are provided with a flat end face 42 perpendicular to their longitudinal central axis 30 or 40. The end face 42 is produced by vertical separation or production of the tube. Thus, the end face 42 has an annular planar configuration with an inner circumference 44 and an outer circumference 46. Accordingly, a circular opening is provided in the middle. As a result, the end face 42 of the column section 22 or of the strut section 34 lies with its inner circumference 44 completely around the surface of the spherical nodal piece 26, 36. Due to the end face 42, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal extent, a gap-shaped opening opposite the node piece 26, 36 is formed on the outer circumference 46 of the column section 22 or the strut section 34 as welding gap 62, which is filled with material during welding. Thus, a weld bead 48 is formed therein, such as in Fig. 3 is shown.

A section of a lattice structure 2 with polyhedral knot pieces 26, 36 shows the Fig. 4 , Apart from the differently shaped node pieces 26, 36, the remaining grid structure 2 can also be constructed in this case as in Fig. 1 is shown, so in particular also show the framework structure. The multi-face node pieces 26, 36 have a plurality of planar outer surfaces 50 arranged according to the orientation of the pillar portions 22 and strut portions 34 associated therewith such that the outer surface 50 are aligned parallel to the respective side surfaces 42 of the leg portions 22 and strut portions 34, respectively ,

These outer surfaces 50 can also be adapted in their contour to the respective associated column sections 22 or strut sections 34. However, they have at least the same area size as the respective end face 42 of the corresponding column section 22 or strut section 34, in order to allow complete juxtaposition for connection. Since the flat outer surfaces 50 are present as joining surfaces for welding to the node pieces 26, 36, the cross-sectional shape of the column sections 22 and the strut sections 34 is only relevant insofar as possible that the entire end face 42 fits on an outer surface 50. Incidentally, rectangular, round, oval, polygonal and generally polygonal cross-sectional shapes are suitable for the column sections 22 or strut sections 34.

During welding, a corresponding welding bead 48 is placed around the column section 22 or the strut section 34 on the surface of the knot piece 26, 36. Alternatively, the end faces 42 of the column sections 22 and the strut sections 34 may also be chamfered to define, between the end face 42 and the corresponding outer surface 50 of the node 26, 36, a weld gap 62 similar to that described above for the nodal ball 26, 36 Welding gap 62, in which a welding bead 48 can be arranged during welding.

The spherical node pieces 26, 36 are in the present case, as in Fig. 3 is shown, composed of two halves 52. The halves 52 are welded together. However, in the case of a multi-surface node piece 26, 36, the same may likewise be composed of two halves 52. In this case, however, also offers a composition of more than two parts, since the flat outer surfaces with their boundaries already mark a possible line for joining several parts.

In addition, the node pieces 26, 36 each have an interior space 54 in its interior, which is enclosed by the outer shell 56. The interior 54 is filled in the present case with a filling material 60. This is a non-metallic substance, namely concrete. About the filling or the filling material 60, a large part of the forces occurring is derived, while the metallic outer shell 56 essentially serves for connection to the column sections 22 and strut sections 34.

For filling the interior 54, an opening 58 or several openings 58 may be provided. The openings 58 are closed after the filling of the node pieces 26, 36, in particular welded shut. In particular, the filling of the node pieces 26, 36 at the site of the lattice structure 2 or the foundation structure 4 and not already in the manufacture of the node pieces 26, 36 take place. This has the advantage that the filling material 60, or the concrete, can be transported separately to the site and is easily handled by its flowable consistency. This facilitates transport and installation of the lattice structure 2, since above all the weight of the filling material 60 can be transported separately.

In addition to the lattice structure 2 shown here in the form of a truss structure or jacket structure, virtually any other arrangements of the columns 18 and struts 20 and the knot pieces 26, 36 are possible, which are adapted according to the respective intended use of the lattice structure 2. In particular, the number and length of the individual grid components and node pieces 26, 36 can be varied. As a material for the production of the components of the lattice structure, in particular the lattice components and the node pieces 26, 36 is mainly steel into consideration.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

2

Lattice structure 54 interior

4

Foundation structure 56 outer shell

6

End area 58 opening

8th

Pile sleeves 60 filling material

10

End region 62 Welding gap

12

Transition piece 64 seam

14

flange

16

Longitudinal central axis

18

pillar

20

pursuit

22

column section

24

end

26

knot

28

junction

30

Longitudinal central axis

32

junction

34

strut portion

36

knot

38

end

40

Longitudinal central axis

42

face

44

inner circumference

46

outer periphery

48

bead

50

exterior surfaces

52

half

Claims (15)

Lattice structure, in particular truss structure, as a foundation structure (4) for an offshore structure, with columns (18) and / or struts (20) of lattice constituents, in particular column sections (22) and / or strut sections (34), wherein a plurality of lattice constituents with each other at nodes (28, 32) are connected, and wherein for connecting a plurality of grid components with each other node pieces (26, 36) at the nodes (28, 32) are arranged, characterized in that the node pieces (26, 36) are formed spherical or polyhedral body , A lattice structure according to claim 1, characterized in that at each node (28, 32) one, preferably exactly one node piece (26, 36) is arranged, wherein in particular at least a part of the node pieces (26, 36) is preferably identical. A lattice structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the node pieces (26, 36) have a multi-faceted, preferably centrally symmetric outer shape, outer shape or surface, preferably having a plurality of planar outer surfaces (50), and / or that the node pieces (26, 36) are preferably formed as particular regular polyhedron. Grid structure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the node pieces (26, 36) of a plurality, preferably identical parts, in particular of two halves (52), are composed. Lattice structure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lattice constituents have an at least substantially rectilinear longitudinal extent with a longitudinal central axis (30, 40), and / or that each lattice constituent, preferably with one of its end regions (24, 38), with at least one the node pieces (26, 36) is connected, wherein in particular each grid component is connected to each of its end regions (24, 38) each having a node piece (26, 36). A lattice structure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the longitudinal central axes (28, 40) of the lattice components connected together by a node (26, 36) preferably intersect at the associated node (28, 32), the node (28, 32 ) preferably in the interior of the node piece (26, 36), particularly preferably in the center. Grid structure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an end cross-sectional area of one of the grid components is connected to the outer surface, in particular spherical outer surface or one of the flat outer surfaces (50) of the node piece (26, 36), wherein the outer surface of the node piece (26 36, 36) is preferably parallel to the node piece (26, 36) connected end-side cross-sectional area, and / or wherein the end-side cross-sectional area preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis (28, 40) of the grid component is arranged. Grid structure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cross-section of the node pieces (26, 36) is at least equal to or greater than the largest cross-section of the grid components connected to the respective node piece (26, 36), preferably at least one of the outer surfaces (26). 50) of one of the node pieces (26, 36) has at least the same cross section as the grid component connected to it. Grid structure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the node pieces (26, 36) are hollow body-like, and / or that the node pieces (26, 36) have an outer shell (56) and an inner space (54) enclosed therewith, wherein the Outer shell (56) of the node pieces (26, 36) preferably at least predominantly of metallic, in particular weldable material, preferably made of steel, is formed. Grid structure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the node pieces (26, 36), in particular their interior (54), a filling material (60), in particular with a filling material (60) are at least almost completely filled, wherein the filling material ( 60) is preferably a non-metallic material, in particular concrete. Grid structure according to claim 10, characterized in that the node piece (26, 36) has at least one closable opening (58) for filling with the filling material (60). Grid structure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grid components are rod-shaped, rod-shaped or tubular, and / or that the cross-section of the grid components is round or square, preferably polygonal, particularly preferably equilateral, in particular with rectilinear edges. Foundation structure for an offshore structure with a grid structure (2) according to one of the preceding claims. Foundation structure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a longitudinal central axis (16) and two end regions (6, 8), wherein the end regions (6, 8) are preferably spaced apart along the longitudinal central axis (16) in particular, wherein a first end region (6) is preferably formed above the sea level for receiving a load, and wherein a second end portion (8) is formed for connection to the seabed. Foundation structure according to claim 13, characterized in that the first end region (6) has a transition piece (12) with a receptacle, in particular a flange (14), for connection to a load, such as a system, a tower and / or a platform and / or that the second end region (8) is preferably rigidly connected to the seabed, preferably by means of foundation piles, wherein the foundation piles particularly preferably pass through pile sleeves (8) connected to the lattice components and / or the knot pieces (26, 28) are.

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