Patent ID: 6371695
Filing Date: 2002-04-16
Classification: E02B,E02D

Abstract:
An offshore structure for use in a body of water having a surface and a seafloor, said offshore structure comprising a tubular caisson structure having a lower foundation section and an upper section separated by a structural diaphragm, said lower foundation section extending downwardly from said seafloor into the seabed a distance to provide sufficient lateral and vertical soil resistance to resist lateral and vertical loads on said offshore structure, said upper section extending upwardly from said seafloor to a point above the surface of said body of water and adapted to support a deck structure on the upper end thereof, said structural diaphragm adapted to rest on the seafloor when said offshore structure has been fully installed to enhance the lateral and vertical load carrying capacity of said tubular caisson structure and wherein said structural diaphragm is a solid partition having at least one valve for allowing fluid to flow between said upper section and said lower foundation section of said tubular caisson structure and having a pump for forming suction in said lower foundation section of said tubular caisson structure.