Floatable Constructions
OwnerCarl Richard Nelsoninventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A plurality of floatable constructions are provided, the constructions including a floating base for a building, the base having at least one buoyant basement unit defining a basement level, and a reinforced concrete transfer platform atop the basement unit. The basement level can provide habitable or functional space for the building, and the transfer platform has at least one access opening giving access to the basement level which is enhanced by windows for light and ventilation. Methods and means of tying modular components of the structures together, and materials suitable for manufacturing such ties, are also provided.
Claims52
A construction for supporting a building, comprising:
- a pit excavated below ground level;
- a buoyant basement unit within the pit, comprising an upper load-bearing surface for supporting a building;
- and
- guide means for substantially preventing lateral movement of the basement unit and allowing vertical movement of the basement unit,
- wherein:
- the pit is larger in plan view than the basement unit so that when the basement unit is not floating a recess surrounds the basement unit within the pit;
- and
- the construction comprises an external floor extending substantially across the recess.
A method of providing a construction that can float, comprising the steps of:
- excavating a pit below ground level;
- locating a buoyant basement unit within the pit;
- providing guide means to substantially prevent lateral movement of the basement unit;
- and
- providing an external floor extending substantially across the recess,
- wherein the pit is larger in plan view than the basement unit so that when the basement unit is not floating a recess surrounds the basement unit within the pit.
A construction for supporting a structure, comprising:
- a pit excavated below ground level;
- a buoyant basement unit within the pit, comprising an upper load-bearing surface for supporting a structure,
- wherein:
- the basement unit is arranged to move between a non-floating position in which the basement unit is supported by a floor of the pit, and a floating position in which the basement unit is supported by a threshold amount of water within the pit.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.