The solution developed is a system of steel connections designed to connect 12 x 12 m floating modules. This connection generates longer structures (12×24 m, 12×36 m…), which are specially designed for open waters, as they can drift with a single mooring and adapt their position to the influence of the weather conditions.
RDC and PREFFOR have worked together in the design and the realization of full-scale tests for this connection in laboratory. With them it was proven the bending capacity of the connection. The tests were made applying an increasing vertical load and bringing the steel reinforcement of the connected beams beyond its elastic strength. This simulates the effect suffered by the structure with an extreme swell. The tests verified the efficiency of the proposed connection.
The floating of the pilots is expected between months 9 and 14. This will be the next step to verify the performance of the connection, as it will be tested under TRL8 (real environment, service conditions).
You can visit the Utility Model of the connection here (in Spanish)
