Abstract
From our past experience, the most economical and durable structural material for the basic construction of floating OTEC platforms in a marine environment is a special mix of concrete reinforced with both conventional reinforcing steel and grouted prestressing steel tendons. When this material is molded into the shape of an integrated contiguous honeycomb pattern with cylindrical components in combination with straight walls, a robust structure of great stiffness and strength to provide high load capacity on exceptionally long spans uninterrupted by columns or vertical elements will result. In this manner, maximum spatial tolerance is made available for convenient access between pathways and equipment layouts for ease in maintenance work, replacement, rearrangements, etc. Special concrete mixes containing chemical and mineral additives can provide greatly increased durability so that the service life of the concrete structure can achieve a range of 100–150 years in a marine environment.
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© 2015 Springer Science+Business Media Singapore
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Yee, A.A. (2015). OTEC Platform. In: Wang, C., Wang, B. (eds) Large Floating Structures. Ocean Engineering & Oceanography, vol 3. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-287-137-4_10
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-287-137-4_10
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