Megastructure Construction on Water Using an Adjustable Work Platform

Abstract

The present invention introduces an innovative process for constructing large-scale megastructures, such as expansive domes, leveraging an adjustable height work platform that eliminates the need for heavy-duty cranes. The adjustable work platform, built upon floating foundation blocks, such as those detailed in patent application Ser. No. 18/765,120, is placed in a water body, enabling an efficient and cost-effective method of vertically expanding the platform's height during construction. The process begins with constructing the structure's apex on the platform, which is then elevated as necessary through the addition of negatively buoyant lifting blocks underneath the existing platform.The elevation of the platform is achieved by discharging high-pressure air into the new blocks' water compartments, forcing water out and increasing their buoyancy. This mechanism raises the entire platform according to the combined carrying capacity of the new layer of blocks. Simultaneously, the developing structure is elevated, creating room for further structural expansion.This top-down construction approach allows for maintaining a constant relative height between the platform and the structure above, negating the need for large-scale cranes. Small systems suffice for the vertical transportation of materials and personnel among different sections, ensuring a safe working environment. Once the construction is complete, the platform's removal involves gradually reducing the buoyancy of the blocks, starting from the bottommost layer, thereby lowering the platform and distancing it from the structure's ceiling. The blocks' air is bled out to allow water re-entry, making them sink, thus achieving the platform's step-by-step descent.Following the platform's removal, the final stages of construction are executed, and the structure is handed over to the owner. If designed to rest on land, the structure is positioned on a fixed foundation with a temporary deep pool for the block levels. Conversely, if intended to be floating, the structure rests on a remaining platform robust enough to support it. The floating design affords the possibility of towing the structure to various locations, offering an unprecedented level of mobility and versatility for megastructures.

1 . A method for constructing megastructures using an adjustable-height work platform comprising floating foundation blocks positioned in water bodies, wherein the water within the blocks' compartments is regulated to adjust the height and level of the platform. 
     
     
         2 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein megastructures can be constructed starting at the apex, thereby eliminating the need for large cranes. 
     
     
         3 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the height of the work platform can be adjusted by controlling the amount of water within the foundation blocks' water compartment to increase or decrease in buoyancy. 
     
     
         4 . The process as described in  claim 1 , wherein additional layers of blocks are placed beneath the platform, and water is released from the compartments of these blocks, thereby increasing their buoyancy, lifting the entire platform upward, and enabling horizontal expansion of the structure. 
     
     
         5 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the workspace height remains consistent relative to the growing structure, eliminates the need for substantial elevation equipment. 
     
     
         6 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the creation of megastructures vastly larger than those constructed via traditional means becomes possible due to the flexible and adjustable nature of the work platform. 
     
     
         7 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the structure can rest on a variety of foundations, including land-based or floating platforms. 
     
     
         8 . The process as described in  claim 1 , wherein the work platform is lowered by expelling air from the lower blocks, allowing water to enter and decrease the blocks' buoyancy, facilitating their removal. This process is repeated until the entire work platform is removed and the structure rests on its designed foundation. 
     
     
         9 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein megastructure construction has significantly faster completion times compared to traditional construction methods due to the elimination or reduction of earthworks as well as the elimination of elevated work. 
     
     
         10 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein worker safety during the construction of megastructures is enhanced by maintaining consistent workspace height. 
     
     
         11 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein it becomes possible to rapidly respond to and correct any tilting issues that may arise due to uneven subsurface conditions by halting and even reversing the demobilization process until after mitigating the problem. 
     
     
         12 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein very large structures can be constructed on bodies of water using floating foundation blocks. 
     
     
         13 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein very large windows are incorporated into the megastructure while at ground level, enhancing safety and reducing costs. 
     
     
         14 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein expansive solar panels can be affixed to the megastructure's large surface area while at ground level, enhancing safety and reducing costs. 
     
     
         15 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein megastructure construction uses reusable and environmentally-friendly lifting blocks. 
     
     
         16 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein constructed megastructures can be relocated to different geographical locations if desired. 
     
     
         17 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein it becomes possible to rapidly construct structures that provide enhanced protection and concealment of assets, ideal for military installations.