Quick Release Structural Connection
Quick Release Structural Connection
(OP)
Has anyone ever heard of a something like a 'quick release structural connection'
I have a small structural steel frame which will be deployed subsea. The structure is only temporary works and will need to be dismantled and removed. It cannot be removed in one piece because after its done the job it will be fouled by another structure.
Heres the catch, we are not using divers on this job, so the frame needs to be dismantled using remotely operated vehicles (ROV's).
I am looking for a method of dismantling a connection by pulling out a single pin for example. I can probably work up something unique but was wondering if there was something out there I could crib from. The connections are full moment connections, just to complicate things.
Any thoughts, inside or outside the box are appreciated.
I have a small structural steel frame which will be deployed subsea. The structure is only temporary works and will need to be dismantled and removed. It cannot be removed in one piece because after its done the job it will be fouled by another structure.
Heres the catch, we are not using divers on this job, so the frame needs to be dismantled using remotely operated vehicles (ROV's).
I am looking for a method of dismantling a connection by pulling out a single pin for example. I can probably work up something unique but was wondering if there was something out there I could crib from. The connections are full moment connections, just to complicate things.
Any thoughts, inside or outside the box are appreciated.






RE: Quick Release Structural Connection
Don't forget that these pins may bind, so copious use of grease, the ability to use a surface winch to do the pulling, and a testing program are things to consider.
I saw a program about a super huge concrete rig support floated out into the North Sea from Sweden, I think. It used undersea pins and I remember them having trouble getting the ROV's to hook the quick release devices. The pins were removed by surface winches pulling long chains down to the connections.
RE: Quick Release Structural Connection
RE: Quick Release Structural Connection
Is there any specific product you had in mind. Most of the couplings had bolts which are not ROV friendly.
RE: Quick Release Structural Connection
The SCI have developed a modular connection system called 'Quicon' - see the link beneath:-
http://www.quicon.com/web/contents.html
I note from the literature that only ultimate shears and tying forces are given, and as such I'm unsure whether moment connections can be achieved using this system.
RE: Quick Release Structural Connection
Perhaps build the whole thing out of magnesium or similar alloys and just let it corrode away?
RE: Quick Release Structural Connection
RE: Quick Release Structural Connection
Maybe what you need is some type of (structural) connection metal member that will dissolve or react to (salt) water and disappear.
Will the tempory structurs float to the surface after release or "fall" to the ocean floor?
Can it be designed so that it will break away at certain "designed in" "weak points" when given a tug from a surface cable ?
I would consider having two disconnect devices "in series"
so if one does not disconnect the second device device will.
Consider using a single disconnect device - as if you have one in each of the four corners and one disconnect does not work . . .
RE: Quick Release Structural Connection
http://www.under-water.co.uk/2001/022001weld.htm
RE: Quick Release Structural Connection
The structure will sit on the seabed and be recovered to the surface after use. If I used a reactive alloy as the bolt material, how long would it take for a 24mm diameter bolt to dissolve? The frame may only be on the seabed for a matter of days before it needs to be removed.
RE: Quick Release Structural Connection