A Green Concrete Material and Its New Biomimetic Sustainable Ocean Floating Structure
摘要
The authors and their colleagues have recently developed a new concrete technology—compression-cast concrete. Compression casting technology condenses concrete, which makes it stronger and more durable. It is a practical technology that not only greatly improves the performance of concrete materials, but also reduces the cost and greenhouse gas emissions of related concrete structures. The compression-cast concrete technology has been developed for a major research project—a new biomimetic sustainable marine floating structure. The goal of the project is to develop a new type of offshore floating structure characterized by superior structural performance, low construction and maintenance costs, high sustainability, and good survivability in harsh marine environments. To achieve these objectives, the team has developed several new technologies, including compression-cast concrete technology, bionic honeycomb floating unit, flexible floating unit connectors, new mooring systems, new ocean energy harvesting systems, and an effective and practical method for surviving in harsh sea conditions. These new technologies are described in this article.