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AquaHouse Pontoon
Comparative Analysis:
(ewp “floating systems architects” GmbH)
There are basically three types of pontoons that come into question for floating objects: those made of reinforced concrete, steel, or "fiberglass".
The following is an analysis of these pontoons, in terms of their static load-bearing capacity, draft, and maintenance. The main role, however, is played by the weight of the pontoon, since this governs the potential capacity of the building. This analysis also focused on other uses, such as integrated sewage treatment, head pump etc..
What are the advantages of RexWallTM composite pontoon constructions:
Maintenance:
The pontoon is maintenance-free.
All of the components in a composite craft are protected by an epoxy moisture barrier. Since the moisture content is stabilized, the maintenance problems associated with wooden boats - rot, joint cracks, structural members swelling or shrinking, and surface checking - are eliminated. Epoxy provides a stable base for paints and varnishes, reducing the frequency of refinishing. In glass laminated boats, epoxy's superiority to polyester resins as a stable moisture resistant adhesive reduces the possibility of delamination and gel coat blistering caused by moisture penetration.
Other uses:
The pontoon can be used for storage, as a mechanical room, for sewage treatment, or gray water storage. A water pump can be installed under the pontoon, without the need for extra thermal insulation.
Cost:
The pontoon is about priced comparable to concrete solutions.
Advantages:
Safe for foodstuffs; translucent to natural light; deformations of up to 17% reversible under pressure; osmosis resistant; no pesticides or fungicides required, and option of a shallow basement.
Versatility:
The builder using composite technology can build crafts with a range of materials, designs, andconstruction methods that are perfectly suited to the craft's use and the customer's needs. Everything from strip canoes to work boats, high performance multihulls to offshore racing powerboats and Hovercraft's have been built using epoxy composite construction. Composites can be uncomplicated structures of wood and wood veneer or complex vacuum laminated hybrids incorporating glass fabrics, aramid, or carbon fibers.
ANALYSIS:
(I) Reinforced Concrete
Dimensions:
Width:6 m
Length:20 m
Height:1.50 m
Wall thickness: 0.18 m
Design:
The reinforced concrete body is of smooth monolithic construction prepared in a form, with a structure comprising 18 cm thick walls of dual-reinforced impervious concrete. No protective coat is required on the inside or outside.
Static load-bearing capacity:
The reinforced concrete alone bears the load, eliminating the need for supplementary bracing elements like frames or bulkheads. Portions of concrete pontoons have a foam core to ensure the pontoon is unsinkable even if fissures develop, or in case of continuous water intake. Materials used for foam cores are not always harmless.
Displacement:
6 m width x 20 m length x 1 m draft = 120 m³ of displaced water
120 m³ x 1000 = 120,000 kg maximum weight
120,000 kg = 120 t
This means that a floating home with a draft of 1 m should not weigh more than 120 t, including the pontoon. N.B.: The weight of the building and pontoon should be specified separately, since the decisive factor is the structure above, not the pontoon.
Weight of reinforced concrete pontoon:
6.00 m x 20.00 m x 1.50 m = 180 m³
180 m³ - 5.64 m x 19.64 m x 1.32 m = 33.78 m³
Total weight of pontoon:
33.78 m³ x 2.5 t/m³ = 84.45 t
Load capacity of building:
120 t – 84.45 t = 35.55 t
Hence, taking working loads etc. into account, the maximum permissible weight of the complete building structure including all built-in units is 35.55 t.
Ice stability:
The manufacturer warrants the unit’s ice stability.
Maintenance:
The pontoon is basically maintenance-free, and is backed by a 20 year warranty against water ingress.
Other uses:
The pontoon has no added walls or bracing elements, and can thus serve as a basement or sewage treatment unit.
Disadvantages:
Unsafe Styrofoam core; no thermal insulation; buildup of condensation; permanent deformation; brittle, hence danger of developing fissures
(II) Steel Pontoon
Dimensions:
Width:6 m
Length:20 m
Height:1.50 m
Wall thickness: 0.01 m
Design:
As in shipbuilding, the vessel is made of welded steel plates with frames and bulkheads. The wall structure comprises 1 cm thick steel plates. A protective coat is required either inside or outside.
Static load-bearing capacity:
Extra frames and bulkheads are required as bracing elements.
Displacement:
6 m width x 20 m length x 1 m draft = 120 m³ of displaced water
120 m³ x 1000 = 120,000 kg maximum weight
120,000 kg = 120 t
This means that a floating home with a draft of 1 m should not weigh more than 120 t, including the pontoon.
Weight of steel pontoon:
6.00 m x 20.00 m x 1.50 m = 180 m³
180 m³ - 5.98m x 19.98 m x 1.49 m = 2.57 m³
2.57 m³ x 7.85 t/m³ = 20.2 t
Transverse bulkheads:
0.01 m x 1.00 m x 5.98 m x 4 = 0.24 m³
0.24 m³ x 7.85 t/m³ = 1.88 t
Longitudinal bulkhead:
0.01 m x 1.00 m x 19.98 = 0.20 m³
0.20 m³ x 7.85 t/m³ = 1.57 t
Frames according to marine navigation regulations:
0.01 m x 1.00 m x 0.25 m x 90 = 0.23 m³
0.23 m ³ x 7.85 t/m³ = 1.81 t
Frames on the pontoon floor:
0.01 m x 0.25 m x 5.98 m x 35 = 0.52 m³
0.52 m³ x 7.85 t/m³ = 4.08 t
Total weight of pontoon:
20.2 t + 1.88 t + 1.57 t + 1.81 t + 4.08 t = 29.54 t
Load capacity of building:
120 t – 29.54 t = 90.46 t
Hence, taking working loads etc. into account, the maximum permissible weight of the complete building structure including all built-in units is 91.32 t.
Ice stability:
Ice stability must be verified by the manufacturer. Additional structures may be required.
Maintenance:
The pontoon is not maintenance-free, and must be serviced once a decade. It is important to have a maintenance schedule, since access to the homes via bridges must be assured in places like Hamburg, Germany.
Other uses:
Because of its bulkheads, the pontoon could be used simultaneously for sewage treatment, gray water storage, or partially as a basement.
Disadvantages:
No thermal insulation; buildup of condensation; if water collects in the bilge, pontoon’s life will be under 10 years; harmful antirust paint, and permanent deformations.
(III) GranitHarz Fiberglass Pontoons
Dimensions:
Width:6 m
Length:20 m
Height:1.50 m
Wall thickness: 0.044 m
Design:
These pontoons are composites made of laminated plates bonded with epoxy and cured. The wall structure comprises 4.4 cm thick GraniteResin plates.
Static load-bearing capacity:
Extra frames, bulkheads, or columns are required as bracing elements.
Displacement:
6 m width x 20 m length x 1 m draft = 120 m³ of displaced water
120 m³ x 1000 = 120,000 kg maximum weight
120,000 kg = 120 t
This means that a floating home with a draft of 1 m should not weigh more than 120 t, including the pontoon.
Weight of fiberglass pontoon:
6.00 m x 20.00 m x 1.50 m = 180 m³
180 m³ - 5.91 m x 19.91 m x 1.41 m = 152.77 m³
14.09 m³ x 0.23 t/m³ = 3.24 t
Transverse bulkheads:
0.044 m x 1.00 m x 5.91 m x 4 = 1.04 m³
1.04 m³ x 0.23 t/m³ = 0.24 t
Longitudinal bulkhead:
0.044 m x 1.00 m x 19.91 = 0.88 m³
0.88 m³ x 0.23 t/m³ = 0.20 t
Frames according to marine navigation regulations:
55 cm per Germanischer Lloyd
0.044 m x 1.00 m x 0.50 m x 90 = 1.98 m³
1.98 m ³ x 0.23 t/m³ = 0.46 t
Frames under the pontoon:
0.044 m x 0.10 m x 5.50 m x 35 = 0.85 m³
0.85 m³ x 0.23 t/m³ = 0.20 to
Total weight of pontoon:
3.24 t + 0.24 t + 0.20 t + 0.46 t + 0.20 t = 4.34 t
Load capacity of building:
120 t – 4.34 t = 115.66 t
Hence, taking working loads etc. into account, the maximum permissible weight of the complete building structure including all built-in units is 115.66 t.
Ice stability:
The manufacturer warrants the unit’s ice stability.