TEST APPARATUS 

 General 



DOTIPOS is a complete system which may be used as a support tool 

 for either a seafloor investigation or the controlled emplacement of 

 an object on the bottom. The DOTIPOS system (Aetron, 1968) is comprised 

 of several major components and support components, Including the 

 DOTIPOS platform (Figure 2), the support-telemetry cable, the surface 

 control instrumentation, and a winch system. 



The configuration and electronics of DOTIPOS are suitable for 

 supporting one or more subsystems to be used for a specific seafloor 

 mission. One subsystem of DOTIPOS is the vane shear and cone penetro- 

 meter apparatus used in this in-situ soil test program. 



DOTIPOS System 



Description of the Platform . A detailed photograph of the DOTIPOS 

 platform with the vane shear and cone penetrometer tower is presented 

 in Figure 2. The superstructure of the platform is pyramidal shaped 

 with an 18-foot square base and a height of 17-feet 6-inches . The 

 platform is designed to operate on the seafloor to a depth of 6,000 

 feet. It weighs approximately 6,000 pounds in air and approximately 

 2,000 pounds in water. Three 4- by 4-foot pads support the DOTIPOS 

 platform distributing the load over a large area. The bearing pressure 

 is less than 50 psf. 



The platform is constructed of welded structural aluminum sub- 

 assemblies which bolt together. The subassemblies include four welded 

 structural aluminum pipe side sections, four comer assemblies, four 

 bumper spring assemblies and miscellaneous superstructure members. 



Several elements are attached to the superstructure (Figure 2) to 

 support the operation of the platform or control the operation of a 

 subsystem. Closed circuit TV and 16 mm cameras are provided to observe 

 and monitor any specific test or emplacement . The TV and 16 mm cameras 

 which are attached to a pan and tilt unit provide omni-directional 

 viewing on the seafloor. Two underwater lights are used to illuminate 

 the test operations. A pinger is included to assist either the placement 

 of the platform on the seafloor or recovery of the platform if lost. 

 Electrical power is regulated and transmitted by the transformer, 

 electronics sphere, and interconnecting underwater cable assemblies. 

 All of the electrical components are encased in either pressure resistant 

 or pressure-equalizing container for protection and trouble-free operation. 



Support-Telemetry Cable . The DOTIPOS platform is supported by 

 and the elements are controlled through a combination support-telemetry 

 cable. The cable is approximately 8,150 feet long and 1.116 inches in 

 diameter, and it is rated to support 45,000 pounds. While submerged, 

 the submerged weight of the cable is one pound per linear foot. The 

 cable provides transmission of 2400 VAC, single phase, 60 Hz power at 

 20 KVA directly into the underwater transformer. 



