The main load- transfer connectors transfer the shear load from the 

 template into the piles. They are designed to be automatic mechanical 

 locks that will function when the piles reach full penetration relative 

 to the template; i.e., each pile must travel a given distance downward 

 relative to the template. Because of the necessity for a given amount 

 of travel, the installation system is purposely overpowered to ensure 

 full penetration. The preliminary design of the main load-transfer 

 connectors is shown in Figure 8. As indicated in Figure 8, the grips 

 ride on the sides of the pile as the pile moves downward, until aligned 

 with corresponding openings in the pile walls. A light spring force 

 drives the grips into the openings. The openings will be reinforced to 

 resist the bearing pressures caused by the shear connectors. Each half 

 of the connector shown in Figure 8 is designed to take the full design 

 shear load of the joint. The connectors are designed to transfer the 

 load through the guide bearing assemblies to avoid relative rotation 

 between the piles and the connector. 



The one-way travel grips. Figure 9, are simple pawl and ratchet 

 devices that permit the piles to move only downward relative to the 

 template. The pawls are designed to be installed on the guide bearing 

 assemblies to preclude relative rotation of the grips and piles. A 

 ratchet bar or chain is attached to the sides of the piles to complete 

 the grips. In conjunction with the auxiliary footing these grips 

 stabilize the system during emplacement. When a given pile is being 

 emplaced, no shear is transmitted between the pile and the template; 

 the footing and the other two piles support the weight of the pile 

 emplacement system. The one-way grips permit shear transfer at the 

 non- rotating piles. The auxiliary footing is a simple spread footing 

 designed to support about 60 percent of the weight of the template and 

 installation unit. 



The pile release mechanism is designed to operate automatically 

 as the template nears the seafloor. A bottom-sensing trip mechanism 

 releases spring-loaded pins that hold the piles in the template. The 

 free-fall permits initial penetration of the piles in an essentially 

 vertical attitude. 



The guide bearings. Figure 9, serve to keep the piles aligned 

 with respect to the template, while allowing the rotation of the piles. 

 The bearing assemblies also transmit the shear from the main connectors 

 and one-way grips to the template, as previously noted. Solid bearings 

 utilizing low-friction polymeric bearing surfaces are planned rather 

 than roller or ball bearing units. 



Installation Subsystem 



The installation subsystem. Figure 10, consists of the kelly drives, 

 the hydraulic motors, piping, valves, pump, and reservoir, and the 



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