Accession Number : AD0724677

Title :   Concepts for Drilling and Excavating in and below the Ocean Bottom

Descriptive Note : Final rept. Jul 1968-Jun 1969

Corporate Author : NAVAL CIVIL ENGINEERING LAB PORT HUENEME CA

Personal Author(s) : Beck, E J ; Culbertson, T L ; Daly, P J ; Gaberson, H A ; Scott, A L

PDF Url : AD0724677

Report Date : May 1971

Pagination or Media Count : 110

Abstract : In support of planned development of construction systems for precise excavation and drilling in the deep ocean floor, a study of the potential problems which might be encountered has been made. Two Deep Ocean Technology (DOT) efforts are considered, and two major subsystems are described. The first subsystem is a seafloor excavator which can shape the ocean floor, prepare trenches and drill shallow foundation holes. To avoid the problems of man in undersea environment, this equipment will be unmanned, and remotely controlled by computer and/or numerical techniques. The primary work function will be similar to a conventional milling machine, with similar ability to bore shallow holes. The second subsystem is for penetration of ocean bottom rock with large holes, sealing off the cavity with a prepared steel structure, dewatering, and lateral tunneling at one-atmosphere pressure. Initial penetration will be by equipment similar to large mining or tunneling moles, recent technology in rock disintegration may allow use of a less massive machine with low thrust and torque.

Descriptors :   *CONSTRUCTION, *EARTH HANDLING EQUIPMENT, DRILLING, DRILLS, FOUNDATIONS(STRUCTURES), HYDRAULIC EQUIPMENT, MOBILITY, OCEAN BOTTOM, REMOTE CONTROL, ROCK, STEEL

Subject Categories : Civil Engineering

Distribution Statement : APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE