Reconfigurable Ocean Structures

Double walled tubular and flat inflated surfaces need to be linked to form larger structures. This proposal will demonstrate Federal Fabrics-Fibers (FFF). knowledge and ability to reduce the ideas into practice. Depend on the mission duration, it will be possible to transform the inflatable structure to medium, long and "permanent" duration structure by; a. Replacing the initial fast inflation gases with a large molecule non diffusin gas such as Sulfur Hexafloride (SF5) for medium mission duration will prevent the need for replacing diffused gasses. b. For long mission duration, of up to two years, replacing the inflated gas with a solid, such as two part polyurethane foam-in-place, if and when required. c. For "permanent" mission, fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) can be pumped to the double wall of the inflated structure or foamed core. Anticipated Benefits: Advertising balloons, floating cranes, water recreation, aqacalture, hazardous waste incineration, fish processing, off shore oil exploration and production. Double walled concrete pumped can be a way to re--line the aging utitlities pipe system especially in the city, where digging the old pipes could be avoided. New cast in place concrete piping can greatly reduce cost of utilities transmission.