Floating Docks: With and Without Buoyancy Chambers
By: Stefra
Submitted: 2010-02-26 20:09:46 | Word Count: 544
A dock is an artificial enclosure for the reception of boats. There are two main types of docks:
1.Wet docks: They are meant for vessels to load and unload their cargo. Hence the gates of a wet dock are constructed to keep in the tide, thus preserving the water level within the docks as close to the uniformly high level of water as possible.
[ advertisement ]
2.Dry Docks: They are intended for the examination and repair of vessels. One type, known as a graving dock, has gates that keep out the tide and enable the boat to be repaired.
There is another type of dock the floating dock. When one uses the term ‘floating docks’ you could be referring to two completely different docks. They are as follows:
Floating docks with buoyancy chambers (i.e. Dry docks)
A floating dry dock is used for the examination and repair of small vessels. It floats on the water surface and can be lowered enough to allow a vessel to float above it. Then, by pumping water out of the tanks (that are there at its sides), it is raised again and the vessel rises along with it.
Thus a floating dry dock has floodable buoyancy chambers and its cross section is a U shape. When its floor is below the water level, it is provided stability by its walls. When the valves are opened, water fills the chambers and the dock sinks in the water, allowing the vessel to float above it.
A floating dry dock thus serves two purposes. It can be used as a loading and unloading wet dock when its chambers are empty and it floats. However, when it sinks and is used to raise a vessel, it serves as a dry dock.
Floating Docks with no buoyancy chambers
These are the second type of floating docks that do not have floodable buoyancy chambers like the dry docks. They are simply an alternative to standing docks. They are ideal in the following situations:
• These floating docks are needed if your site has extremely deep water, and a strong standing dock cannot be installed.
• If the water at your site fluctuates a lot then you should consider choosing a floating dock, as it will not be weakened by these fluctuations as a standing dock might be.
• Some sites have beds that have soil that is incredibly loose, or else too mucky to make a standing dock or a wheeled dock feasible. This is where you should consider a floating dock.
Floating, U shaped docks can withstand heavy waves or strong boat waves at your site. However, for the most stable floating dock configuration you should choose a T or L shaped dock. The floating boats are anchored through a combination of poles, stiff arms, sea anchors, ramps or cables. You can even purchase special connection anchoring kits that are available in the market. Hinges too are a popular option.
If you are looking to purchase a floating dock for your own personal use, you should consider buying a modular structure that you can easily install at home. Carefully consider your own personal needs and then make the purchase. Floating docks are definitely cheaper and more convenient than their standing counterparts. Carefully choose the construction material too.
