[[wiki-architecture]] · [[Building Materials]] · [[ARCHITECTURE]] · [[000]] # Vacuum-anchor In large scale oceanic civil engineering, vacuum-anchors are used to anchor gravity-based structures (such as the Troll A Oil Platform) in the soft bottomed muck found on many oil bearing continental shelves and the world's shallower seas. This design is modeled on how the webbed feet of aquatic animals increase the surface area on the ground. The lowest part of the vacuum-anchors form downward-facing cylindrical cups connecting to the legs of the gravity-based structure. The top of the cups have a valve to exhaust gases and liquids trapped from the sea bottom looking to escape. This is conceptually similar to a tall drinking glass filled with water, then inverted. When a lifting or sideways force is applied to the cup, the weight and inertia of the enclosed solution must also be displaced. Any material that spills out of the enclosure creates a vacuum that anchors the structure to the soft bottom. == References == - [[Building Construction/Construction & Materials/Building Material/Glass and Glazing]] - [[Research, Analysis & Citations/Glossary]] - [[Building Construction/Construction & Materials/Building Material/Metals and Alloys]] - [[Design/Building Typologies]] - [[Urban and Planning/Master Planning]] - [[Environmental Design/Building Climatology]] - [[Professional Practice/Codes & Standards/National Building Code of India/Part 06 - Structural Design/Section 3A - Timber]] - [[Professional Practice/Codes & Standards/National Building Code of India/Part 01 - Definitions]] - [[Professional Practice/Codes & Standards/National Building Code of India/Part 08 - Building Services/Section 1 - Lighting and Ventilation]] - [[Environmental Design/Energy Efficiency]] == See also == Troll A platform Offshore concrete structure Suction caisson