Gravity-based structure
A gravity-based structure (GBS) is a support structure held in place by gravity. A common application for a GBS is an offshore oil platform. These structures are often constructed at harbours near the decided offshore site. A GBS intended for use as an offshore oil platform is constructed of steel reinforced concrete, often with tanks or cells which can be used to control the buoyancy of the finished GBS. When completed, a GBS is towed to its intended location and sunk.
Gravity-based structures are also widely used for offshore wind power plants. By the end of 2010, 14 of the world's offshore wind farms were supported by gravity-based structures. The GBS are suited for water depths greater than 20 m. The deepest registered offshore wind farm with Gravity-based structures is Thornton Bank 1, Belgium, with a depth up to 27.5 m.[1] However, as offshore wind power plants are growing in size GBS strucures are seen as a cost effective alternative to jackets and monopoles.
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