Freeboard calculations for pontoon with additional weight

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the weight needed to reduce the freeboard of a concrete pontoon measuring 114.84m in length, 15m in width, and 3.4m in height, which currently has a freeboard of 1m. The pontoon weighs approximately 4,134,240kg based on water displacement. To achieve a decrease in freeboard by 0.3m on one side, resulting in a tilt where one end measures 0.7m and the other 1.3m above the waterline, participants explore the implications of weight distribution and its effect on freeboard measurement.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of buoyancy principles and water displacement
  • Knowledge of freeboard measurement techniques
  • Familiarity with concrete pontoon design and stability
  • Basic physics concepts related to weight distribution and equilibrium
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of buoyancy and Archimedes' principle
  • Learn about freeboard calculations in marine engineering
  • Explore weight distribution effects on floating structures
  • Investigate stability analysis for pontoons and floating platforms
USEFUL FOR

Marine engineers, naval architects, and anyone involved in the design and stability assessment of floating structures, particularly those working with pontoons and buoyancy calculations.

Peter T
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I seem to be stuck in a rut and so I was hoping you guys could help me out with this should-be easy question.. The pontoon dimensions are (L x W x H) 114.84m X 15m X 3.4m. Made of concrete. There is about 1m of freeboard so I figured using the water displacement, the structure weights about 4,134,240kg.

What I can't seem to figure out is how much weight is needed to decrease the freeboard by 0.3m on one side which will raise the other side by 0.3m.. The picture added shows that the weight will be added 5.96m from one side of the pontoon (assume that added weight is evenly distributed throughout).

Question seems like it would have a simple answer..

Thanks!
 

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If you tip the pontoon, how will you then define freeboard? Where will you measure it?
 
Dr.D said:
If you tip the pontoon, how will you then define freeboard? Where will you measure it?

I assume the freeboard will change from the initial 1m to 0.7m on one end and 1.3m on the other end of the pontoon. The freeboard in this example is just the water surface to the deck of the pontoon.. Hopefully I've answered your question
 
** the pontoon would be tilting on its longitudinal axis. So one end up as 0.7m above waterline and the other end of the pontoon will be 1.3m above waterline
 

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