Freeboard calculations for pontoon with additional weight

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the weight needed to decrease the freeboard of a concrete pontoon by 0.3m on one side, which will consequently raise the other side by the same amount. The context includes the pontoon's dimensions, weight, and the effects of added weight on its stability and freeboard measurement.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Mathematical reasoning, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the pontoon's dimensions and initial freeboard, estimating the structure's weight based on water displacement.
  • Another participant questions how freeboard would be defined if the pontoon tips, raising concerns about measurement points.
  • A different participant suggests that tipping the pontoon would result in varying freeboard measurements at each end, estimating the new freeboard levels after tipping.
  • Further clarification is provided that the pontoon would tilt along its longitudinal axis, leading to specific freeboard heights at each end.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on how to define and measure freeboard when the pontoon is tipped. There is no consensus on the implications of the tipping on freeboard calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not resolved how to approach the calculations under the conditions of tipping, and assumptions regarding the distribution of weight and its effects on stability remain unaddressed.

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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