Abstract: A floating base for a building, the base comprising at least one buoyant basement unit defining a basement level, and a reinforced concrete transfer slab atop the or each basement unit. The basement level provides habitable or functional space for the building, and the transfer slab has at least one access opening giving access to the basement level. Preferably, the base comprises at least two buoyant basement units, wherein each of the basement units is independently buoyant for assembly with at least one other basement unit during construction of the base, said basement units thereby assuming a final position in which said units are closely adjacent or in contact to define a basement level comprising two or more of said units. The invention also extends to a method for constructing a floating base for a building, and a method for launching a buoyant basement unit.

Abstract: A floating base (22) for a building, the base (22) comprising at least one buoyant basement unit (30) defining a basement level, and a reinforced concrete transfer slab (32) atop the or each basement unit (30). The basement level provides habitable or functional space for the building, and the transfer slab (32) has at least one access opening giving access to the basement level. Preferably, the base comprises at least two buoyant basement units, wherein each of the basement units is independently buoyant for assembly with at least one other basement unit during construction of the base, said basement units thereby assuming a final position in which said units are closely adjacent or in contact to define a basement level comprising two or more of said units. The invention also extends to a method for constructing a floating base for a building, and a method for launching a buoyant basement unit.

Abstract: In a matrix print head, a plurality of elongated printing elements, mounted in a frame, are driven axially by electromagnetic means to effect printing on record media positioned adjacent to the printing ends of the printing elements. Freely riding tubular elements are placed on the printing elements between support members forming part of the frame, in order to dampen the bending and vibration of the printing elements, and thus reduce or eliminate consequent fatigue failure.