Abstract: A floating pontoon structure with adjustable draft includes a lower section with an enclosed hollow hull and a lower deck connected thereto, a supporting framework extending upwardly from the lower deck, an upper deck connected to the supporting framework in parallel spaced apart relation to the lower deck, a ballast tank disposed in the hollow hull of the lower section, a valved passageway between the ballast tank and the exterior of the hull for filling and emptying the ballast tank, and one or more flotation tanks disposed between the lower deck and the upper deck to provide positive buoyancy when the ballast tank is filled. A method of connecting a plurality of pontoon structures to form a larger composite structure and a method of adjusting the draft of the larger composite structure are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for releasably connecting floating barge sections or other construction components includes a fluid actuated cylinder and piston assembly disposed in an open-ended sleeve in a first component with the piston connected to the construction component and the cylinder movable between a retracted position within the sleeve and an extended position such that a portion of the cylinder extends into and is releasably locked in place within a socket in a second construction component.