gravitybased

Gravitybased is an umbrella term describing systems, structures, or processes that rely on gravity and weight to operate, stabilize, or store energy. The concept appears across engineering disciplines, energy technologies, and environmental processes, where the influence of gravitational force is central to function.

In offshore and civil engineering, gravity-based structures (GBS) use substantial weight, often concrete or steel, to rest on the seabed and resist environmental loads. They are designed to hull platforms, towers, or other facilities without relying primarily on deep piles. GBS are favored in suitable shallow to moderate-depth locations and can simplify installation, though they require favorable seabed conditions and careful anchoring to prevent settlement or tilting.

Gravity also governs traditional load-bearing forms in civil engineering, notably gravity dams that use their mass to oppose the pressure of stored water. Their design emphasizes stability and safety through weight, with structural responses governed by gravity-driven forces and material strength.

In energy storage, gravitybased or gravity energy storage systems exploit the potential energy of raised masses. By elevating a heavy weight or pumping water to a higher reservoir and then releasing it, these systems convert gravitational potential energy back to electricity. They can offer rapid response and high cycle life, but scale, site requirements, and capital costs are important considerations.

In environmental and mineral processing, gravity-driven processes rely on density differences or settling under gravity. Sedimentation tanks, clarifiers, and some gravity-separation methods use gravity to separate solids from liquids without active pumping.

See also gravity, gravity dam, gravity energy storage, gravity separation.