Worked for many years on these semi-submersibles. The pontoons are steel (very thick x ~40 ft dia. x 200 ft or 250 ft long) and are use for ballast purposes. When traveling from one place to other, using centrifugal pumps you pump all water out of the pontoons. To station then you fill up with water. There are some projects for the same purpose. The issue is too much money at stake. You have to "clean up" the entire surface -250ft x 300 ft or more - of steel, cables, pipes, cables, etc etc. The entire structure is made of steel. Do yo really want to live in such an environment? Some of these can be held in place with anchors if water depth is less than some 300 ft to 500 ft. In deeper water you need the dynamic positioning -DP- systems. More complicated more money more power required for thrusters. Perhaps you could by one for scrap and just look for water depths of less than the height of your columns, sink it to bottom and leave it there for ever. Many many things to cover. But one big and fun project.
Rgds.,
like I said at the end of the post..
why not make one small(er) purpose built for living on..
seems a simple design
simple design yes .... lots of engineering to be done - math and calculations. Structures in water are subject not only to tidal forces but also corrosion and environment damaging elements. Good luck.
@indepthstory
Noah's ark was built by an amateur.
the titanic was built by professionals..
.. nice one ..... let me think o yeah Noah's ark, science fiction, imagination, dreams while being high on dope or else .....
Titanic, built by money making human beings, cut costs while construction, corruption, push push push till death, etc. Risk calculated to the max.
@indepthstory
the eskimos have been using kayaks other kinds of 'yaks' built from sea mammal hides and driftwood for thousands of years...in the worst kind of conditions imaginable.
Best wishes for your project. Hope you post the developments.
@indepthstory
oh it hasn't NEARLY reached the level of 'project' just yet...more of a daydream..