The importance of multidisciplinary geoscience investigations for engineering projects in the Oseberg, Brage and Troll Fields

Author(s):  
G. Butenko ◽  
S. R. Østmo

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the importance and advantages of coordinating and integrating the different phases and expertise involved in an offshore site investigation. Modern, multi-Channel, high-resolution, seismic reflection profiles improve significantly the ability to predict the continuity of soil layers several kilometres away from the nearest geotechnical boring. The geological history of the sediments is reflected in the geotechnical parameters obtained from in situ and laboratory tests.The Integration of in situ and laboratory soil tests, seismic stratigraphy and geology gives a comprehensive understanding of the Engineering properties of the Quaternary sediments in the Oseberg, Brage and Troll fields.

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 263
Author(s):  
Breno Padovezi Rocha ◽  
Heraldo Luiz Giacheti

ABSTRACT. The shear wave velocity (Vs) is an important geotechnical parameter to be used in dynamic problems (e.g. earthquakes and vibration problems) as well as in static deformation analysis such as excavations and foundation engineering design. There are several in situ seismic tests to determine Vs such as the crosshole and the downhole techniques, as well as hybrid tests (e.g. seismic dilatometer – SDMT). This paper presents crosshole, downhole and SDMT tests carried out in a typical tropical soil profile from Brazil. Advantages and limitations regarding the test procedures and interpretation are briefly presented and differences observed among Vs determined by these techniques are discussed. Shear wave velocities (Vs) estimated from the crosshole, downhole and SDMT tests ranging from 194 to 370 m/s. The shear wave velocity suggests that the experimental site could be divided into two strata, which are in agreement with soil profile description. The maximum shear modulus (G0) calculated from the Vs by theory of elasticity can be used to show the investigated tropical soil is a typical unusual geomaterial. This article also emphasizes that the SDMT is a useful test for site investigation since it allows a great means for profiling geostratigraphy and soil engineering properties during routine site investigation as well as for dynamics problems. Keywords: shear wave velocity, maximum shear modulus, crosshole, downhole, SDMT.RESUMO. A velocidade de onda cisalhante (Vs) é um parâmetro geotécnico empregado em análises dinâmicas (terremotos e problemas de vibração), bem como em análises estáticas (escavações e projeto de fundações). Existem vários ensaios sísmicos de campo para a determinação de Vs, entre eles as técnicas crosshole e downhole, e os ensaios híbridos (por exemplo, dilatômetro sísmico – SDMT). Este artigo apresenta os ensaios crosshole, downhole e SDMT realizados em um perfil típico de solo tropical do Brasil, as vantagens e limitações dos procedimentos de ensaio e de interpretação são brevemente apresentadas, e as diferenças observadas entre os valores de Vs determinados pelas diferentes técnicas são discutidas. Os perfis de Vs determinados pelas diferentes técnicas variaram de 194 a 370 m/s. A velocidade da onda cisalhante sugere que o campo experimental investigado pode ser dividido em dois horizontes, os quais estão de acordo com a descrição do perfil do solo estudado. O módulo de cisalhamento máximo (G0), calculado a partir de Vs pela teoria da elasticidade, pode ser utilizado para demonstrar o comportamento não convencional do solo investigado. Este artigo também enfatiza que o SDMT é um ensaio geotécnico útil para a investigação geotécnica do subsolo, uma vez que permite a definição do perfil estratigráfico e a estimativa de parâmetros estáticos e dinâmicos de um projeto.Palavras-chave: velocidade de onda cisalhante, módulo de cisalhamento máximo, crosshole, downhole, SDMT.


2016 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 67-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna Stróżyk ◽  
Matylda Tankiewicz

Abstract The paper presents the results of a triaxial test conducted on stiff, consolidated clays. The standard TXCIU procedure (isotropic consolidation and undrained shearing) was applied in the laboratory soil tests. The undrained elastic modulus Eu50 was determined from each test. The Eu50 values were determined for soil samples cut out from different depths and tested under different confining pressures. There was a significant scatter of values with depth, and no relationships between Eu50 modules or other geotechnical parameters (e.g., cu) were observed. This work presents the concept of normalization of Eu50 modulus values using modified normalization SHANSEP (Stress History And Normalized Soil Engineering Properties). This method was first proposed for estimating the value of the undrained shear strength cu normalizing the parameter relative to the in situ effective vertical stress σ′vo and loading history (overconsolidation stress σ′p and overconsolidation ratio OCR) of the soil. The study demonstrated that the concept of normalization of soil properties can also be used for testing elastic modulus Eu50 of consolidated natural clays and normalized values of geotechnical parameters taking into account the state of stress and load history can be correlated with the value of the overburden pressure.


2013 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Borecka ◽  
Bartłomiej Olek

Abstract This work is only a preliminary study on the evaluation of geological engineering properties of loess area of Kraków. It has been expanded to include field tests (CPTU, DMT), which is an alternative to expensive and time-consuming laboratory tests. The field tests allow enough detail to track the variability of physical and mechanical properties of soils, but in many cases, provide too much information, because their interpretation is often based only on a qualitative analysis. Laboratory and field tests are complementary and should be continued in order to determine best the correlation between the measured values of the resistance probes (CPTU, DMT) and the results obtained from laboratory tests. This will provide new calculation formulas for the evaluation of geotechnical parameters of loess in situ.


2004 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 242-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muthusamy Karthikeyan ◽  
Ganeswara Rao Dasari ◽  
Thiam-Soon Tan

Dredging works in the sea and excavations in built-up areas produce large quantities of clay lumps in Singapore. The use of these clay lumps for land reclamation is an attractive proposition for solving the problem of finding dumping grounds for disposal and at the same time creating new land. When these big clay lumps are used for reclamation, however, the land will have large initial interlump voids. These large interlump voids may not close completely, even with surcharge, and may lead to excessive settlement when a structure is constructed on land reclaimed using this material. Two major engineering issues related to the use of clay lumps for reclamation are the size of interlump voids at the end of consolidation and the engineering properties of such ground. The need to know the ultimate state of the ground reclaimed using large clay lumps is critical to its acceptance as a viable fill material. To our knowledge, data on the ultimate state of such reclaimed lands are not available. An extensive site investigation was performed at a test site on the island of Punggol Timor in Singapore, which was reclaimed about 12 years ago using big dredged clay lumps. The thrust of the investigation is to evaluate the present state of the reclaimed land, with special emphasis on identifying the size of current interlump voids. The radioisotope cone penetration test was employed to measure the in situ density of the site. The site investigation also included high-quality soil sampling and laboratory testing to determine the present strength and deformation characteristics of the reclaimed land. The results indicate that the initially large interlump voids have been reduced to the size of intralump voids. However, the layer formed from clay lumps is heterogeneous and exhibits variable engineering properties. Key words: in situ characterization, land reclamation, radioisotope cone penetration tests, wet density, big clay lumps.


It is not simple to determine in-situ horizontal stresses even though vertical stresses could be determined directly. Pressuremeter is not given high importance even though it is useful in illustrating various geotechnical parameters effectively. It is important to characterize geomaterials which in turn helps us to understand the properties and behavior of the materials. Symbolic Regression model has been prepared to relate pressuremeter test results with geotechnical engineering properties. Understandingthese properties help geotechnical engineers in design and analyses of foundations, earth pressures, etc.


Author(s):  
J. D. Lewis

AbstractThe paper identifies the relationships that exist between glacigenic soils at the limits of glaciation, their landforms and engineering properties, using as a type example the predominantly granular soils of the Taff Valley.Local and regional models of glacial and periglacial process Systems derived from engineering geomorphological mapping provide a means for optimizing site investigation design and practice. The models improve efficiency in delineating sample localities, aid the genetic Classification of the soils and assist with the specification of in situ and laboratory testing programmes to ensure maximum cost effectiveness.By the application of Standard geological and geotechnical methods and techniques the soils are shown to exhibit textures, fabrics and ranges of engineering properties developed due to specific modes of genesis and post-depositional history. Consideration is given to dominant modal fractions and to the likely effect these have on the mass behaviour the soils.


The geology of the Malvern Hills has been the subject of controversy since the 1850s. Many of the problems have now been resolved by using a combination of techniques including mapping, seismic-reflection profiling, deep drilling and geochronology. The Malvern Lineament is a major north-south trending crustal structure with a complex history of tectonic activity. In early Palaeozoic times thrusting on the Malvern axis caused uplift of the area to the east of the axis and some thickening of sedimentary deposits to the west. The importance of the Llandovery unconformity along the western side of the Malvern Hills is stressed. In late Carboniferous times there was major thrusting in a westerly direction, probably associated with dextral transpression, and considerable uplift and erosion of the area to the east of the Malverns. In Permian and Triassic times an extensional lithospheric stress field was initiated. This resulted in reactivation of the earlier thrusts as major normal faults down throwing to the east and with throws, locally, in excess of 2.5 km. These faults, which dip eastwards at between 35 and 50°, are detectable on seismic-reflection profiles to a depth of about 5 km and controlled the development of the Worcester Basin, inverting the site of an older ‘high’.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document