Overview of geophysical and geotechnical design factors for deep water development

Luisa N. Equihua-Anguiano

In the proceedings of: GEO2011: 64th Canadian Geotechnical Conference, 14th Pan-American Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, 5th Pan-American Conference on Teaching and Learning of Geotechnical Engineering

Session: Other General

ABSTRACT: Oil and gas fields in deep waters are required to maintain the development of industrial and economical sectors. Based on this fact and to cope with these challenges, it is necessary to apply optimal technical processes and practices performed these days all over the world. Within this frame, adequate interpretation of results and application of geophysical and geotechnical techniques will impact offshore project developments and will minimize their respective risks. This article presents an overview of the main issues involved in geophysical and geotechnical explorations. The article contains a summary that outlines key points to consider to evaluate soil stability while designing sub-sea infrastructure: pipelines, submarine trees, suction caissons for production systems, and such. The techniques applied in exploration are a function of water™s depth.

RESUMEN: La explotación de campos petroleros costa afuera, requiere de la innovación y adaptación de las técnicas exploratorias usadas en la práctica. El objetivo de las exploraciones geofísicas y geotécnicas, es obtener parámetros de diseño confiables para la construcción de infraestructura de explotación requerida. Los desafíos de los desarrollos petroleros costa afuera no dejan de presentarse día a día, lo que obliga a los técnicos a prever la aplicación de técnicas así como llevar a cabo la interpretación adecuada de los estudios. Los estudios exploratorios no están limitados, sin embargo dependen de la economía del proyecto y de las técnicas disponibles en el mercado. Este artículo presenta un panorama general de la importancia de los estudios geotécnicos y geofísicos, así como de los puntos clave relacionados con las evaluaciones de estabilidad de suelo necesarias para el diseño de la infraestructura submarina (ductos, umbilicales, árboles submarinos de producción, cimentaciones, anclajes, etc).

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Cite this article:
Luisa N. Equihua-Anguiano (2011) Overview of geophysical and geotechnical design factors for deep water development in GEO2011. Ottawa, Ontario: Canadian Geotechnical Society.

@article{GEO11Paper908,author = Luisa N. Equihua-Anguiano ,title = Overview of geophysical and geotechnical design factors for deep water development ,year = 2011}