Advancement of Geotechnical Site Investigation Practice using ROV Technology

摘要

This paper discusses the use of ROV technology to enable conventional geotechnical site investigations to change focus. The move to deeper water, close proximity work and decommission works has meant that the integration of ROV technology and conventional geotechnical equipment has led to a greater variety of solutions that can be tailored to fit a client’s needs. The paper will cover the application of this technology in some recent projects. These will cover a decommissioning project where investigations were required on drill cuttings that existed underneath an existing structure and also locations close to seabed infrastructure. By integration of a CPT (Cone Penetrometer Test) and sampling equipment on to an ROV it was possible to fly around the structure to investigate both environmental and geotechnical properties of the ground. It will also cover the utilization of a fully developed ROV drilling system for a variety of projects from shallow water wind farm sites to deepwater developments, proving the versatility and cost effectiveness of these solutions. In summary, results will be presented to demonstrate the next generation of site investigation tools and explain how, after years of traditional one size fits all solutions, new technology is enabling project teams to fine tune investigations. Utilizing a variety of working platforms makes geographically remote areas more accessible and economical to work. The use of new developments, utilizing industry standard testing and sampling solutions, with deployment systems, incorporating ROV technology, is changing the way site investigations can be performed. This enables a client-focused approach to offshore geotechnical site investigations in technically and geographically challenging environments.