Abstract
Challenges face the geotechnical engineer in the ACG Field in the Caspian Sea, from data acquisition, through soil characterization, to foundation design and installation. This paper seeks to address some of these challenges and describes some case examples from the authors' experiences, particularly in the treatment of geohazards and their threat to foundation integrity.
Limited guidance exists within industry codes and standards to address the interaction of geohazards with jackets and with subsea infrastructure. As such, quantified risk assessment becomes complex. This paper suggests some solutions to these problems, borne out of more than 20 years' operating experience in the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) and the need to consider development in some of the more geohazardous areas.
Unusual methods of geotechnical data acquisition are presented along with tools and novel analytical techniques specific to the needs of Caspian soils. Finally, the paper presents some approaches to quantify the impact of geohazards, including the influence of unusual soil conditions as they present themselves today.