Foundations and geotechnical services

Geotechnical testing is a critical component of offshore geotechnical engineering, providing essential data for the design and foundation construction of offshore structures, such as oil and gas platforms, wind farms, and subsea installations. This process involves a range of techniques, including soil sampling, soil testing for construction, geophysical surveys, laboratory testing, and in-situ testing, to determine the physical and mechanical properties of soils and rocks. Data collected from geotechnical testing is then used to assess the stability and integrity of offshore structures. These geotechnical surveys can then ensure they withstand various environmental loads, such as wind, waves, and currents over a long period of time. By conducting thorough geotechnical site investigations, offshore developers can minimise the risk of structural failure and ensure the safe and efficient operation of their assets.

Geotechnical services encompass a wide range of activities aimed at understanding and managing the behaviour of earth materials in engineering projects. These services are essential for both onshore and offshore developments, ensuring the safety, stability, and integrity of structures. Here are some key types of geotechnical services:

• Site Investigation: collecting geotechnical data through soil sampling, geophysical surveys, and in situ testing to assess soil conditions, identify potential hazards, and inform project planning.

• Geotechnical Testing: conducted both in laboratories and on-site to determine the physical and mechanical properties of soil and rock samples, providing crucial information for foundation engineering design.

• Geophysical Surveys: utilising non-invasive survey techniques to map subsurface conditions, helping engineers understand geological formations and detect shallow gas

• Offshore Geotechnical Services: specialised services for offshore structures, including seabed sampling, subsurface soil sampling, and the use of survey vessels equipped with advanced coring systems.

• Foundation Design and Analysis: designing and analysing foundations that can support structures safely, considering soil conditions and environmental loads like wind and waves.

• Environmental Geotechnics: assessing and mitigating the environmental impact of construction projects, ensuring compliance with regulations and promoting sustainable practices.

By leveraging these geotechnical services, engineers and businesses can develop safe, efficient, and cost-effective solutions for a variety of construction and development projects.

Onshore and offshore drilling are two distinct methods of extracting oil and gas, each with unique challenges and requirements.

• Onshore Drilling: takes place on land and is generally more straightforward and cost-effective. Wells are drilled on dry land using transportable infrastructure and equipment, making onshore projects quicker to execute. Onshore drilling is less affected by environmental factors like weather, allowing for relatively stable operations.

• Offshore Drilling: conducted in bodies of water, offshore drilling ranges from shallow coastal waters to deep-sea locations. It requires specialised equipment, such as drilling platforms, rigs, and subsea installations, to access underwater reserves. Offshore operations are more complex and expensive due to the need to manage challenges like water depths, ocean currents, and harsh marine environments. Fugro’s proven expertise in geotechnical services has assisted a variety of projects including the world’s largest offshore wind farm.

Geophysical surveys and geotechnical surveys are both essential for site investigation and site appraisal, but focus on different aspects and use different methods.

• Geophysical surveys: are non-invasive techniques that measure the physical properties of the earth to map subsurface conditions. Tools like seismic, magnetic, and electrical resistivity instruments detect features such as shallow gas pockets, bedrock depth, and geological variations. These surveys provide a broad overview, helping determine if further detailed investigations are needed.

• Geotechnical surveys: involve direct sampling and testing of soil and rock materials. Activities like soil sampling, in situ testing, geotechnical laboratory testing, and lab analysis help determine the geotechnical assessment and load-bearing capacity of the ground. These surveys offer detailed data on soil conditions, stability, and load bearing capacity, which are critical for engineering design and construction.

Geophysical surveys provide an initial, non-invasive view of subsurface conditions, while geotechnical surveys deliver detailed, site-specific data for foundation engineering and construction projects.

Geotechnical and foundation engineering is essential for assessing ground conditions and ensuring the stability of structures, both onshore and offshore. This field focuses on analysing soil and rock properties through soil investigation, geophysical site investigation, and geotechnical soil testing to support safe and efficient foundation design. Engineers conduct geotechnical surveys to evaluate factors like soil composition, load-bearing capacity, and groundwater levels, helping prevent structural failures. For offshore projects, a geotechnical survey offshore involves specialised techniques to assess seabed conditions, ensuring subsea foundations can withstand environmental forces like waves and currents.

The data collected from these investigations is compiled into a ground investigation report, which provides engineers with crucial insights for construction planning. Whether for buildings, bridges, or offshore platforms, these reports guide the selection of appropriate foundation solutions, such as shallow foundations for stable soils or deep foundations like piles for more complex conditions. A thorough understanding of ground behaviour through geotechnical surveys reduces risk, enhances safety, and ensures long-term structural integrity.

We are a leading provider of offshore geotechnical services, and we have state-of-the-art geotechnical vessels designed to support safe and sustainable offshore operations and geotechnical surveys. Our cutting-edge vessels are equipped with advanced geotechnical sampling and testing equipment, including seabed sampling and subsoil sampling systems, to provide the high-quality geological samples required for comprehensive geotechnical testing and site investigation.

The vessel’s advanced technology ensures efficient and accurate data collection, reducing the risk of errors and enhancing the overall quality of geotechnical data. With a strong commitment to safety and sustainability, our vessels are a key asset in Fugro’s fleet, reinforcing our dedication to delivering innovative and reliable offshore geotechnical services.