EurOCEAN 2000 - Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee

GEOTECHNICAL / PHYSICAL MODELING
Laboratory measurements provide additionnal information to help assess the validity of the
inversion.
Laboratory analysis of the Monaco samples has concentrated on measurements of contained
cores in order to provide supplementary data prior to extrusion from the barrels. Combining the
compressional waves and apparent density data has allowed the generation of acoustic
impedance profiles for all the collected cores.
The gravity cores taken in Liverpool bay were initially logged for acoustic velocity by
transmission of an ultrasonic pulse across the contained cores. The cores were then tested for a
number of geotechnical parameters including moisture content, pore water salinity, particle
size distribution, bulk density, shear strength, Atterberg limits, content of organic matter and
calcium carbonate, and grain specific gravity.
Based on the information from the seismic attributes, and on the inter-relationships between
geotechnical and acoustic properties, a 3D model of the physical and geotechnical properties of
the study site will tentatively be proposed.
EXPLOITATION OF RESULTS AND MARKET POTENTIAL
The objectives of market analysis was to develop a marketing plan that will ensure the
maximum market exploitation for the VHR3D methods including the identification of which
organisations to approach, a pricing policy and the particular types of services to offer.
The chosen method of market analysis was based on a three stage approach and the
organisations were divided into two types: contractors and end-users. The “contractors” were
defined as being those companies who would be likely to buy the system : methodology and to
provide the service, and the “end-users” would be those organisations who would buy in the
services of the contractors.
The first stage of the analysis involved identifying and producing potential client contact lists,
for both contractors and end-users (this list also included academic and research institutions).
The second stage was to approach all the contact and to investigate their reactions and opinions
on VHR3D.
The third stage of the market analysis which followed receipt and collation of the questionnaire
results was to make follow up telephone calls to a cross section of the respondents which
provided industry sector and world wide coverage.
The common feeling of the contractors was that the system sound interesting but has
limited/targeted applications or niches. However the method could be applied in numerous
sectors. This type of technology/methodology probably has a long way to go to be accepted
and regularly used as current technology. It is a common feeling that technology needs to be
constantly moving forwards. However, there are certain problems for which this type of system
would be useful. Theses problem includes high lateral variability, with reference to pipe route
survey, boulders and their accurate positioning, offshore bank systems, e.g. offshore Ireland,
offshore wind generator pylons, glacial sediments and rough seabed, unstable sediments
(slope).
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