ABSTRACT
An offshore site investigation provides information concerning both seafloor and subsurface conditions (Ardus, 1980). This information may be used in the design or study of submarine pipelines, port facilities, offshore platforms, and other engineered structures. There are two basic approach methodologies that can be employed: (1) to already have a structure designed and the work involves selecting a site or (2) to have a site and design an appropriate structure. A summary discussing these two approaches is presented in Table 3.1. Each of these two fundamentally different approaches will involve identifying available existing information and deciding on requirements for any additional information that is required. In both of these methodologies, information on site characterization is required. The highly idealized screening process utilized in site selection is presented in Table 3.2. A review of Table 3.2 shows that the screening process will usually consist of 11 steps These steps range from first establishing the desired criteria for a site followed by a screening process to identify candidate site(s). Observations of surface topography, detection of potential geologic hazards, obstructions, and soil data are important data that the site investigation is designed to provide. The soil data of particular interest are as follows: (1) soil stratigraphy, (2) soil types, and (3) soil properties such as density, strength, and deformational characteristics.
