Landfall morphology & trench sedimentation

We have extensive experience in the assessment of seabed dynamics at the landfall for offshore pipeline and cable and their impact on the design of pipeline and cable

To achieve a technically feasible and cost-effective definition of burial depth while securing long-term pipeline and cable integrity, the following approach is followed:

Determine seabed variability, consisting of short term (seasonal and yearly) variations and long term variations (time scale of 10 years).
Combine both short term and long term variations, resulting in the lowest seabed level during the design life.
Determine the required burial depth based on the long term integrity (stability, free span and risk analysis).

The approach combines statistical analysis of seabed data and risk analysis for a pipe or cable. The required burial depth is determined such that the overall risk for the pipe is below a specified design criterion.

Applications

Long-term and short-term seabed dynamics at landfall areas.
Pipeline and cable burial depth assessment and stabilisation requirements.
Installation technique, cost optimisation and risk assessment.
Geo-hazard assessment, effects of underwater landslides and turbidity flows.
Environmental impact assessment.

Publications

Selected publications by our staff on seabed dynamics and pipelines:

Chen, Z., SHEEHAN, E., West Sole Pipeline Stabilisation. Proc. OMAE 2005-67472.
Chen Z. AND VENTURI, M. AND R. BIJKER, Morphology And Pipeline Design Through A Dynamic Landfall Area, The Black Sea Pipeline Case, OMAE conference, Oslo, 2002.
Chen, Z LIU, Y., LIU, P. AND BIJKER, R., An Integrated Approach To Pipeline Design Through Sandwave Fields: Dongfang Pipeline, OMAE conference, Brazil, 2001.

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