Seismic cone testing using seafloor drill technology

Abstract

Seafloor drilling systems are the latest innovative technology to explore the next frontier of ultra-deep water locations. Drilling, sampling and in situ testing (e.g., cone resistance and seismic velocities) are directly performed using the remotely operated seabed system. This paper provides a background of such seafloor drill technology and its benefits to the offshore industry. By reviewing an example from the field, the paper specifically discusses the performance of the system equipped with a dual-array cone for measuring in situ shear wave velocity in deep water sediments. These field measurements of shear wave velocity corresponded favourably with the advanced laboratory testing on intact, recovered samples. They also can be employed in conjunction with cone penetration testing in order to provide a high confidence shear wave velocity profile for deep water sediments for engineering purposes.