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Scoping of Work
To ensure success, all developments require an appropriate geotechnical site investigation and geophysical survey. Knowledge is key to developing an optimal scope of work in anticipation of the composition of the seabed. This often dictates choice of the best investigation methods and development concepts. In addition, AG knows the data required to facilitate optimal design, resulting in a comprehensive scope of work.
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Selection of Site Investigation Contractors
Armed with extensive regional experience, AG are in a prime position to give sound advice on the technical capabilities and track record of site investigation contractors. Site investigation is a specialist service and is constantly evolving; AG can provide truly independent expert technical advice in this regard.
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Site Representation/Supervision
AG provides personnel to technically supervise site investigations, often in partnership with commercial or HSE client representatives, to ensure that scope is technically fulfilled. Most importantly, they work as a team with wide-ranging support from the AG office, rather than as isolated individuals. This means that there is always comprehensive support, which is inevitably required to optimise the outcome of the investigation. Our client representatives all have an informed understanding of how samples should be acquired, what tests will be performed, and what the data will be used for. Our experienced client representatives work in direct partnership with the client to ensure that the best results are achieved.
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Core Storage and Logging
AG has the largest independent core storage facility for offshore geotechnical engineering in the southern hemisphere. In this facility, AG has high-tech logging equipment including a multi-sensor core logger (MSCL). This resource enables careful decisions to be made to determine what tests to undertake on which samples. The cores are stored in climate controlled conditions that massively extend the otherwise limited shelf-life of the samples.
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Laboratory and Model Testing
Working in partnership with leading universities, AG has been central to the development of laboratory tests that are now routinely performed in and around Australia and other regions where calcareous soils are found. These tests allow samples to be subjected to the same loads that will be imposed by the offshore structures on the seabed, reducing uncertainty and allowing for optimal and safe design. Beyond these tests, AG commission specialist small-scale centrifuge model tests that allow successful proof testing of novel or particularly complex design situations.
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Interpretative Reporting
AG has the most comprehensive understanding of the engineering behaviour of calcareous sediments in the world. AG’s knowledge-base is continually developing thereby enhancing the quality of the interpretative reports. AG will maximise the value of any site investigation to achieve an optimal design, using its data interpretation capabilities.
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Geotechnical and Geophysical Integration
AG has identified profound benefits of integrating each of the geoscience elements. Geophysical and geotechnical data are symbiotic - discrete information from a series of boreholes can be spliced together within a framework of geophysical data to provide optimal understanding of any development site. This has allowed AG to positively influence the positioning of platforms, pipelines and other seabed infrastructure, adding essential value to a number of major developments.
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