Session report: offshore geotechnics at ICPMG 2014

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of the contributions to offshore geotechnics at the 8th International Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics 2014. The problems addressed in the conference contributions are a reflection on the focus of the offshore industry, which is expanding into new geographical regions and marketplaces. This expansion brings a fresh set of geotechnical challenges, including seabed stratification that presents risks for the installation of mobile jack-up platforms, strict serviceability criteria for the foundations of offshore wind turbines, complex loading on shallow foundations used to support seabed infrastructure and protecting offshore pipelines from ice gouging. These problems, as addressed in the conference proceedings and elsewhere in the literature, are discussed with notable contributions highlighted.