Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/K007688/1
[Energy] Evaluating 3D sedimentary architecture as a fundamental control on geotechnical and physical properties (Dogger Bank Round 3 Windfarm zone)
Training Grant Award
- Lead Supervisor:
- Professor SJ Davies, University of Leicester, Geology
- Grant held at:
- University of Leicester, Geology
- Science Area:
- Earth
- Marine
- Terrestrial
- Overall Classification:
- Earth
- ENRIs:
- Natural Resource Management
- Science Topics:
- None
- Abstract:
- This proposed PhD project will significantly advance our knowledge of the physical and geotechnical properties and their underlying controls in a key region for offshore windfarm installation, aggregate extraction and general marine infrastructure development. This objective will be achieved through understanding how the glacial to interglacial depositional architecture and post-depositional processes ultimately control or alter the physical and geotechnical properties and their spatial variation. The research will use a newly acquired unique and comprehensive dataset from the Dogger Bank, encompassing a range of lithologies that will be within foundation depths for the world's largest offshore windfarm. The Dogger Bank is located 125 to 290 km offshore and is the largest continuous example of a shallow topographic bank feature in UK waters. Its morphology is largely controlled by the extent of the Dogger Bank Formation, an interval up to 42 m thick that was deposited at a probable glacial margin during the Weichselian glacial period prior to complete inundation as Holocene sea levels rose. As part of the Forewind project, high resolution 2D seismic (geophysical) data and wireline (petrophysical) logs, CPT (geotechnical) data and spot cores, all within metres of each other, have been acquired in the Dogger Bank Round 3 windfarm zone. This dataset will be used to produce the first linked seismic-stratigraphic and physical property synthesis of the region down to the base of the Dogger Bank Formation. Scientifically, the stratigraphic architecture of the continental shelf is a key archive for examining deposition in ice marginal settings, but it has often been problematic to access and analyse because data are generally limited. The Dogger Bank's geological history is not yet fully understood and this project will contribute to understanding the interplay between the Fenno-Scandian and British and Irish Ice Sheets in the last glacial period. There has also been limited investigation of why particular areas of Dogger Bank have significantly higher levels of dissolved gas (cause of a blow-out experienced in 2010) in some of the sand units. Work proposed within this PhD will provide unique and valuable insights to the complex and costly problem of shallow gas evaluation through combining geophysical, petrophysical and geotechnical data. Evaluating physical and geotechnical properties within a seismic-stratigraphic architecture will be used to develop a predictive modelling approach to inform placement of future installations, and foundation design and installation. Foundation design and installation are of huge importance in any marine development, and all structures are engineered to meet the worst expected ground conditions, making it one of the most costly and challenging aspects that developers must address. Models that can integrate the "geo" datasets enable forward prediction and are highly valuable to the commercial sector because they provide safety and cost benefits. University of Leicester (UoL), British Geological Survey (BGS) and CASE partner (RPS) staff provide the diverse research and technical expertise required to supervise the project. The student will learn to handle and analyse large and complex datasets and interact with a range of academic and industry specialists, including geoscientists, archaeologists and engineers. The studentship could lead to a number of graduate careers. This project is part of wider research initiative that includes three more regional, PhD studies (October 2012 start) and this PhD (October 2013 start), also co-supervised by Dr Cotterill (BGS), ensuring an additional supportive research network. Our proposed PhD is the only initiative that will link the physical and geotechnical properties to the stratigraphic architecture and, because of the particular nature and value of the work to the end-user, will include two industrial placements.
- NERC Reference:
- NE/K007688/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- DTG - directed
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Open CASE
This training grant award has a total value of £68,671
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - Fees | Total - RTSG | Total - Student Stipend |
|---|---|---|
| £13,978 | £5,499 | £49,194 |
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