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Technology
Assessment & Research (TA&R) Program
| Project Number |
404 |
| Date of Summary |
May 31,
2006 |
| Subject |
Project
Offshore Deep Slopes (PODS): Seafloor Stability on the Continental
Shelf/Slope (17177) |
| Performing Activity |
Texas
A&M University, Offshore Technology Research Center (OTRC) |
| Principal Investigator |
Wayne Dunlap |
| Contracting Agency |
Minerals Management Service |
| Estimated Completion |
Completed |
| Description |
The project developed a
submarine slope evaluation method for critical loading conditions based on
well documented case histories. The focus was on geological, geotechnical,
geophysical and the related failure mechanisms. The following tasks had been
analyzed:
-
Task A: Study of Case
Histories-Case histories of submarine slides in offshore areas worldwide. Appropriate numerical models
had been
selected for future analysis.
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Task B: Submarine
Slide Loading Conditions-Loading conditions and triggering mechanisms that
exist at sites had been compiled and analyzed.
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Task C: Regional
In-Depth Studies: Scotian shelf/slope, Gulf of Mexico-Scotian shelf/slope,
and Gulf of Mexico field cases had been examined in detail for their geo- conditions
that can affect their slope stability. Data gaps for the Scotian
shelf/slope had been identified for the investigation. Case study was
conducted on the slope failure with the South Pass 70B platform in GOM.
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Task D: Risk
Analysis - Identification of dominant failure mechanisms to obtain annual
probability with these events.
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Task E: Design of
Modeling Program.
|
| Progress |
Data was collected and
summarized for the project from a number of different authors and research
programs. Case histories and loading conditions were analyzed and a synopsis
of the methods used by researchers of these failures. Studies of the Scotian
shelf and GOM were done on geo-conditions which caused failures of the
existing slopes in those areas. Failures were analyzed for existing slope
stability equilibrium approach. Failure of a platform in the GOM was
presented caused by Hurricane Camille. Geotechnical aspects of Gas Hydrates
were described. Demonstration testing of centrifuge was presented to gain an
insight to the mechanics of slope failure. Framework on Risk analysis was
presented to identify dominant failure mechanisms. Basis of an experimental
program has been designed and is operational. |
| Report |
|
AA
(279
pages) |
C-CORE (2002). Project Offshore Deep Slopes,
Phase 1. Final Report |
|
AB
(63
pages) |
C-CORE (2002). Project Offshore Deep Slopes,
Phase 1 (Appendix). Final Report |
|
AC
(27
pages) |
Dunlap, Wayne. Wave-Induced Sediment Movements.
(2002) |
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