1. Handbook
  2. Subjects
  3. Offshore Geotechnical Engineering

Offshore Geotechnical Engineering (CVEN90071)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Dual-Delivery (Parkville)

You’re viewing the 2021 Handbook:
Or view archived Handbooks
In 2021, there will be three delivery modes for your subjects – Dual-Delivery, Online and On Campus.
Please refer to the return to campus page for more information on these delivery modes and students who can enrol in each mode based on their location.
You’re currently viewing the 2021 version of this subject

Overview

Availability
Semester 2 - Dual-Delivery
FeesLook up fees

Offshore geotechnical engineering aims to provide basic knowledge and current design practice in offshore geotechnical engineering in the Australian and global context. From the booming hydrocarbon exploration in the last few decades to the more recent growth in offshore renewable energy farms, this subject is of particular interest to students intending to establish a career in the fast growing offshore industry. The subject focusses on the challenging offshore environment and fundamental differences from onshore construction and installation practice. It will commence with an overview of the marine environment and current offshore renewable energy technologies and developments. It will cover various offshore site characterization techniques and geotechnical design of offshore foundations, anchoring system, pipelines and cables. Students enrolled in the course will be exposed to the flow of a typical offshore project, developing their technical and professional ability to work and communicate effectively in diverse offshore engineering teams.


Indicative Content
Marine environment - characteristics of seabed sediments and geohazards, offshore renewable energy technologies – wind, wave and tidal, offshore site characterization - geophysical, in situ sampling and seabed sediment testing, laboratory testing and cyclic soil test interpretation, physical modelling of sediment-structure interaction, offshore foundations – gravity base foundation and monopiles, mobile jackup unit, anchoring systems – drag anchors and suction caisson, pipelines and cables – on-bottom stability and pipe strength design.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • ILO1 - Recognise the geological and geotechnical characteristics of common offshore sediments in the Australian and global context;
  • ILO2 - Identify hydrodynamic regimes and geohazards in marine environments for offshore energy installation and production;
  • ILO3 - Define current offshore renewable energy technologies and systems ;
  • ILO4 - Describe the stages, scopes and equipment of an offshore site investigation campaign;
  • ILO5 - Interpret specialised offshore in-situ and laboratory soil test data;
  • ILO6 - Perform geotechnical analysis and design of offshore foundations, anchoring systems and pipelines .

Generic skills

  • Problem-solving skills: the ability to engage with unfamiliar problems and identify relevant solution strategies;
  • Critical thinking skills: the ability to analyse and evaluate major alternative points of view;
  • Time-management skills: the ability to meet regular deadlines while balancing competing tasks;
  • Communication skills: the ability to present the outcomes in written reports or oral presentation; and
  • Teamwork skills: the ability to collaborate effectively with other team members in a diverse team.

Last updated: 3 November 2022