IDP GeoSurvey

Geotechnical Site Investigations

Geotechnical site investigations are a key phase when developing and understanding the soil conditions in areas where offshore engineering activities are to take place. A well planned and executed site investigation to locate and identify soil type and composition, fault distribution and bedrock properties on and below an area of interest will assist in determination of the in-situ engineering properties, leading to an understanding of how they may interact with a proposed construction.

IDP GeoSurvey operates a twin motor electric vibrocorer capable of obtaining continuous 86mm core samples in water depths of up to 200 metres. The system is of modular construction, allowing core barrels of between 3 and 6 metres to be fitted, and is capable of recovering cores in a wide variety of marine sediments ranging from silt and sand through to gravel and stiff clay.

IDP GeoSurvey’s personnel are experienced in the operation of vibrocorers, CPT rigs and drilling systems, ensuring samples are acquired safely, quickly and efficiently.

Exploration Geophysics

Exploration geophysics is used to map the surface and sub-surface geology of a region, to identify seabed features and associated underlying structures, spatial distribution of rock units, and to detect faults, folds, shallow gas deposits and intrusive rocks. The acquisition of high quality, well positioned data enables users to plan and manage marine operations, by assisting with the understanding of local features, hazards and regional geology.

IDP GeoSurvey provides clients with a broad range of complementary surveying techniques, including singlebeam and multibeam echosounder, high frequency sidescan sonar, sub-bottom profilers and magnetometer / gradiometer survey. Surface positioning is effected using differentially corrected GPS and high accuracy heading / motion sensors, with accuracies depending on CLIENT requirements, while underwater systems are always positioned with USBL. Systems operated by company include:

Trimble SPS851 RTK DGPS
Veripos Ultra DGPS
Trimble SPS351 SBAS DGPS
Applanix POS-MV Motion / Heading Sensor
iXSea Octans III Heading / Motion Sensor
Knudsen 320MP Singlebeam Echosounder
Reson 7125 and 8125 Echosounders
Kongsberg EM3002 Dual Head Multibeam
Edgetech DF4200 Sidescan Sonar
Geoacoustics 4 Element Pinger
Applied Acoustics 1500J Surface Tow Boomer
Applied Acoustics Squid 2000 Sparker
Marine Magnetics Magnetometer
Marine Magnetics Gradiometer

In addition, IDP can deploy a Datem 3000 mini seabed CPT system, capable of pushing to 10 metres below seabed.

Survey operations can be conducted on 12 or 24 hours per day basis, using IDP’s dedicated vessel, MV Clupea, or from vessels of opportunity as clients or circumstances require. IDP GeoSurvey personnel are experienced in the manufacture and rigging of survey equipment handling systems on vessels of opportunity globally. This includes vessel specific over-side poles and other bespoke systems. Personnel have sometimes carried out mobilisations of vessels under very harsh conditions.

Reporting is undertaken in accordance to OGP specifications at IDP’s offices in Lowestoft or, should clients require it, onboard the vessel while acquisition is taking place.