Latest News - Spring 2007
SEtech are pleased to announce completion of their Finpile research contract.
This was funded by the DTI and was focused on achieving improved lateral capacity
and stiffness of monopile foundations being used almost exclusively for offshore
wind turbines.
The work included finite element modelling, laboratory testing and field
trials of piles and demonstrated that savings of up to 30% of steel weight
could be achieved in some ground conditions. Other benefits are also anticipated
to reduce requirements for drill outs and extension of monopile type foundations
into deeper water depths.
The work has been presented to several windfarm developers and to a recent
DTI research seminar in London. Considerable interest is being generated in
the work and we are hopeful that the technique will be used on a met mast
foundation in the near future.
In conjunction with sister company Gardline Marine Sciences Ltd, SEtech
offer an integrated planning, survey and engineering service for the submarine
telecoms industry. This was demonstrated for a new fibre optic cable link
connecting the UK mainland to Guernsey and Brittany, France. Following an
initial desk top study, survey permitting was carried out by SEtech. Following
completion of the route survey, SEtech also carried out a burial assessment.
Working together on this fast track project, Gardline and SEtech were able
to offer a fully integrated service.
SEtech have developed a strong track record in suction pile design with a
number of projects completed off west Africa on behalf of Acergy. SEtech is
also currently undertaking suction pile design for a PLEM structure for a field
development off Malaysia on behalf of Acergy Asia.
SEtech has recently partnered London Marine Consultants (LMC) in the
design of FPSO suction anchors for the Sonagol Gimboa project, offshore Angola.
SEtech undertook the specialist geotechical design with LMC completing the
structural design. This was the first collaboration between the two companies
and used the skills of both to their best advantage.
Following on from the UK Round 1 offshore wind farm sites, SEtech has been
working on a number of the Round 2 sites currently at the planning stage.
SEtech have recently completed a foundation feasibility study for a proposed
east coast Round 2 site as part of the Front End Engineering and Design (FEED).
The study comprised a review of site conditions to aid turbine layout selection
and preliminary foundation sizing. Consideration was given to a range of foundation
options including gravity base, monopile and finpile.
In conjuction with Gardline Geosciences and Marine GeoSystem, France, SEtech
provided engineering support to geotechnical surveys for two Round 2 wind
farm sites. Each project comprised the drilling of boreholes advanced by rotary
drilling from an anchored barge. Operations and client liaison was managed
by Marine GeoSystem, with Gardline Geosciences performing offshore and onshore
geotechnical testing. In addition to providing offshore staff, SEtech undertook
the factual and interpretative reporting for the projects.
Current Vacancies
- Senior Geotechnical Engineer (North Shields, Tyne and Wear)
- Intermediate Geotechnical Engineers (North Shields, Tyne and Wear)
- Senior Geotechnical Engineer (Great Yarmouth, Norfolk)
Further details on these vacancies
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