Integration of Geophysical and Geotechnical Data for the Routing of Power Cables - IFA2 Interconnector (France-UK)

We present a case-study of the marine survey for the IFA2 Interconnector project between France and the UK, with a focus on the benefits of integration of geophysical, geological and geotechnical datasets within a geologically focussed ground model. Integration of geophysical and geotechnical data played a key role in developing a ground model for the proposed cable route. This ground model was ultimately used to create a geotechnical zonation along the route centreline applicable for onward use in future cable engineering studies. Four stages of the project are described where integration of datasets played a key role: the preparation of a pre-survey desk study to inform the selection of appropriate geophysical sensors and survey planning, geophysical data interpretation and refinement of geotechnical specifications, early stage integration involving correlation of geotechnical data with geophysical interpretation and final geophysical/geotechnical data integration and creation of a geotechnical zonation for later engineering analyses and decision making.