SITE INVESTIGATIONS FOR THE NORTH SEA FORTIES FIELD

This Paper presents an outline of the soil conditions in the North Sea and a detailed description of the soils in the Forties Field. A review is given of the various stages of the investigations and of the different techniques used, followed by a critical comparison of the results. Finally a summary is presented of the driving records of the first two structures installed in 1974. They provide a check on the accuracy of the assumed soil profiles and soil properties. The overall result of the soil explorations has proved to be satisfactory and the work has added greatly to the success the installation. The studies of the Forties Field have resulted in a new approach and have set a pattern for all present offshore investigations in the North Sea area.