Delivering Geophysical Support for Sand Bunds

Challenge 

Our client is a leading contractor in offshore energy and marine infrastructure redevelopment, and in January 2025, commissioned SOCOTEC Ireland to provide specialist geophysical support on a complex infrastructure site. 

The site required traditional intrusive investigation, which could have been disruptive, time consuming and potentially high risk due to working in areas requiring tidal management. The client required reliable sub-surface information to support design and asset management decisions while maintaining operational continuity and working to a tight programme.  

A two-phase strategy for intrusive investigation works was adopted: all Cone Penetration Testing (CPT) operations would be followed by borehole drilling activities to minimise traffic management and disruption, control overall project cost and reduce health and safety risk, while still delivering engineering data. 

The biggest challenge was to evaluate the structural integrity of extensive sand bunds composed of historic tailings deposits, which were designated to receive additional dredged material from a harbour expansion. Accurate geotechnical assessment was essential to predict how these bunds would perform under new load conditions. 

Project description and overview 

The investigation involved a comprehensive ground testing programme around the one-mile circumference of the sand bunds. The site lay in close proximity to critical infrastructure and environmentally sensitive receptors, so the investigation needed to balance data quality with stringent health, safety and environmental requirements. 

The key objectives were to characterise subsurface stratigraphy, assess ground or foundation stiffness, and identify any areas with load shearing potential that could influence future works, regulatory compliance and long-term asset performance. 

Conclusion 

SOCOTEC delivered a focused intrusive geotechnical investigation that provided the client with clear, actionable insight into subsurface conditions in support of their project objectives.  

The combination of techniques, targeted to the specific site constraints, ensured high quality data acquisition while avoiding significant disruption to existing operations. The findings enabled more efficient planning of any follow up intrusive works and supported robust, evidence-based decisions on design, remediation and asset management.  

This approach reflects the proven value of SOCOTEC’s geotechnical services and demonstrates their suitability for similar projects where programme, safety and operational continuity are critical.