Review of the importance of detailed sample inspection for input to the ground model and geohazard assessment

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Detailed sample inspection, observation and integration are critical to improving the understanding of geotechnical test results, the evolving geological model and geohazard assessment. However, variability exists between developers in how much time and costs of the overall project is dedicated to detailed sample inspection. It is often dependent on the availability of samples and the understanding of the geological history of the site and is not performed as standard despite the relatively low cost and time implications to the overall project and the increased knowledge that can be developed from the detailed inspection in the site characterization.

This paper presents learnings from a global project example highlighting the importance of making observations on individual samples through geologically focussed hand specimen description, detailed sedimentological logging and microscopic analysis to ensure a comprehensive understanding of composition and structure for input into the geohazard assessment and particularly slope stability analysis.

The project is in a complex geological location where it was deemed important to understand the evolution of the sediments to aid data integration, ground modelling and geohazard assessment. An initial desk study was compiled including recommendations for targeting detailed geological logging.

The advice that samples should be inspected on the macro- and microscale, with observations integrated into the developing ground model, ensured a comprehensive understanding of the evolutionary history of the site; which combined with the site-specific input into the geohazard assessment within the time frame of the site investigation meant there was therefore minimal impact on the overall project timeline.

5th International Symposium on Frontiers in Offshore Geotechnics (ISFOG2025)

1 - Site investigation strategies, geohazards and integrated studies