Development of geotechnical experience on the North West ShelfE.H. Davis Memorial Award Lecture

This paper describes the development of geotechnical experience on the North WestShelf,from the early 70’s when natural gas was first discovered, to 1989 at the completion of the Goodwyn A (GW A) foundation design. The development of the original foundation design criteria for the North Rankin A (NRA) platform is outlined along with the realisation that a significant remedial programme was needed with the adoption of a solution based on end bearing. The logic for adoption of drilled and grouted piles for the GW A platform and the development of design criteria for these piles is also discussed.