Decision Analysis for Jack-up Foundation Embedment in Shallow Offshore Nigeria

Abstract

Drilling operations in offshore waters less than 120m is commonly carried out on Jack-up rigs. The installation of spudcan footing of these rigs is both delicate and significantly risky, with potential prospects of litigation, where foundation analysis decisions are defective. Case studies of spudcan soil penetration analysis for different soil conditions and stratigraphic configurations are presented along with the decision analysis for spudcan foundation embedment. The study identifies significant natural variability in soil composition, reflecting the complex hydrodynamics governing sedimentation in the Niger Delta. It confirms the working load and spudcan geometry as crucial factors in the determination of risks free embedment depths.