Advanced Sediment Characterization

Abstract

Soil data accumulated during the last century and more recent developments in sensors and information technology prompt the development of new geotechnical solutions for soil assessment. We have advanced three complementary tools: Lab-on-a-Bench, the soil properties database with corresponding IT Tool and the in-situ characterization Multiphysics Probe. Lab-on-a-Bench technology combines cutting-edge sensors and sensing concepts within compact devices and effective laboratory protocols to allow multi physics soil characterization: specific surface measurements for fine-grained soils and particle size distribution, shape, packing densities and angle of repose for coarse-grained soils using image analysis and corresponding devices. The soil properties database and complementary IT Tool provide a self-consistent set of soil parameters based on known properties. The advances in in-situ characterization focus on a Multiphysics Probe and include measurements of remnant magnetization to identify metalliferous sediments for deep-sea mining applications and shear wave measurements for stiffness assessments. All methods, protocols, devices and technology are applied to Red Sea sediments to establish a baseline for future industrial and economic developments