Geotechnical Characterization of the Eardo Seabed for Offshore Pile Foundation Design

Korea Ocean Research & Development Institute(KORDI) conducted an offshore geotechnical investigation for the Eardo Ocean Research Station with the help of the Fugro International Limited at a site location approximately 152 km away from Mara Island, Korea. The primary purpose of the geotechnical investigation was to obtain information on soil and foundation conditions, and to develop foundation design data for a fixed offshore observation platform. This paper discussed the details of the geotechnical investigation and the foundation design recommendations for the Ocean Research Station. Clear recommendations were proposed for the foundation type of driven pile considering the existing soil conditions.