Geophysical and Geotechnical Investigation of a Complex Offshore Foundation Ground Affected by Glacial/Postglacial Sedimentation Processes (German North Sea)

The complexity of the North Sea sediments resulting from the Quaternary glacial history requires a thorough assessment of the local depositional environment to determine appropriate foundation dimensions or to even exclude specific areas from construction. In this study geophysical and geotechnical methods were combined to assess a potential offshore foundation ground in the southern German North Sea. Due to a dense net of multichannel seismic lines the very heterogeneous subsurface structures were mapped and prominent glacial buried valleys were identified in the study area. Geotechnical methods applied at selected locations were used to investigate the bearing capabilities of the soil. The results show, that the infill types of glacial buried valleys have to be taken into account regarding the suitability of foundation ground.