Evaluating South Pars Gas Field from Geotechnical Point of View

South Pars is one of the greatest offshore gas fields around the world. During last decade, numerous geotechnicalinvestigations have been carried out in this area for designing deep foundations of offshore oil and gas extractionfacilities. Piezocone Penetration Tests (PCPTs) are widely performed in this area up to the depth of around 130 m below the seabed. Shear strength of different soil layers are evaluated using various in-situ and laboratory tests including unconsolidated-undrained (UU) triaxial, torvane, miniature vane and pocket penetrometer. In this paper, local geotechnical site characterization of South Pars field is presented. Cone factor which relates the undrained shearstrength of soil to the cone tip resistance of PCPT is mainly focused. This parameter is directly employed in the designof offshore pile foundations. The variation of cone factor within South Pars field based on PCPT results and the relevant discussions are given. The deformation characteristics of marine clayey soils in the considered field are evaluated as well. The current study will be applicable for the offshore geotechnical engineers who are particularly involved in South Pars field projects