PETRONAS TECHNICAL STANDARDS

Advance Geotechnical In-Situ Testing Requirements

PTS 11.27.03
October 2017

© 2017 PETROLIAM NASIONAL BERHAD (PETRONAS)

All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form
or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the permission of the copyright
owner. PETRONAS Technical Standards are Company’s internal standards and meant for authorized users only.
 PTS 11.27.03
October 2017
ADVANCE GEOTECHNICAL IN-SITU TESTING REQUIREMENTS
Page 2 of 17

FOREWORD

PETRONAS Technical Standards (PTS) has been developed based on the accumulated knowledge,
experience and best practices of the PETRONAS group supplementing National and International
standards where appropriate. The key objective of PTS is to ensure standard technical practice across
the PETRONAS group. Compliance to PTS is compulsory for PETRONAS-operated facilities and Joint
Ventures (JVs) where PETRONAS has more than fifty percent (50%) shareholding and/or operational
control, and includes all phases of work activities.

Contractors/manufacturers/suppliers who use PTS are solely responsible in ensuring the quality of
work, goods and services meet the required design and engineering standards. In the case where
specific requirements are not covered in the PTS, it is the responsibility of the
Contractors/manufacturers/suppliers to propose other proven or internationally established
standards or practices of the same level of quality and integrity as reflected in the PTS.

In issuing and making the PTS available, PETRONAS is not making any warranty on the accuracy or
completeness of the information contained in PTS. The Contractors/manufacturers/suppliers shall
ensure accuracy and completeness of the PTS used for the intended design and engineering
requirement and shall inform the Owner for any conflicting requirement with other international
codes and technical standards before start of any work.

PETRONAS is the sole copyright holder of PTS. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored
in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, recording or
otherwise) or be disclosed by users to any company or person whomsoever, without the prior written
consent of PETRONAS.

The PTS shall be used exclusively for the authorised purpose. The users shall arrange for PTS to be
kept in safe custody and shall ensure its secrecy is maintained and provide satisfactory information to
PETRONAS that this requirement is met.
 PTS 11.27.03
October 2017
ADVANCE GEOTECHNICAL IN-SITU TESTING REQUIREMENTS
Page 3 of 17

Table of Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 4
1.1 SCOPE ............................................................................................................................ 4
1.2 GLOSSARY OF TERMS..................................................................................................... 4
1.3 SUMMARY OF CHANGES ............................................................................................... 4
2.0 ADVANCE GEOTECHNICAL IN-SITU TESTING TOOLS REQUIREMENTS ...................... 5
2.1 T-BAR PENETROMETER .................................................................................................. 5
2.2 BALL PENETROMETER .................................................................................................... 5
2.3 BAT PROBE ..................................................................................................................... 5
2.4 PACKER TEST .................................................................................................................. 6
2.5 IN SITU PORE PRESSURE DISSIPATION TEST .................................................................. 7
2.6 P-S LOGGING.................................................................................................................. 8
2.7 SEISMIC CPTU (SCPTU)................................................................................................... 8
3.0 MINIMUM TESTING REQUIREMENTS FOR ADVANCE GEOTECHNICAL IN-SITU
TESTING TOOLS ..................................................................................................... 9
3.1. GENERAL ........................................................................................................................ 9
4.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY .................................................................................................... 10
APPENDIX 1: OVERVIEW OF ADVANCE GEOTECHNICAL IN-SITU TESTING TOOLS FOR
OFFSHORE SOIL INVESTIGATIONS ................................................................................... 11
APPENDIX 2: T-BAR PENETROMETER AND BALL PENETROMETER .................................... 13
APPENDIX 3: BAT PROBE ................................................................................................ 14
APPENDIX 4: PACKER TEST .............................................................................................. 15
APPENDIX 5: P-S LOGGING .............................................................................................. 16
APPENDIX 6: SCPTU ........................................................................................................ 17
 PTS 11.27.03
October 2017
ADVANCE GEOTECHNICAL IN-SITU TESTING REQUIREMENTS
Page 4 of 17

1.0 INTRODUCTION
This PTS specifies the minimum technical requirements for advance offshore geotechnical in-
situ testing for the purpose of site suitability and offshore structures foundation integrity
assessment.
This PTS adopts international codes and standards with additional requirements based on
PETRONAS lessons learnt and best practices.

1.1 SCOPE

1.1.1 This PTS covers the following:

i. Minimum technical requirements for advance offshore geotechnical in-situ test.
ii. Qualilty assurance requirements for various advance offshore geotechnical in-situ
testing.

1.2 GLOSSARY OF TERMS

1.2.1 General Definition of Terms & Abbreviations

Refer to PTS Requirements, General Definition of Terms, Abbreviations & Reading Guide
PTS 00.01.03 for General Definition of Terms & Abbreviations.

1.2.2 Specific Definition of Terms

None

1.2.3 Specific Abbreviations

No. Abbreviation Description

1. BH Borehole
2. CPT / CPTU Cone Penetration Test /
Cone Penetration Test with Pore Pressure Measurement
3. BAT Bengt Arne Torstensson
4. P-S Primary wave velocity – Shear wave velocity
5. SCPTU Seismic Cone Penetration Test with Pore Pressure
Measurement

Table 1: Specific Abbreviations

1.3 SUMMARY OF CHANGES

This is a new PTS.
 PTS 11.27.03
October 2017
ADVANCE GEOTECHNICAL IN-SITU TESTING REQUIREMENTS
Page 5 of 17

2.0 ADVANCE GEOTECHNICAL IN-SITU TESTING TOOLS REQUIREMENTS

2.1 T-BAR PENETROMETER

2.1.1 Data acquisition accuracy requirements for T-bar penetrometer shall be in accordance
with the requirements for the piezocone penetration test, as per ISO 19901-8: 2014.

2.1.2 T-bar penetrometer shall be 40mm in diameter and 250mm in length, which gives a
projected area of 10000mm2. Refer to APPENDIX B. The surface area shall be lightly sand-
blasted.

2.1.3 Zero-reference readings for T-bar penetrometer, deployed in seafloor non-drilling mode
shall be recorded before and after each test. Reference shall be at seafloor or a fixed
distance above seafloor.

2.1.4 Reporting of results from T-bar penetrometer shall include:

i. T-bar resistance during penetration and extraction
ii. Net remoulded T-bar resistance
iii. Inclination

2.2 BALL PENETROMETER

2.2.1 Data acquisition accuracy requirements for ball penetrometer, similarly to the T-bar
penetrometer shall be in accordance with the requirements for the piezocone penetration
test, as per ISO 19901-8: 2014.

2.2.2 Ball penetrometer shall be 113mm in diameter, which gives a projected area of
10000mm2, directly attached to the standard cone rods. Refer to APPENDIX B. Similarly to
the T-bar penetrometer, the surface area shall be lightly sand-blasted.

2.2.3 Zero-reference readings for ball penetrometer, deployed in seafloor non-drilling/drilling

mode shall be recorded before and after each test. Reference shall be at seafloor or a
fixed distance above seafloor. If test conducted from a vessel, zero-reference readings
shall be at the deck level. Additionally, reference readings at the bottom of the borehole
shall be recorded and compared to theoretically calculated values.

2.2.4 Reporting of results from ball penetrometer shall include:

i. Ball resistance during penetration and extraction
ii. Net remoulded ball resistance
iii. Inclination

2.3 BAT PROBE

2.3.1 BAT probe shall be pushed into soil at a speed of 1 to 2 cm/sec.

 PTS 11.27.03
October 2017
ADVANCE GEOTECHNICAL IN-SITU TESTING REQUIREMENTS
Page 6 of 17

2.3.2 The test duration shall be sufficiently long to sample at least 15ml in-situ pore water plus
the quantity of water used to saturate the filters, normal testing time in clays is 60 to 120
minutes and in sand is 2 to 5 minutes. Refer to APPENDIX C.

2.3.3 Upon retrieval of the BAT probe, the container shall be tested immediately using a gas
chromatograph.

2.3.4 For each BAT probe test, the following items shall be reported in the report:
i. BAT probe sensor serial number
ii. Temperature in probe during sampling of pore water
iii. Water-gas saturation
iv. Type of gas (if any)
v. Permeability of soil around filter

2.4 PACKER TEST

2.4.1 Packer test tool and testing method shall be in accordance to ASTM D4645-04.

2.4.2 At least one soil sample shall be taken adjacent to or at position where packer test is
performed. Classification and soil undrained strength tests shall be performed at the
sample. Remaining sample shall be waxed and bagged. Retrieving, handling and
preservation of sample shall be performed in accordance to PTS 11.27.01.

2.4.3 Test length for packer test should be about 1.0m to 1.5m. Refer to APPENDIX D.

2.4.4 Flow rate of the packer shall be controlled to produce 20% to 30% volumetric expansion.
A constant pressurising fluid shall be applied, while the pressure and total flow is
monitored until the pressure reaches a constant level or suddenly decreases

2.4.5 Re-fracturing test shall be done after every test. Prior testing, the volume tested shall be
allowed to decrease back to initial level.

2.4.6 Measurement of pressure shall include:

i. Maximum fracture value
ii. Steady state flow
iii. Close-up pressure
iv. Re-fracturing value

2.4.7 For each set of packer test, the following items shall be reported in the report:
i. Inflation pressure in packer
ii. Flow-rate
iii. Zero reading of pressure in volume to be tested
iv. Viscosity and density of pressuring fluid
 PTS 11.27.03
October 2017
ADVANCE GEOTECHNICAL IN-SITU TESTING REQUIREMENTS
Page 7 of 17

v. Plot of measured pressure (MPa) and flow-rate (liters/minute) versus and/or total
flow (Linear scale)

2.5 IN SITU PORE PRESSURE DISSIPATION TEST

2.5.1 Pore pressure dissipation test shall be performed with a piezocone penetrometer.

2.5.2 The test depth for a dissipation test should be at least 1.5m below bottom of borehole
before stop in penetration and start of dissipation test. Cone resistance, qc and sleeve
friction, fs should be recorded during the test.

2.5.3 There are a four types of pore pressure dissipation test according to Table 2.

Test Type Description Test duration

1 Pore pressure dissipation for estimation of Typically 90 % dissipation

in situ equilibrium pore pressure of the pore pressure
immediately before the
penetration interruption,
relative to the estimated in
situ equilibrium pore
pressure

2 Pore pressure dissipation for estimation of Typically 50 % dissipation

coefficient of (radial) consolidation in fine of the pore pressure
grained, low permeability soil immediately before the
penetration interruption,
relative to the estimated in
situ equilibrium pore
pressure

3 Pore pressure dissipation for qualitative Typically <600 s

indication of soil permeability

4 Pore pressure dissipation to distinguish Typically <60 s

between drained, undrained and partially
drained soil behaviour during cone
penetration

Table 2: Test types for dissipation test and its duration

2.5.4 Data acquisition accuracy requirements for in situ pore pressure dissipation test to be in
accordance with the requirements for the piezocone penetration test, as per ISO 19901-
8: 2014.

2.5.5 Reporting of results from in situ pore pressure dissipation test shall consist of:
 PTS 11.27.03
October 2017
ADVANCE GEOTECHNICAL IN-SITU TESTING REQUIREMENTS
Page 8 of 17

i. Pore pressure, u2 and cone resistance, qc, versus time and log time, including the
values of pore pressure (u2i) and cone resistance (qci) immediately before the
penetration interruption
ii. Normalized excess pore pressure, U presented versus log time.

2.6 P-S LOGGING

2.6.1 P-S logging is a method of measuring seismic wave velocity profile for deep, uncased
borehole and shall be performed in accordance as per ASTM D7400-08. Refer to APPENDIX
E.

2.6.2 Test section should be limited to 10m open hole length before disconnecting another
drilling pipe joint.

2.6.3 Reporting of results from P-S logging shall be presented as function of depth and shall
include:
i. P and S waveform record
ii. P and S wave travel time in ms
iii. Velocity of P and S wave in m/s.

2.7 SEISMIC CPTU (SCPTU)

2.7.1 Seismic CPTU shall be be performed in accordance as per ISO 19901-8: 2014 or ASTM
D7400-08. Refer to APPENDIX F.

2.7.2 The test depth for a SCPTU should be at least 1.5m below bottom of borehole before stop
in penetration and start of dissipation test. Cone resistance, qc, pore pressure, u2 and
sleeve friction, fs should be recorded during the test.

2.7.3 Reporting of results from SCPTU shall consist of:

i. Difference in depths between the seismic source and the position of the seismic
receiver
ii. Average, or interval, shear wave velocity, vs, for the depth interval(s) over which
it has been measured
 PTS 11.27.03
October 2017
ADVANCE GEOTECHNICAL IN-SITU TESTING REQUIREMENTS
Page 9 of 17

3.0 MINIMUM TESTING REQUIREMENTS FOR ADVANCE GEOTECHNICAL IN-SITU TESTING TOOLS

3.1. GENERAL

3.1.1 Table 3 specifies the minimum testing requirements for advance geotechnical in-situ
testing tools.

Advance
Associated
Geotechnic Minimum Testing
Geotechnical Remarks
al In Situ Requirements
Problems
Tools

T-Bar Continuous push  Pipeline-riser Use of T-Bar may be limited

Penetrome from seabed to soil interaction to 40m depth below ground
ter / Ball stiff layer  Skirted
Penetrome foundations
ter penetration,
bearing capacity
 Slope stabilty
BAT Probe One (1) test at Shallow Gas Limited to 700m (water
suspected gassy depth + drilling depth)
soil layer

Packer Test Two (2) tests in Conductor Setting Perform conductor setting
clay before setting Depth depth calculation as per PTS
depth and one (1) 11.22.02 to obtain the
test in clay after setting depth
setting depth
In Situ Pore One (1) test at Shallow gas Refer to section 4.5.2 and
Pressure clay/sand layer 4.5.3
Dissipation
Test
P-S Logging One (1) test at  Liquefaction Testing borehole to be
every 4m interval pumped with drilling mud to
prevent borehole wall from
collapsing prior lowering
probe into the borehole.
SCPTU One (1) test at  Liquefaction  SCPTU cone to penetrate
every 4m interval to at least 1.5m below
bottom of borehole
before stop in
penetration and start of
test.
 Maximum testing depth
of 40m below ground
Table 3: Minimum testing requirements for advance geotechnical in situ testing tools
 PTS 11.27.03
October 2017
ADVANCE GEOTECHNICAL IN-SITU TESTING REQUIREMENTS
Page 10 of 17

4.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY

In this PTS, reference is made to the following Standards/Publications. Unless specifically

designated by date, the latest edition of each publication shall be used, together with any
supplements/revisions thereto:

PETRONAS TECHNICAL STANDARDS

Index to PTS PTS 00.01.01
Requirements, General Definition of Terms, Abbreviations & Reading PTS 00.01.03
Guide
Offshore Site Investigation for Fixed Offshore Platform PTS 11.27.01
and Jack Up Locations
Design of Fixed Offshore Structures PTS 11.22.02

INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS

Petroleum and natural gas industries - Specic Requirements for ISO 19901-8:
Offshore Structures - Part 8: Marine Soil Investigations 2014

Standard Test Methods for Downhole Seismic Testing ASTM D7400-08

Determination of the In-Situ Stress in Rock Using the Hydraulic ASTM D4645-04
Fracturing Method
 PTS 11.27.03
October 2017
ADVANCE GEOTECHNICAL IN-SITU TESTING REQUIREMENTS
Page 11 of 17

APPENDIX 1: OVERVIEW OF ADVANCE GEOTECHNICAL IN-SITU TESTING TOOLS FOR OFFSHORE

SOIL INVESTIGATIONS

A1.1 Table 4 provides the overview of advance in-situ testing tools available for offshore soil
investigation

In-situ test
Main purpose
method

Seismic CPTU Shear wave velocity in addition to CPT/CPTU use

Pore water/gas sampling and determination of gas

BAT Probe
content

In-situ Pore
In-situ pore water pressure coefficient of
Pressure
consolidation
Dissipation Test

P-S Logging Shear wave velocity

T-Bar / Ball
Undrained shear strength of soft clays
Penetrometer

Packer Test Conductor setting depth

Table 4: Overview of advance in-situ testing tools for offshore soil investigation

A1.2 Reference shall be made with accordance to section 2.2 of PTS 11.27.01 on the planning
and requirement for site investigation campaign.

A1.3 Table 5 illustrates the interpretation capability of advance offshore in situ testing tool for
a particular soil type and its reliability.
 PTS 11.27.03
October 2017
ADVANCE GEOTECHNICAL IN-SITU TESTING REQUIREMENTS
Page 12 of 17

Strength Deformation Flow

Initial State
Soil Soil Soil parameters parameters Characteristics Special
Test Tool
profiling identification Type , OC Application
u Ko su St c,  E, G M Gmax k ch
Dr R
T-Bar Clay - - 3 - 1-2 1-2 - - - - - -
2 1-2 Soft clays
Penetrometer Sand - - - - - - - - - - - -
Ball Clay - - 3 - 1-2 1-2 - - - - - -
2 1-2 Soft clays
Penetrometer Sand - - - - - - - - - - - -
Clay - - - 2 - - - - - - 1 2-3
BAT Probe - - Shallow gas
Sand - - - - - - - - - - 2 2-3
Conductor
Clay - - - 2-3 - - - - - - - -
Packer Test - - setting
Sand - - - - - - - - - - - -
depth
In situ Pore
Pressure Clay - 1-2 - - - - - - - - 3 2 In situ pore
- -
Dissipation Sand - 1 - - - - - - - - - - pressure
Test
Clay - - - - - - - 5 5 1 - - Liquefaction
P-S Logging - -
Sand - - - - - - - 3-4 2-3 1 - - potential
Seismic CPTU Clay 3-4 2 3 4-5 2 2-3 3-4 5 5 1 2-4 2-3 Liquefaction
1 1-2
(SCPTU) Sand 2 1 4 4-5 - - 2 3-4 2-3 1 - - potential
Reliability assessment Soil parameter
1 - High reliability  = Soil unit weight su = Undrained shear strength M = Constrained modulus
2 - High to moderate reliability Dr = Relative density St = Sensitivity Gmax = small strain shear modulus
3 - Moderate reliability u = In situ pore pressure c,  = Effective stress shear strength parameter k = coefficient of permeability
4 - Moderate to low reliability OCR = Overconsolidation ratio E = Young’s modulus ch = coefficient of consolidation
5 - Low reliability Ko = Coefficient of earth pressure at rest G = Shear modulus

Table 5: Summary of interpretation capability of offshore in situ tests

 PTS 11.27.03
October 2017
ADVANCE GEOTECHNICAL IN-SITU TESTING REQUIREMENTS
Page 13 of 17

APPENDIX 2: T-BAR PENETROMETER AND BALL PENETROMETER

Figure 1: T-bar and Ball Penetrometer Dimensions

In addition, net ball penetrometer (T-bar) resistance should be presented according to the simplified
formula as per below:
qball (qT-bar)= qm−[σv0 + u0(1 −a)](As/Ap)
Where
qball (qT-bar) is the net penetration resistance for the ball (T-bar);
qm is the measured penetration resistance;
u0 is the applicable hydrostatic water pressure at the mid-height of the ball (T-bar);
σv0 is the in situ total vertical stress;
Ap is the projected area of the penetrometer in a plane normal to the shaft;
a is the net area ratio = An/As, where
An is the area of the load cell or shaft where pore pressure can act,
As is the cross-sectional area of the connecting shaft.
For the reporting of cyclic tests, the net remoulded ball (T-bar) penetration resistance denoted as:
qball,rem (qT-bar,rem)
 PTS 11.27.03
October 2017
ADVANCE GEOTECHNICAL IN-SITU TESTING REQUIREMENTS
Page 14 of 17

APPENDIX 3: BAT PROBE

Figure 2: BAT Probe tool

 PTS 11.27.03
October 2017
ADVANCE GEOTECHNICAL IN-SITU TESTING REQUIREMENTS
Page 15 of 17

APPENDIX 4: PACKER TEST

Figure 3: Single Packer Assembly

 PTS 11.27.03
October 2017
ADVANCE GEOTECHNICAL IN-SITU TESTING REQUIREMENTS
Page 16 of 17

APPENDIX 5: P-S LOGGING

Figure 4: P-S Logging Setup

 PTS 11.27.03
October 2017
ADVANCE GEOTECHNICAL IN-SITU TESTING REQUIREMENTS
Page 17 of 17

APPENDIX 6: SCPTU

Figure 5: SCPTU system layout onboard a vessel