Fugro increases Houston laboratory advanced soil testing capacity
Fugro’s Houston laboratory, one of the largest private geotechnical laboratories in the world, has recently doubled its advanced soil testing capacity for three-way bender element triaxial and cyclic simple shear testing to meet the growing demand from offshore wind projects in the US. Three-way bender element testing is performed on triaxial tests and uses piezoelectric transducers to determine shear wave velocity in different directions, which is incorporated into the design of the offshore wind turbine foundations. Cyclic simple shear tests determine the dynamic soil properties used to analyse offshore wind turbines under wave and seismic loading conditions.
By the end of June, Fugro will have increased cyclic simple shear testing and triaxial testing capacity by 60 % through a total of 20 automated triaxial stations. These automated stations control the vertical and horizontal stresses that replicate the unique conditions of the soil surrounding wind farm turbine foundations to determine the soil’s holding capacity.
Victor Taboada, Fugro’s Marine Geotechnical Engineering Manager in the Americas, said: “This expansion of our advanced laboratory testing capabilities is an exciting development that will ensure our ability to fulfil the increasing soil testing requirements coming from time-sensitive offshore wind projects in the US.”
Located on Fugro’s Houston campus, the Houston laboratory currently occupies 1200 m2 and employs 30 laboratory technicians managing over 140 testing stations. Fugro’s international reach allows the Houston laboratory to provide round-the-clock solutions by utilising the increasing capacity of Fugro’s geotechnical laboratories across the world, including in the UK, Australia, Singapore and, following the recent acquisition of OREX SC, in Belgium.
For more information
Victor Taboada vtaboada@fugro.com
About Fugro
Fugro is the world’s leading Geo-data specialist, collecting and analysing comprehensive information about the Earth and the structures built upon it. Adopting an integrated approach that incorporates acquisition and analysis of Geo-data and related advice, Fugro provides solutions. With expertise in site characterisation and asset integrity, clients are supported in the safe, sustainable and efficient design, construction and operation of their assets throughout the full lifecycle.
Employing approximately 10,000 talented people in 61 countries, Fugro serves clients around the globe, predominantly in the energy and infrastructure industries, both offshore and onshore. In 2019, revenue amounted to EUR 1.6 billion. The company is listed on Euronext Amsterdam.