Oil & Gas Geotechnical Engineering in Georgia

Pipeline corridor investigation combines desktop study (geological mapping, satellite imagery, historical hazard data), geophysical profiling along the route, and targeted boreholes at structurally critical points: river crossings, fault intersections, slope sections, and pumping/compressor stations. CPT and SPT are used to characterise soil strength and stratigraphy, with laboratory testing focused on expansion potential, undrained strength, and liquefaction resistance.

We perform deep boreholes at the tank perimeter and centre, with consolidation testing on representative samples. Settlement is calculated for immediate, primary consolidation, and secondary creep components. Differential settlement across the tank diameter is checked against API 653 limits. Where settlement exceeds tolerance, ground improvement options (stone columns, deep soil mixing, piles) are evaluated against project constraints.

Many Georgian oil & gas sites sit on saturated alluvial sands or silty soils that can lose strength under earthquake shaking. We screen for liquefaction using SPT- and CPT-based simplified methods (Boulanger and Idriss, NCEER), then evaluate post-liquefaction settlement and lateral spreading. For critical assets, ground improvement or alternative foundation systems are designed to mitigate the risk to acceptable performance levels.

Active fault crossings require permanent ground displacement analysis: the expected fault offset, depth, and angle are characterised by geological mapping and trenching. The pipe is then designed to accommodate large strains through ductile steel grades, increased wall thickness, reduced friction at the soil interface, and sometimes purpose-built shallow cover. Lessons from the BTC pipeline corridor inform our approach for new fault crossings.

Eurocode 8 is the primary standard for seismic design, complemented by API 650 and API 653 for storage tanks, and project-specific lender requirements. Most Georgian sites fall in seismic zones II-III with PGA from 0.15 g to 0.30 g. We provide site-specific response spectra and ground motion parameters where required by the project.

Yes. Our geotechnical reports are structured to international standards (Eurocode 7, ASTM, ISO 9001) and integrate with the workflows of major EPC contractors active in the Caucasus energy sector. We provide native English-language reporting, BIM-compatible deliverables where required, and direct engineering support throughout design and construction.

Yes. Georgian Geotechnical Group has delivered the geotechnical investigation for the Saguramo Oil & Gas Corporation site and supported additional energy infrastructure projects across the South Caucasus. Our team combines local geological knowledge with international engineering standards expected by oil & gas operators and their lenders.