Output details

A numerical simulation of underwater slope failures generated by salt diapirism combined with active sedimentation

Challenging, state-of-the-art analyses of Mardi Gras underwater escarpment in Gulf of Mexico, involving progressive failure and extreme material and geometric nonlinearities. Early research of Potts developed to allow for geometric nonlinearity. Novel boundary conditions developed to simulate excavation and construction underwater and to account for the changing stress and pore-water pressure conditions during geological history of seabed formation. Sponsorship by BP America accelerated uptake. Results had immediate impact on risk assessment and early-warning monitoring system design for pipelines currently under development on this escarpment, leading to BP America sponsoring further research on Mad Dog2 escarpment with different geological history (Edward.Clukey@bp.com).