Development of a Standard Geohazards Toolbox for Integrated Assessment
Authors: Bradford Kevin J. , Bean Daniel A 
Published: May 2013

Technology advancements have led to an ever-expanding landscape of data, tools and techniques that are available for geohazards assessment. Today's geohazards assessments are required to address ever more complex locations, with increased HSE focus, using a broader range of data, at a variety of resolutions, and with amplified consequences for any mistake—all on shorter timelines. While there is an existing set of integrated standards and best practices for geohazards assessment, this paper discusses areas where the geohazards specialist can add significant value through effective use of the standard tools to:Deliver usable products that affect decisions,Extract more from available data,Provide rapid response to high priority requests, andDe-risk activities and infrastructure placement.

Examples are provided that highlight select tools within the geohazards toolbox and the reasoning behind their use and effectiveness.

Introduction

Geohazards assessment can encompass nearly any aspect of the geology above reservoir level and input can be required at virtually any point in the exploration and development process. As such, geohazards analysis comes in a variety of flavors that ideally take advantage of the increasing number and diversity of tools available to create an integrated assessment. However, geohazards specialists typically find themselves either on small teams, or (not uncommonly) as lone representatives, serving the entire exploration and development community within a given organization. Consequently, efficiency of both interpretation effort and deliverable communication is imperative for any geohazards analysis.

There has been a steady growth in offshore drilling activity over the past year, rig rates are increasing, more rigs are being built, and energy usage is projected to nearly double in the next 20 years (U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2011; Mason, 2012). In an ideal world we would prefer to work with unlimited time and unlimited resources to generate a complete geohazards assessment for any one given project; however, reality necessitates limitation on both time and resources. The trend—as always—is more projects faster. Having a clear grasp of the tools available in our standard toolbox and the reasoning behind choosing a particular tool is critical in meeting project deadlines with available resources.

Using the tools that we have at hand, along with an in depth knowledge of those tools, is the best way to avoid costly and ineffective decisions. This paper discusses areas where the geohazards specialist can add significant value through effective use of the standard tools with the following objectives:Deliver usable products that affect decisionsExtract more from available dataProvide rapid response to high priority requestsDe-risk activities and infrastructure placement

Highlighting the above objectives via project examples, this paper provides a framework for the decision points that move us to different tools. The right tool at the right time can lead to rapid and effective answers, while the wrong tool can lead to wasted time, money and potentially incorrect decisions.