TransBay Geophysical Survey Suite

 
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Woolpert implemented a complete geophysical survey suite to map the 50-plus mile cable corridor of the Transbay cable that extends from Pittsburg to San Francisco, CA. The suite included dual head multibeam sonar systems with ultra high-resolution MBES (700kHz), a high resolution (450kHz), and dual head ultra-high density. Woolpert used additional innovative techniques such as extended sonar mounts implemented to place the sonar closer to the cable and angular mapping to define any space between the cable and the seabed. The Woolpert team also performed the first 3D CHIRP survey of the cable to create a continuous depth of burial dataset.

Woolpert implemented a complete geophysical survey suite to map the 50-plus mile cable corridor of the Transbay cable that extends from Pittsburg to San Francisco, CA. The suite included dual head multibeam sonar systems with ultra high-resolution MBES (700kHz), a high resolution (450kHz), and dual head ultra-high density. Woolpert used additional innovative techniques such as extended sonar mounts implemented to place the sonar closer to the cable and angular mapping to define any space between the cable and the seabed. The Woolpert team also performed the first 3D CHIRP survey of the cable to create a continuous depth of burial dataset.

Utilizing previous experience with the tripod-mounted micro-multibeam system Blueview BV5000, Woolpert created high-definition 3D point cloud data for close-up imaging of certain areas and features as required to fill in any imagery gaps from the 700kHz multibeam data. Personnel with extensive experience in the cable and pipeline industries performed a rigorous analysis to develop a full cable risk assessment. Areas of exposed cables were identified with high precision, measured, and detailed in a database along with a full inventory of surrounding hazards adjacent to the cable. All multibeam data was handled with Woolpert’s QPS QINSy hydrographic data acquisition, navigation, and processing software package.

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Woolpert designed and created a custom, scalable geodatabase in an ArcGIS and web-based format to house information collected during the survey. The layering of the various georeferenced datasets was possible using comprehensive GIS software tailored to the client’s needs. Some of the tracked features have included the cable route, annual multibeam data, quarterly multibeam data in specific areas, difference surfaces between surveys, objects, crossings, protective mattresses, sandwaves, ridges, and burial depths from subbottom surveys. Also, an AIS tracking system shows live feed of vessels in the area and records a vessel’s location when it comes near or crosses the cable. All of the tracked features in the geodatabase can be turned on or off in the menu option. If a feature is turned on and selected, a pop-up window will appear with point cloud imagery and additional details about the feature.

Location
Pittsburg and San Francisco, CA