The project involved the construction of a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) regasification facility within the industrial and harbour zone of Porto Empedocle (Agrigento, Italy). Key components included two large underground LNG storage tanks located on reclaimed land, and a 1,000-metre-long offshore breakwater constructed on gently sloping seabed terrain.
GCG was appointed by the Italian energy provider to provide specialist geotechnical advice related to the design and construction of the cofferdam structures and base slabs intended to house the LNG tanks.
Following a detailed review of the site investigation data, GCG conducted advanced geotechnical analyses of the hard clay formations present at the site. These analyses were critical in understanding the behaviour of the ground in response to the unusual geometry and depth of the proposed structures. The findings highlighted the need for additional targeted investigations to reduce uncertainty.
GCG also reviewed the geotechnical aspects of the tender designs and carried out independent finite element analyses to optimise the structural performance of the cofferdams. These analyses led to the identification of alternative design solutions that significantly reduced construction risks and delivered cost savings.
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