The University of Western Australia

Professor Susan Gourvenec

Professor (on study leave)
Centre for Offshore Foundation Systems

Contact details

Address

Centre for Offshore Foundation Systems
The University of Western Australia (M053)
35 Stirling Highway
CRAWLEY WA 6009
Australia

Phone

6488 3995

Fax

6488 1044

Email

Susan.Gourvenec@uwa.edu.au

Qualifications

BEng Lond., PhD S'ton

Biography

Susan graduated from Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London, England, in 1994 with a honours degree in Civil Engineering. She then moved to the University of Southampton, England, joining their Geotechnical Research Group to do her PhD. Susan’s doctoral research project was funded by and EPSRC CASE award in collaboration with Gibb Limited and investigated three-dimensional effects during diaphragm wall installation and subsequent staged construction sequences. Susan was awarded her PhD in 1998 after which she joined the Soils Group at the University of Cambridge, England, as a Research Associate. At Cambridge, Susan was employed by a jointly funded venture between EPSRC and London Underground Limited, investigating the current and projected future loads carried by the Victorian cast-iron tunnels still in service on the London Underground network.
Susan joined COFS in March 2001

Key research

•Offshore shallow foundations and anchoring systems

•Numerical analysis and centrifuge modeling

•Bearing capacity under general loading, Bearing capacity in uplift capacity, Consolidation around shallow foundations

Publications

Books:

Gourvenec, S and Cassidy, M. J (2005) (Ed.) Frontiers in Offshore Geotechnics. Proc. of the First International Conference on Frontiers in Offshore Geotechnics (ISFOG), Perth, Western Australia, 19-21 September. Taylor & Francis.
Journal papers:
21Acosta-Martinez, H.E. & Gourvenec, S. (Submitted Feb 2009) Centrifuge study of undrained capacity of a skirted foundation under eccentric transient and sustained uplift loading.
20. Govoni, Gourvenec & Gottardi (Submitted Jan 2009) Centrifuge modeling study of bearing capacity of circular surface footings on sand under general planar loading.
19Acosta-Martinez, H.E. and Gourvenec, S. (Submitted Dec 2008) Effect of gapping on the uplift resistance of shallow skirted foundations in clay under transient and sustained loading.
18Krost, K., Gourvenec, S. and White, D. (Submitted May 2008) Consolidation around partially embedded submarine pipelines.
17. Gourvenec, S. and Jensen, K. (Submitted March 2008) Effect of embedment and spacing on co-joined skirted foundation systems on undrained limit states under general loading.
1716.Gourvenec, S. & Randolph, M.F. (2007). (Submitted July 07Feb 2008) Consolidation beneath skirted foundations due to sustained loading.
16. Govoni, Gourvenec & Gottardi (Submitted June 2007) Centrifuge modeling study of bearing capacity of circular surface footings on sand under general planar loading.
15. Gourvenec, S., Acosta-Martinez, H.E. and Randolph, M.F. (Submitted June 20072009) Experimental study of uplift resistance of shallow skirted foundations in clay under concentric transient and sustained loading. Géotechnique Doi: 10.1680/geot.2007.00108
14. Acosta-Martinez, H.E. and Gourvenec, S. (Submitted June 20072008) An experimental investigation of a shallow skirted foundation under compression and tension. Soils and Foundations, Vol. 48, No. 2, 253-260.
13. Gourvenec, S. (Accepted July 20072008) Undrained bearing capacity of embedded footings under general loading. Géotechnique, 58(3): 177–185.Géotechnique.
12. Gourvenec, S. (2007) Failure envelopes for offshore shallow foundation under general loading. Géotechnique, 57, No. 9, pp 715-728.
11 Gourvenec, S. (2007) Shape effects on the capacity of rectangular footings under general loading, Geotechnique 57, No. 8, 637 – 646.
10. Gourvenec, S. and Steinepreis, M. (2007) Undrained limit states of shallow foundations acting in consort. International Journal of Geomechanics. May/June, Vol. 7, No. 3. pp 194-205.
9. Gourvenec, S., Randolph, M.F. and Kingsnorth, O. (2006) Undrained bearing capacity of square and rectangular footings. International Journal of Geomechanics. May/June, Vol. 6, No. 3, pp 147-157.
8. Gourvenec, S., Mair, R.J., Bolton, M.D. and Soga, K. (2005) Ground conditions around an old tunnel in London Clay. Proc. ICE Geotechnical Engineering 158(1): 25-33.
7. Gourvenec, S. and Randolph, M.F. (2003) Effect of strength non-homogeneity on the shape and failure envelopes for combined loading of strip and circular foundations on clay. Geotechnique, 53 (6): 575-586.
6. Gourvenec, S. (2003) Undrained failure of footings under combined load, Australian Geomechanics 38(1): 73-77.
5. Gourvenec, S. and Powrie, W. (2002): 3D effects during excavation in front of a berm supported retaining wall: a case study. Proc. ICE Geotechnical Engineering 155 (3): 163-173.
4. Gourvenec, S. and Powrie, W. (2000): 3D finite element analysis of embedded retaining walls supported by discontinuous earth berms. Canadian Geotechnical Journal (37): 1062-1077.
3. Gourvenec, S. and Powrie, W. (1999): Three dimensional finite element analysis of diaphragm wall installation. Geotechnique, vol. 49, No.6, p801-823.
2. Gourvenec, S. (1997) Low propped walls in clay. Reported in Ground Engineering, July, p. 34 (and Proc. Cooling Prize Finals, British Geotechnical Society).
1. Gourvenec, S. (1997) Geotechnical aspects of the design and construction of the Batheaston bypass. Reported in Ground Engineering, December, p. 33 (and Proc. British Geotechnical Society, ICE Special Lecture 8 Oct., 1997, London).

Conference papers:
28 Gourvenec, S. and Randolph, M.F. (2009) Effect of foundation embedment and soil properties on consolidation response, ISSMGE, Alexandria, Egypt.
27Acosta-Martínez, H.E. and Gourvenec, S.M. (2008). Response of skirted foundations for buoyant facilities subjected to cyclic uplift loading. Proc 18th Intl. Offshore and Polar Engineering Conf., Vancouver, BC, Canada, ISOPE. 2:705-712.
26Gourvenec, S., Govoni, L. and Gottardi, G. (2008) An investigation of the embedment effect on the combined loading behaviour of shallow foundations on sand. Proc. 2nd BGA Int. Conf. on Foundations (ICOF), Dundee, Scotland, 873-884
25. Gourvenec, S. (2007). Numerical analysis of a skirted foundation under tensile load. Proc. 10th Australia-New Zealand Conference on Geomechanics, Brisbane, Australia Vol. 1, pp. 460-465.
24. Gourvenec, S., Acosta-Martinez, H. and Randolph, M.F. (2007). Centrifuge model testing of skirted foundations for offshore oil and gas facilities. Proc. 6th International Conference on Offshore Site Investigation and Geotechnics, Soc. Underwater Technology, London, England, pp. 479-484.
23. Govoni, L., Gottardi, G., Gourvenec, S. & Cassidy, M.J. (2006) Modellazione in centrifuga di fondazioni superficiali su sabbia, Atti del V Convegno Nazionale dei Ricercatori di Ingegneria Geotecnica (Proceedings of the 5th National Symposium of Researchers of Geotechnical Engineering on Shallow and Deep Foundations), Politecnico di Bari, 15-16 Settembre 2006; Vol. 1, pp. 163-175. Hevelius Edizioni, Benevento; Settembre 2006.
22. Gourvenec, S. (2006) Undrained bearing capacity and mechanisms of collapse of square footings under vertical and moment loading. Proc. 6th European Conf. on Numerical Methods Geotech. Engng., Graz, Austria, 533-538. Taylor & Francis.
21.Gourvenec, S. and O’Loughlin C.(2006) Drum centrifuge tests of shallow skirted foundations on soft clay. Proc. Int. Conf. on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics, Hong Kong. 1, 645-650. Taylor & Francis.
20.Govoni, L., Gourvenec, S., Gottardi, G. and Cassidy, M.J. (2006) Drum centrifuge tests of surface and embedded footings on sand. Proc. Int. Conf. on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics, Hong Kong. 1, 651-657. Taylor & Francis.
19.Randolph, M.F. Cassidy, M.J., Gourvenec, S. and Erbrich, C.T. (2005) The Challenges of Offshore Geotechnical Engineering (Keynote) Proc. 16th Int. Symp. Soil Mech. and Geotech. Engng (ISSMGE), Osaka, Japan, Balkema. 1, 123-176.
18.Supachawarote, C., Randolph, M.F. and Gourvenec, S. (2005) The effect of crack formation on the inclined pullout capacity of suction caissons. Proc. 11th Int. Conf. of Int. Assoc. of Computer Methods and Advances in Geomech. (IACMAG), Turin, Italy, Balkema.
17.Supachawarote, C., Randolph, M.F. & Gourvenec, S. (2004): Inclined pullout of suction caissons. Proc. 12th Int. Symp. Offshore and Polar Engng (ISOPE), Toulon, France, Balkema, 500-506.
16.Gourvenec, S. (2004) Bearing capacity under combined loading – a study of the effect of shear strength heterogeneity. Proc. 9th Australia New Zealand Conf. on Geomech, Auckland, New Zealand (2): 527-533.
15.Gourvenec, S. and Randolph, M. F. (2003) Bearing capacity of a skirted foundation under VMH loading. Proc. 22nd Int. Conf. Offshore Mech. and Artic Engng (OMAE), Cancun, Mexico, OMAE-37014.
14.Gourvenec, S. and Randolph, M.F. (2003) Failure of shallow foundations under combined loading. Proc. 13th Eur. Conf. Soil Mech. and Geotech. Engng (ECSMGE), Prague, Czech Republic, 2, 583-588.
13.Gourvenec, S. (2003) Alternative design approach for skirted footings under general combined loading. Proc. BGA Int. Conf. on Foundations (ICOF), Dundee, Scotland, 341-349.
12.Gourvenec, S. (2003) Undrained failure of skirted foundations under combined loads. Proc. IYGPC Constantza-Mamaia, Romania, 25-26.
11.Daziell, T. and Gourvenec, S. (2003) Partnerships in outcome-based education. Proc. 12th Teaching and Learning Forum, TLF Perth, Australia.
10.Gourvenec, S. and Randolph, M.F. (2002) Effect of strength non-homogeneity on the bearing capacity of circular skirted foundations subjected to combined loading. Proc. 11th Int. Symp. Offshore and Polar Engng (ISOPE), Kyushu, Japan, Balkema, 693-698.
9.Gourvenec, S. and Randolph, M.F. (2002) Three-dimensional finite element analyses of combined loading of skirted foundations on non-homogeneous clay. Proc. 8th Numerical Models in Geomech. (NUMOG), Rome, Italy, Balkema, 439-444.
8.Gourvenec, S. (2002) Combined loading of skirted foundations. Proc. 5th Australia-New Zealand Young Geotech. Professionals Conf. (ANZ YGPC) Rotorua, New Zealand, Ed Davies, 105-110.
7.Gourvenec, S., Bolton, M. D., Soga, K., Gui, M. W., Mair, R. J., Edmonds, H., Chudleigh, I. L. J. and Butler, A. P. (1999) Field Investigations of long term ground loading on an old tunnel in London Clay. Proc. Int. Symp. Geotechnical aspects of underground construction in soft ground, IS-TC 28 Tokyo, Balkema, 179-184.
6.Gourvenec, S. (1997): Design considerations for low propped walls in clay. Proc. 11th Eur. Young Geotech. Eng. Symp., (EYGES) Madrid, 378-289.
5.Gourvenec, S. (1997) Low propped walls in clay. Proc. Cooling Prize Finals, British Geotechnical Society.
4.Gourvenec, S. (1997) Geotechnical aspects of the design and construction of the Batheaston bypass. Proc. British Geotechnical Society, Institution of Civil Engineers Special Lecture 8 Oct., 1997, London.
3.Gourvenec, S., Lacy, M., Powrie, W. and Stevenson, M. (1996) Observation of diaphragm wall movements in Lias Clay during construction of the A4/A46 Batheaston bypass. Proc. Int. Symp. Geotechnical aspects of underground construction in soft ground, IS-TC 28 London, Balkema, 143-148.
2.Gourvenec, S. (1996) Performance of the diaphragm walls on the A4/A46 bypass in Avon. Proc. British Geotech. Soc. 4th Young Geotech. Engineers Symp. BGS IV YGES), Oxford, 27-28.
1.Powrie, W., Gourvenec, S. and Mundy, N. C. (1995): Mechanical and geotechnical properties of pulverised fuel ash. Proc. 11th Eur. Symp. Soil Mech. and Foundation Engng (ISSMFE), Copenhagen, Balkema, 112 - 120.


Thesis:
Gourvenec, S. (1998): Three dimensional numerical modelling of diaphragm wall installation and staged construction sequences using earth berms. PhD thesis, University of Southampton, UK.

Reports:

11Krost, K and Gourvenec S. (2008). Consolidation around partially embedded submarine pipelines. GEO: 08444, Centre for Offshore Foundation Systems, The University of Western Australia.

10 Acosta-Martinez, H. E., and Gourvenec, S. M. (2008). Centrifuge modelling of a shallow skirted foundation [d/D = 0.30] in NC clay, Research Report GEO: 08438, Centre for Offshore Foundation Systems, School of Civil and Resource Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Perth.


9 Acosta-Martinez, H. E., and Gourvenec, S. M. (2008). Centrifuge modelling of the effect of cracks (gapping) in the transient and sustained uplift response of a shallow skirted foundation, Research Report GEO: 08440, Centre for Offshore Foundation Systems, School of Civil and Resource Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Perth.

8 Acosta-Martinez, H. E., and Gourvenec, S. M. (2007). Centrifuge modelling of a shallow skirted foundation [d/D = 0.30] under eccentric transient and sustained uplift loading, Research Report GEO: 07408, Centre for Offshore Foundation Systems, School of Civil and Resource Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Perth.

7 Acosta-Martinez, H. E., and Gourvenec, S. M. (2007). Centrifuge modelling of uplift capacity of a shallow skirted foundation [d/D = 0.30] – Effect of preloading on sustained uplift and response to cycles of tension-compression and compression-tension with large displacements, Research Report GEO: 07399, Centre for Offshore Foundation Systems, School of Civil and Resource Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Perth.

6 Acosta-Martinez, H. E., and Gourvenec, S. M. (2007). Centrifuge modelling of a shallow skirted foundation [d/D = 0.30] under concentric transient and sustained uplift loading. Effect of preloading and cyclic loading, Research Report GEO: 07398, Centre for Offshore Foundation Systems, School of Civil and Resource Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Perth.

5. Acosta-Martinez, H. and Gourvenec, S.M. (2006) Centrifuge modeling of a shallow skirted foundation under concentric transient and sustained uplift loading. GEO: 06386, University of Western Australia.
4. Acosta-Martinez, H. and Gourvenec, S.M. (2006). One-dimensional consolidation tests on kaolin clay. GEO: 06385, University of Western Australia.
3. Govoni, L. and Gourvenec, S. (2006). Drum centrifuge model tests of surface and buried circular footings on silica sand under general planar loading. GEO: 06381, University of Western Australia.
2. Randolph, M.F., Carter, J.P., Gourvenec, S.M. and White, D.J. (2006) Review of PROD capabilities for deep-water foundation systems. Prepared for Benthic Geotech Pty Ltd. GEO: 06375, University of Western Australia.
1. Govoni, L., Gourvenec, S. and Cassidy, M.J. (2005). Drum centrifuge model tests of circular footing on silica sand, GEO: 05356, University of Western Australia.

Funding received

Dr Susan Gourvenec 2008, '2nd International Symposium on Frontiers in Offshore Geotechnics', DIISR ISL Competitive Grants, Funds Approved: $48,800.00. RFCD:

Dr Susan Gourvenec, Professor Mark Randolph 2008, 'Shallow Foundation Solutions for Offshore Oil and Gas Facilities', ARC Discovery Projects, Funds Approved: $484,000.00. RFCD:

Dr Susan Gourvenec 2003, 'Behaviour of Footings Under Complex Combined Loading', UWA Research Grants Scheme, Funds Approved: $15,800.00. RFCD:

Honours and awards

2008 ASCE International Journal of Geomechanics Excellent Paper Award for their paper “Undrained Bearing Capacity of Square and Rectangular Footings”. The award was presented at the 12 IACMAG meeting in Goa, India on 4 October 2008.
2005International Society of Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering Young Member Award (Quadrennial award)
2004Joint Societies Award for the most valuable conference paper: Australian and New Zealand Geomechanics Society award.
2003Awarded place to represent Australia at the International Young Geotechnical Professionals Conference, Constantza, Romania. (Paper writing competition).
2002Baden-Clegg Memorial Lecture Runner-up: Australian Geomechanics Society event.
1997Cooling Prize Finalist: British Geotechnical Society national paper writing competition open to all engineers under the age of 27.
1997Awarded place to represent UK at the European Young Geotechnical Professionals Conference, Madrid, Spain. (Paper writing competition).
1994Thomas Hawkesley Prize: University prize awarded to the top final year undergraduate engineering student.
1994Institution of Civil Engineers Annual Award: Prize awarded by the British professional institution to the top student in each Engineering department nationwide.
1993Drapers’ Company Prize: University prize awarded to the top second year undergraduate engineering student.

Teaching

CIVL4122 Offshore Geomechanics
Short course for Industry – An Introduction to Offshore Geomechanics

Research profile

Research profile and publications