Influence of marine environment properties on noise propagation and seabed vibrations induced by pile driving

MSCA Doctoral Network BETTER

Thesis supervisor: Dr. Nathalie Favretto-Cristini
Co-supervisors: Dr. Paul Cristini,  Dr. Vadim Monteiller

Abstract:

Pile driving for bottom-fixed foundations produces intense underwater noise and seismic vibrations that can affect marine life both in the water column and on the seabed. While current noise mitigation measures, such as bubble curtains, effectively reduce impacts on marine mammals, their efficiency in limiting seabed vibrations remains uncertain. Moreover, because existing studies have focused on specific environments, their findings cannot be generalized. The complex interaction between acoustic and seismic waves (strongly influenced by the physical and geometrical characteristics of each marine setting) requires further investigation to better understand and mitigate these effects. The work will mainly rely on numerical modeling of seismo-acoustic wave propagation induced by pile driving in different shallow water environments, using a 3D full-wave method and High-Performance Computing (HPC). It will include comparisons with available observations, an assessment of the impact of different environmental conditions on noise and seabed vibrations, and an evaluation of safe distances for marine species. The outcomes will contribute to developing recommendations for effective noise mitigation strategies.

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