One of the areas in which we specialize is the preparation of reports with geotechnical recommendations for design and construction. At one point, we prepared our first such report at the insistence of a client who refused to sign completion certificates for geotechnical surveys and insisted on strict compliance with his project specification — which included a requirement for this type of report. It was a valuable experience: previously, we had not prepared such reports independently. We had access to examples produced by international geotechnical consultancies for various facilities, but engaging such a firm was not an option — the costs were not included in the project budget. Working from those examples, we produced our first report. From project to project, we refined our approach, received detailed questions from client specialists, and developed our responses. Over time, the preparation of such reports has become one of our key strengths — particularly given that this practice is not widespread in Russia and the CIS, and there are very few competitors in this space. In Russia, only a handful of companies are prepared to take on such work — and fewer still are able to deliver it. We have prepared an informational booklet outlining our approach to geotechnical reporting. We would be glad to bring our experience and expertise to your project.

In May 2020, under contract with China National Chemical Engineering Construction Company No. 7 (CC7), we prepared a report comprising an analysis of geotechnical data and recommendations for foundation design for the Baltic Chemical Complex. The report includes recommendations for future investigations to ensure data quality, as well as recommendations for geotechnical monitoring of selected construction activities.

The Baltic Chemical Complex forms part of an integrated project for the processing of ethane-containing gas produced at Gazprom fields, and comprises a gas processing plant, a gas chemical complex, and associated transport infrastructure. The project construction phase spans six years, from 2019 to 2024.

In March 2020, under contract with NIPI Kaspiymunaigas, we prepared a report
with an analysis of geotechnical data and recommendations for foundation design
for a hydrogen production unit at the Pavlodar Petrochemical Plant.

Pavlodar Petrochemical Plant (PNHZ LLP) is the largest oil refining enterprise in north-eastern Kazakhstan and one of three oil refineries in the republic, 100% owned by JSC National Company KazMunayGas. The plant has been in operation since 1978 and processes crude oil from West Siberian fields, with a balanced throughput capacity of 6.0 million tonnes per year.

PNHZ produces a wide range of petroleum products, including motor gasolines of various grades, diesel fuel, fuel oil, liquefied hydrocarbon gases, vacuum gas oil, industrial sulfur, bitumen of several grades (construction, road, roofing), and petroleum coke.

When asked about the software we use in our work, GeODin is always among the first we mention. GeODin is a professional data management platform used for monitoring, data collection, analysis, and reporting. It is available in 8 languages and supports Windows 10/11. It should be noted that GeODin has a steep learning curve. However, the complexity comes with a correspondingly broad range of capabilities. The software allows for rapid upload and analysis of field data received from any contractor or client.
We recommend GeODin for geotechnical investigation projects. The software supports Russian standards.

Training lectures on in-situ soil testing methods and CPT modifications were delivered for students of the Department of Geotechnics at St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering (SPbGASU) and students of the Department of Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology at St. Petersburg Mining University.

We extend our gratitude to the department leadership for organizing the sessions, and to the students for their interest and engagement.

SHMinsitu LLC delivers training lectures for students at relevant higher education institutions. Contact us to arrange a lecture at your university. Our aim is to foster collaboration with academic institutions and to introduce students to the practical application of advanced soil investigation methods.

A lecture on the topic "In-Situ Methods for Assessing Soil Liquefaction" was delivered for students of the Faculty of Geology at Moscow State University.

The following in-situ test methods can be used to evaluate soil liquefaction potential:

• Standard Penetration Test (SPT)
• Cone Penetration Test (CPT)
• Flat Dilatometer Test (DMT / Marchetti)
• Shear wave velocity measurement — e.g., Seismic Cone Penetration Test (SCPT)

In-situ methods are used to determine soil resistance to cyclic loading. Seismic hazard analysis requires knowledge of earthquake magnitudes and corresponding peak horizontal ground accelerations.

A lecture on "CPT and Its Modifications: Quality Control and Interpretation of Results" was delivered as part of a professional development course in engineering geology at Moscow State University. These courses are held infrequently but are prepared and delivered with exceptional thoroughness. Full in-person attendance is required, which facilitates the exchange of professional experience between participants and creates a unique environment for specialist dialogue.