NORBIT Subsea

NORBIT Subsea specialises in ultra-compact wideband multibeam sonars for subsea and surface platforms.

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Bridge Pillar Survey Using NORBIT WINGHEAD i80S Multibeam Sonar System

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Introduction

Survey Area near Zhou Shan Island, China

On July 11, 2024, a bathymetry survey was carried out near Zhou Shan Island, China (舟山岛) using the NORBIT WINGHEAD i80S multibeam sonar system equipped with STX (Steerable Transmit) technology. This state-of-the-art sonar was deployed specifically to scan and map the underwater bridge pillars, providing highly detailed bathymetric data. The combination of the WINGHEAD’s precision and the steerable transmit feature ensured thorough coverage even in challenging underwater environments. 

The survey environment presented significant challenges due to water quality, which was extremely muddy and turbid (as visible in the Google Map image). Additionally, an underwater current of approximately 2-3 knots made steering the vessel particularly difficult.

The Multibeam Echo Sounder Used

For the survey, NORBIT WINGHEAD i80S multibeam sonar was used; this sonar is a superior performance ultra high-resolution integrated 3D & 4D medium range motion stabilised bathymetric system. Designed to perform in extreme operational environments with high vessel motion, this cylindrical ultra-high resolution curved array bathymetric system allows for rapid, anywhere, anytime mobilisation.

WINGHEAD i80S sonar
  • Active Roll & Pitch Stabilisation
  • Backscatter Outputs (Intensity, Sidescan, Snippets, Water Column)
  • Pipeline Mode
  • Multidetect
  • Integrated Sound Velocity Probe
  • 1024 Dynamically Focused Beams
  • FM & CW Processing
  • Exceeds IHO Exclusive Order & USACE New York

Installation

Installation at Ligang Jetty
Sonar was mounted at the starboard side of the vessel with both Antenna 1 & Antenna 2.
Installation took about an hour.
Utilising the WINGHEAD i80S fully stabilised system
GNSS RTK NTRIP corrections were interfaced to the system in real-time, using the NORBIT GUI integrated NTRIP client

Sonar installation on side of vessel

Vessel Spec

Survey vessel

Length Overall (LOA): 15.2m

Breadth Overall (BOA): 3.1m

Gross Tonnage: 100 tons

Net Tonnage: 80 tons

Height: 5.3m

Draft: 1.20m

Survey Area and Results

Survey area
Overall Survey Area Surrounding Zhou Shan Island
Results of survey area A, the WINGHEAD i80S scanning capability was able to clearly map out ten individual bridge support pillars, without any sounding gaps at the base of the pillars.
Sonar image of slope and trench
Results from survey area B, showing a slope with an adjacent trench
Results from survey Area C show linear striations on both sides of an underwater peninsula

Summary

Although the water quality and environment around the site were challenging, the WINGHEAD i80S Echo Sounder successfully acquired excellent datasets, as demonstrated.

The WINGHEAD i80S’s STX feature, when enabled, enhanced survey efficiency by utilising its 3D scanning capability for the insonification of complex bridge pillar structures.

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