No abstract

This paper was selected for presentation by the OTC Program Committee followingreview of informationormtained in an abstract submitted by the author(s). Contents of the paper, as presented, have not been reviewed by the Offehore TechnologyConference and are subject to correctionby the author(a).The material, as presented, does not neceessrily reflect any positionof the Offshore Technology Conference or its officers. Permission to copy Is restricted to an abstract of not more than 300 words. Illustrationsmay not be copied. The abstract should contain mnapicuous acknowledgment of where and by whom the paper Is presented. ABSTNACTThis paper reviews the methode generally used by oil companies to determine the conductor eetting depth required to avoid hydrofracture of cohesive soils during drilling for the first casing string. Traditional approaches are compared with an approach developed by the authors, and the results of each method are compared with teat data obtained during geotechnical site investigations offshore.A case history is presented which showe the effect of the authors' deeign method on the required conductor setting depth, and indicates the considerable possible cost savings and safety benefits available from effective conductor design.