Determination of In Situ Sediment Shear Strength from Advanced Piston Corer Pullout Forces

The advanced piston corer (APC) has been used by the Ocean Drilling Program since 1985 for recovering soft sediments from the ocean floor. The pullout force measured on extracting the core barrel from the sediment is shown to correlate with the average shear strength of the sediment core measured in the ship's laboratory. A simple rule of thumb is derived relating the shear strength of the sediment to the pullout force. Multiple APC holes at individual sites allow the consistency of the pullout measurements to be assessed. The effects of different operational procedures during APC coring are also explored. Although generally applicable, the correlation between pullout force and laboratory measurements of shear strength breaks down for some APC holes, possibly because of the disturbance of some sediment types during the APC coring process. A better understanding of the physical process of APC coring, and its effect on the properties of the sediment both inside and immediately outside the core barrel, would indicate what confidence can be put on the measurement of pullout force as a way of evaluating the in situ shear strength of deep sea sediments.     

A study of stability of the seafloor foundation on a gently sloping continental shelf

Abstract

The possibility of seafloor failure under external loadings on a gently sloping continental shelf is controlled, to a large extent, by the geotechnical characters of subbottom sediments (e.g., shear strength, compressibility, and liquefaction potential) and structural factors (e.g., sedimentary stratification). By means of undis‐turbing coring, in‐situ acoustic measurement, and subbottom profiling, the authors conducted an investigation into the seafloor instabilities and possibilities of sediment slope failure within the continental shelf off the Pearl River mouth, which is one of the most important areas for offshore development in the northern South China Sea. Based on in‐situ and laboratory measurements and tests for sediment physical properties, static and dynamic behavior, and acoustic characteristics, the analyses indicate: (1) subbottom sediments that originated from terrigenous clay during the Pleistocene are compact and overconsolidated, and the mean sound velocity in such sediments is relatively high; (2) the maximum vertical bearing capacity of subbottom sediments is efficiently conservative on the safe side for dead loads of light structures, and the trench walls are stable enough while trenching to a depth of about 2 m below the seafloor under still water; and (3) it is quite improbable that the subbottom sediments liquefy under earthquake (M ≤ 6) or storm wave loading.     

In Memoriam

Abstract

The engineering properties of deep continental margin sediments were determined on a worldwide basis. Deep Sea Drilling Project (DSDP) core data and material were utilized from over 900 cores obtained from 89 sites, primarily on the continental margins. Cores were recovered from penetrations to 200 m in water depths averaging 3000 m. Supplementary laboratory testing on selected cores was directed toward determining index properties and shear strength properties of the sediments. The study included a literature review of deep‐sea soil properties, the results of which are to be used by DSDP to evaluate foundation conditions for reentry cones with long casing strings. The results will also be used for a feasibility study of an ultradeepwater marine riser and well‐control system. The marine sediments examined can be divided into three main types: clay, calcareous ooze, and siliceous ooze. Sediment distribution consisted of 48% calcareous ooze, 43% clay, 6% siliceous ooze, and 3% volcanic ash. Because of the sample disturbance inherent in the deepwater coring operation, emphasis was placed on analyzing sediment properties not significantly affected by changes in in situ stresses and structure caused by sampling. Averages and ranges in values of water content and unit weight are presented for the three main sediment types. Plasticity and strength characteristics are discussed in detail and the elastic and compression properties are outlined. The geotechnical properties of deep continental margin soils are summarized.     

Movement of large gas bubbles in unsaturated fine‐grained sediments

Abstract

Where undissolved gas occurs within fine‐grained marine sediments it usually takes the form of discrete bubbles that are much larger than the normal void spaces. The possibility of buoyancy‐induced movement of these relatively large bubbles must be included when considering the transport of gas through marine sediments. A theoretical analysis shows that, under static loading conditions, bubbles larger than a critical size should have sufficient buoyancy to move upward through a fine‐grained sediment stratum, whereas bubbles smaller than the critical size should remain fixed in position. The critical radius is directly proportional to sediment shear strength, and bubbles of a realistic size should move upward only in extremely weak sediments. Further theoretical analysis shows that the critical bubble size is reduced under cyclic loading conditions, but movement of typical‐sized bubbles should still be restricted to sediments of low shear strength. A simple laboratory experiment provides support for the conclusions of the theoretical analysis. The results indicate that buoyancy‐induced movement of relatively large gas bubbles in fine‐grained sediments is most likely to occur under storm loading conditions and is unlikely to occur at depths greater than a few meters below the seabed.     

Geotechnical Properties of Surface Sediments in the INDEX Area

Abstract

As a part of the environmental impact assessment studies, geotechnical properties of sediments were determined in the Central Indian Basin. The undrained shear strength and index properties of the siliceous sediments were determined on 20 box cores of uniform dimension collected from various locations in five preselected sites. The maximum core length encountered was 41 cm and most of the sediments were siliceous oozes consisting of radiolarian or diatomaceous tests. The shear strength measurements revealed that surface sediments deposited in recent times (0–10 cm) have a shear strength of 0–1 kPa; this value increases with depth, reaching 10 kPa at 40 cm deep. Older sediments have greater strength because of compaction. Water content varies in the wide range of 312–577% and decreases with depth. The clay minerals such as smectite and illite are dominant and show some control over water content. Wet density, specific gravity, and porosity do not indicate any notable variation with depth, thereby indicating a uniform, slow rate of sedimentation. The average porosity of sediments is 90.2%, specific gravity 2.18, and wet bulk density 1.12 g/cm³. Sediments exhibit medium to high plasticity characteristics, with the average plasticity index varying between 105% and 136%. Preliminary studies on postdisturbance samples showed an increase in natural water content and a decrease in undrained shear strength of sediments in the top 10- to 15-cm layer.     

Analysis of submarine slumping in the continental slope off the southern coast of Israel

Abstract

The continental slope off the coast of Israel is riddled with numerous large slump scars at depths greater than 400 m. Recent scar slumps are situated in the steepest central portions of the continental slope (400–450 m depth, α = 6°), frequently disfiguring older slump scars in its lower portions. The slumping materials were probably largely transported downslope in the form of density currents, and occasionally by sliding of large sediment chunks. Upslope retrogressive slumping phases progressively disfigure the shape of the slump scars until they totally disappear, causing net reduction of the thickness of the sedimentary column. To provide a basis for the quantitative analysis of slumping, laboratory vane tests, triaxial consolidated, undrained compression tests with pore‐pressure measurements, drained direct shear tests, and consolidation tests were performed oh undisturbed samples. Because the sediments consist of normally consolidated silty clays, the geotechnical properties measured on the core samples can be readily extrapolated for greater depths, assuming the sediments are homogeneous. Angles of internal friction measured by direct shearing under drained conditions are ?_d =24°‐25°, designating the maximum possible angle of a stable infinite slope. These angles are appreciably higher than the steepest slopes in the investigated area, and a drained slumping mechanism is therefore considered unlikely. The slopes of the slump scar walls are about 20°; therefore, in the absence of active erosional, sedimentological, or tectonic agents, these walls have long‐term stability (drained shear). Undrained shear failure resulting in slope instability may be attributable to rapid changes in slope geometry (undercutting or oversteepening of the slope), fluctuations in pore pressure, or accelerations associated with earthquakes. Undrained shear‐strength parameters were determined by both laboratory consolidated‐un‐ drained triaxial tests and by miniature vane shear tests. The angles of internal friction that were measured are ?_cu =15°‐17°, and the c_u/p _o values range between 0.22 and 0.75. An analysis of the force equilibrium within the sediments leads to the conclusion that horizontal earthquake‐induced accelerations, as little as 5–6% of gravity, are sufficient to cause slope failure in the steepest slope zone (400–450 m depth, α=6°, c_u/p _o=0.25). Collapse resulting from liquefaction is unlikely, as the sediments are normally consolidated silty clays with intermediate sensitivity, S_t =2–4.

The existence of slump scars in the lower portion of the continental slope, characterized by gentle slopes (α=1°‐3°) and sediments with high shear strength (c_u/p _o=0.30–0.50) is attributed to large horizontal accelerations (k= 12–16% of gravity). Owing to the wide range of geotechnical properties of the sediments (c_u/p _o= 0.20–0.75) and the inclination of the continental slope (α=1°‐6°), the same earthquake may generate a wide range of horizontal accelerations in different portions of the continental slope, and slumping may occur wherever the stability equilibrium is disrupted.     

Acoustical penetration and shear strength in gas‐charged sediment

Abstract

Methane concentrations and sediment shear strengths were measured in three foundation borings taken from areas of variable acoustical penetration in the Mississippi river delta front. Acoustically impenetrable or “turbid”; zones were associated with sedimentary methane concentrations above about 30 ml/liter, measured at atmospheric pressure. Sediments in the high‐gas, acoustically turbid zones demonstrated a smaller percentage increase in shear strength with depth than in zones of low gas concentration. The results indicate that a 3.5‐kHz system used for sub‐bottom profiles is unable to determine the thickness of gas‐charged sediments.     

Analysis of submarine slumping in the continental slope off the southern coast of Israel

Abstract

The continental slope off the coast of Israel is riddled with numerous large slump scars at depths greater than 400 m. Recent scar slumps are situated in the steepest central portions of the continental slope (400–450 m depth, α=6°), frequently disfiguring older slump scars in its lower portions. The slumping materials were probably largely transported downslope in the form of density currents, and occasionally by sliding of large sediment chunks. Upslope retrogressive slumping phases progressively disfigure the shape of the slump scars until they totally disappear, causing net reduction of the thickness of the sedimentary column. To provide a basis for the quantitative analysis of slumping, laboratory vane tests, triaxial consolidated, undrained compression tests with pore‐pressure measurements, drained direct shear tests, and consolidation tests were performed oh undisturbed samples. Because the sediments consist of normally consolidated silty clays, the geotechnical properties measured on the core samples can be readily extrapolated for greater depths, assuming the sediments are homogeneous. Angles of internal friction measured by direct shearing under drained conditions are ?_d =24°‐25°, designating the maximum possible angle of a stable infinite slope. These angles are appreciably higher than the steepest slopes in the investigated area, and a drained slumping mechanism is therefore considered unlikely. The slopes of the slump scar walls are about 20°; therefore, in the absence of active erosional, sedimentological, or tectonic agents, these walls have long‐term stability (drained shear). Undrained shear failure resulting in slope instability may be attributable to rapid changes in slope geometry (undercutting or oversteepening of the slope), fluctuations in pore pressure, or accelerations associated with earthquakes. Undrained shear‐strength parameters were determined by both laboratory consolidated‐un‐drained triaxial tests and by miniature vane shear tests. The angles of internal friction that were measured are ?_cu =15°‐17°, and the c_u/p_o values range between 0.22 and 0.75. An analysis of the force equilibrium within the sediments leads to the conclusion that horizontal earthquake‐induced accelerations, as little as 5–6% of gravity, are sufficient to cause slope failure in the steepest slope zone (400–450 m depth, α = 6°, c_u /p_o =0.25). Collapse resulting from liquefaction is unlikely, as the sediments are normally consolidated silty clays with intermediate sensitivity, S_t =2–4.

The existence of slump scars in the lower portion of the continental slope, characterized by gentle slopes (α=1°‐3°) and sediments with high shear strength (c _u /p _o=0.30–0.50) is attributed to large horizontal accelerations(k=12–16% of gravity). Owing to the wide range of geotechnical properties of the sediments (c_u /p_o = 0.20–0.75) and the inclination of the continental slope (α=1°‐6°), the same earthquake may generate a wide range of horizontal accelerations in different portions of the continental slope, and slumping may occur wherever the stability equilibrium is disrupted.     

Research on the sediment acoustic properties based on a water coupled laboratory measurement system

Abstract

The high-frequency acoustic properties of seafloor sediments are very significant in seafloor study and underwater acoustic study field. In order to measure the sound speed and the attenuation for the small-scale sediment cores more accurately, this study developed a water coupled acoustic laboratory measurement system based on Richardson-Briggs technique. This method used the correlation comparison of waveforms received in sediment core and in identical reference tubes filled with water to measure sound speed and attenuation. The sound speed and attenuation of a clayey silt sediment sample were measured using the water coupled acoustic laboratory measurement system. This frequency dependence of the sound speed and attenuation showed that the clayey silt sediment has a weak positive sound speed dispersion, while the attenuation increases with a strong positive gradient within the measurement frequency range. This study also noted that the measured sound speed ratio match well with the empirical equations from literature. The measured attenuation factor data can fall in the Hamilton’s empirical prediction range.     

Physical characterization of core samples recovered from Gulf of Mexico

Seventy whole rounds from conventional cores obtained during drilling to 300 mbsf at Atwater Valley and Keathley Canyon in the Gulf of Mexico in April and May 2005 were tested to determine geophysical and geomechanical parameters (liquid and plastic limit, porosity, specific surface, pH, sediment electrical conductivity, P- and S-wave velocities and undrained shear strength). Available data from a pressure core are included as well. Results show that the sediments are high specific surface plastic clays, and exhibit pronounced time-dependent stiffness recovery. Strains during coring disturb specimens, yet, the water content retains the effective stress history and permits gaining stiffness and strength information from conventional cores. Remolding is exacerbated when gas expands upon decompression; the limited pressure core data available show the advantages of preserving the pore fluid pressure during core recovery and testing. Valuable parameters for sediment characterization and engineering analysis are extracted from the data using pre-existing soil models.     

Geotechnical properties of a submarine slide area on the U.S. continental slope northeast of Wilmington canyon

Abstract

A relatively large submarine slide (slump block) and apparent unstable surficial sediments undergoing creep have been delineated in bathymetric and seismic reflection profiles along the U.S. Atlantic continental margin northeast of Wilmington Canyon. A downslope core transect was made over selected areas to assess the geotechnical properties of the sediments associated with the slide. Sediments are predominantly silty clays and clayey silts rich in illite, with lesser quantities of feldspar, kaolinite, chlorite, quartz, and smectite minerals. Surficial sediments (cored up to 12 m) upslope from the slump block reveal typical variations in the mass physical properties with core depth. Shear strength and wet unit weight show a steady increase with depth below the mudline commensurate with a decrease in water content. In contrast, surficial sediments downslope overlying the slump block generally have low shear strength and relatively high variability in other mass physical properties with core depth. Chemical evidence of slumping (as defined by the sulfate ion content) is not apparent in the pore waters collected from the upper 10 m of sediment. No important relationships are obvious among the physical and chemical properties, specifically the carbonates or complex solids of iron and manganese oxides or hydroxides. Sediment failure in the form of a major submarine slide appears to have been a significant deformational process during the geological past (late Pleistocene). Creep and associated deformational features recorded in the surficial sediments are presumably a result of recent geological processes.     

Geotechnical sampling and testing of gas-charged marine sediments atin situ pressures

Gas-charged marine sediments were sampled using a pressure core barrel and a new technique involving standard wireline sampling procedures. Pressure core barrel sampling provides sediments atin situ pressures with no degassing. Analysis of gas content, geotechnical properties and microfabric were performed for samples atin situ pressures and compared with degassed results. Methane concentrations ranged from 3,450 to 137,140 ppm for pressurized samples. Microfabric analyses reveal highly nonoriented clay particles and grains in degassed samples. Degassing of these methane-rich sediments increases porosities and compression indices, while reducing undrained shear strengths and computed preconsolidation pressures.     

Variability in in situ shear strength of gassy muds

Torque measurements are made by divers with a vane apparatus to a sediment depth of 136 cm in the high-porosity, gassy sediments of Eckernförde Bay. Corrected shear strength values calculated from torque measurements are quite variable in the Eckernförde Bay sediments, varying from less than 0.5 kPa in the top 10 cm of sediment to 4–5 kPa at 136 cm sediment depth. Variability increases markedly below 60 cm sediment depth, probably because of the presence of methane gas bubbles within the sediment fabric.     

In situ pore-pressure evolution during dynamic CPT measurements in soft sediments of the western Baltic Sea

We present in situ strength and pore-pressure measurements from 57 dynamic cone penetration tests in sediments of Mecklenburg (n?=?51), Eckernförde (n?=?2) and Gelting (n?=?4) bays, western Baltic Sea, characterised by thick mud layers and partially free microbial gas resulting from the degradation of organic material. In Mecklenburg and Eckernförde bays, sediment sampling by nine gravity cores served sedimentological characterisation, analyses of geotechnical properties, and laboratory shear tests. At selected localities, high-resolution echo-sounder profiles were acquired. Our aim was to deploy a dynamic cone penetrometer (CPT) to infer sediment shear strength and cohesion of the sea bottom as a function of fluid saturation. The results show very variable changes in pore pressure and sediment strength during the CPT deployments. The majority of the CPT measurements (n?=?54) show initially negative pore-pressure values during penetration, and a delayed response towards positive pressures thereafter. This so-called type B pore-pressure signal was recorded in all three bays, and is typically found in soft muds with high water contents and undrained shear strengths of 1.6–6.4 kPa. The type B signal is further affected by displacement of sediment and fluid upon penetration of the lance, skin effects during dynamic profiling, enhanced consolidation and strength of individual horizons, the presence of free gas, and a dilatory response of the sediment. In Mecklenburg Bay, the remaining small number of CPT measurements (n?=?3) show a well-defined peak in both pore pressure and cone resistance during penetration, i.e. an initial marked increase which is followed by exponential pore-pressure decay during dissipation. This so-called type A pore-pressure signal is associated with normally consolidated mud, with indurated clay layers showing significantly higher undrained shear strength (up to 19 kPa). In Eckernförde and Gelting bays pore-pressure response type B is exclusively found, while in Mecklenburg Bay types A and B were detected. Despite the striking similarities in incremental density increase and shear strength behaviour with depth, gas occurrence and subtle variations in the coarse-grained fraction cause distinct pore-pressure curves. Gaseous muds interbedded with silty and sandy layers are most common in the three bays, and the potential effect of free gas (i.e. undersaturated pore space) on in situ strength has to be explored further.     

In situ tensile fracture toughness of surficial cohesive marine sediments

This study reports the first in situ measurements of tensile fracture toughness, K _IC, of soft, surficial, cohesive marine sediments. A newly developed probe continuously measures the stress required to cause tensile failure in sediments to depths of up to 1 m. Probe measurements are in agreement with standard laboratory methods of K _IC measurements in both potter’s clay and natural sediments. The data comprise in situ depth profiles from three field sites in Nova Scotia, Canada. Measured K _IC at two muddy sites (median grain size of 23–50 μm) range from near zero at the sediment surface to >1,800 Pa m^1/2 at 0.2 m depth. These profiles also appear to identify the bioturbated/mixed depth. K _IC for a sandy site (>90% sand) is an order of magnitude lower than for the muddy sediments, and reflects the lack of cohesion/adhesion. A comparison of K _IC, median grain size, and porosity in muddy sediments indicates that consolidation increases fracture strength, whereas inclusion of sand causes weakening; thus, sand-bearing layers can be easily identified in K _IC profiles. K _IC and vane-measured shear strength correlate strongly, which suggests that the vane measurements should perhaps be interpreted as shear fracture toughness, rather than shear strength. Comparison of in situ probe-measured values with K _IC of soils and gelatin shows that sediments have a K _IC range intermediate between denser compacted soils and softer, elastic gelatin.     

A method for correcting the temperature effect on uCPT measurements in seabed sediments

Abstract

The zero load readings of cone resistance (q_c) and sleeve friction (f_s) measured by a piezocone (uCPT) shift with the ambient temperature. A method of correcting the effect of temperature on uCPT measurements in seabed sediments has been proposed for the case where there is no temperature sensor in the uCPT probe. This method is based on the assumption that the “actual” profile of f_s of soft shallow seabed sediments linearly increases with depth, and a rate of increase of α?=?0.2?kPa/m was obtained using measured ground temperatures and f_s values in seabed sediments in Isahaya Bay, Japan. An “actual” f_s profile can then be constructed using the measured f_s value at the shallow surface and the value of α. Using the differences between the measured and the estimated “actual” f_s profiles, the ground temperature profile can be obtained, and then the effect of temperature on the uCPT measurements can be corrected. The proposed method was used for temperature corrections on uCPT measurements in Isahaya Bay, Japan. The values of undrained shear strength (s_u) from the temperature-corrected uCPT measurements agree well with the laboratory measured values of s_u using the undisturbed soil samples.     

A hydraulic hammer corer utilizing hydrostatic energy for hard seafloor sediment coring

The paper presents the design and preliminary test results of a corer used for hard seafloor sediments sampling.Generally the sediment cores are provided by either gravity-type coring or deep-ocean drilling for a range of studies.However,in consideration of the operability and available sample length in collecting hard sediments,these methods exhibit no advantages.In this paper,a new corer which can exploit both hydrostatic energy and gravity energy for hard sediments coring is presented.The hydrostatic energy is provided by pressure differential between ambient seawater pressure and air pressure in an empty cavity.During sampling process,the corer penetrates into the sediment like a gravity corer and then automatically shifts to the percussion mode.The experiments in the laboratory indicate that the corer can complete 40 cycles in the sea with a cycle time of 2.8 seconds in percussion mode and impact the sample tube with the velocity of 0.2 m/s during each cycle.Besides,its adjustable falling velocity can make the corer achieve the maximum efficiency in coring different sediments.     

Geotechnical characterization of calcareous sediments from the Dry Tortugas Keys and Marquesas Keys CBBL SRP study sites, Lower Florida Keys

Geotechnical characteristics of carbonate sediments from two test sites (Dry Tortugas Keys and Marquesas Keys) in the Lower Florida Keys were investigated as part of the Coastal Benthic Boundary Layer Special Research Program, through an extensive field coring and laboratory testing program conducted by the Marine Geomechanics Laboratory of the University of Rhode Island. Based on results from physical measurements, water content and wet bulk density values for both sites generally showed large variations in the upper 25 cm and little variation below this depth. Sediment samples exhibited low plasticity or nonplastic characteristics. Constant-rate-of-deformation consolidation test results showed strong apparent overconsolidation (stress state ratio >7.5) in the surface sediments (upper 50 cm) at the Dry Tortugas Keys, and light overconsolidation (stress state ratio <1.5) below 50-cm depth at the Marquesas Keys site. In-situ permeability values were between 10^-4 and 10^-7 cm/s at both sites and showed no strong depth dependence in the upper 2 m. Undrained shear strength profiles for Dry Tortugas Keys sediments indicated a marked stiffening with depth, whereas the Marquesas Keys sediments showed a gradual increase with depth. Consolidated isotropically undrained triaxial shear strength test results indicate that the undisturbed sediments had an average effective angle of internal friction of 38°, which is not fully realized until large axial strains on the order of 11% have accumulated. Evidence of cementation was not found in triaxial compression or consolidation test results. The general behavior and characteristics of these sediments are similar to those of granular materials, which is primarily due to their high calcium carbonate contents and lack of cementation.     

Significance of Deep Sea drilling project sediment physical property data

Sediment disturbance associated with the Deep Sea Drilling Project coring and core‐handling program are discussed along with the effects of sample disturbance on some measurements of physical properties. Information was obtained from shopboard observations and testing on Leg 43 and shore‐based testing of several sediment samples. Disturbance results from (1) remolding of the particle structure during coring, and (2) swelling induced by stress release and thermal expansion in the presence of excess water. Remolding is most significant to depth of 50–100 m, whereas swelling effects increase with coring depth. As a result, the shipboard data are not rep‐sentative of in situ sediment properties. The tendency is for porosity to increase and for bulk density to decrease with increased swelling. Strength is significantly reduced for swelled samples with further reductions from remolding. All observations and data suggest a need for improved coring capabilities and an in situ testing program.