Strain rate, temperature, and sample size effects on compression and tensile properties of frozen sand

Selection of material properties for use in design of frozen earth structures has been a limiting factor for some field applications. In particular, the mechanical properties governing the behavior of a frozen soil structure subjected to bending stresses are of interest. The effects of strain rate, temperature, and sample size on the compressive and tensile properties of frozen silica sand have been determined experimentally using uniaxial compression and split cylinder tests. Data included on the initial tangent modulus, compressive strength, failure strains, and tensile strength help delineate some limitations of available test procedures. Failure modes for various test conditions are described.

Data analysis shows that the initial yield stress, the compressive peak strength, and the initial tangent modulus increase with decreasing temperatures and increasing strain rates. Tensile strengths from split cylinder tests appear to be independent of deformation rates. Uniaxial compressive strengths decreased slightly and the initial tangent modulus increased with increasing sample diameter (constant length to diameter ratio). Deformation and failure modes changed from a plastic to a brittle behavior when strain rates were increased from low to high values. Larger failure strains at slower strain rates (more time available) appear to be a result of pressure melting, water migration and refreezing, permitting more particle readjustments before development of the peak strength. Observations on failure strains suggest limiting values for design situations.     

Surface melt-driven seasonal behaviour (englacial and subglacial) from a soft-bedded temperate glacier recorded by in situ wireless probes

We investigate the spatial and temporal englacial and subglacial processes associated with a temperate glacier resting on a deformable bed using the unique Glacsweb wireless in situ probes (embedded in the ice and the till) combined with other techniques [including ground penetrating radar (GPR) and borehole analysis]. During the melt season (spring, summer and autumn), high surface melt leads to high water pressures in the englacial and subglacial environment. Winter is characterized by no surface melting on most days (‘base’) apart from a series of positive degree days. Once winter begins, a diurnal water pressure cycle is established in the ice and at the ice/sediment interface, with direct meltwater inputs from the positive degree days and a secondary slower englacial pathway with a five day lag. This direct surface melt also drives water pressure changes in the till. Till deformation occurred throughout the year, with the winter rate approximately 60% that of the melt season. We were able to show the bed comprised patches of till with different strengths, and were able to estimate their size, relative percentage and temporal stability. We show that the melt season is characterized by a high pressure distributed system, and winter by a low pressure channelized system. We contrast this with studies from Greenland (overlying rigid bedrock), where the opposite was found. We argue our results are typical of soft bedded glaciers with low englacial water content, and suggest this type of glacier can rapidly respond to surface-driven melt. Based on theoretical and field results we suggest that the subglacial hydrology comprises a melt season distributed system dominated by wide anastomosing broad flat channels and thin water sheets, which may become more channelized in winter, and more responsive to changes in meltwater inputs. © 2019 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.     

The Upper Pennsylvanian Pittsburgh Coal Bed: Resources and Mine Models

The U.S. Geological Survey recently completed a digital coal resource assessment model of the Upper Pennsylvanian Pittsburgh coal bed, which indicates that after subtracting mined-out coal, 16 billion short tons (14 billion tonnes) remain of the original 34 billion short tons (31 billion tonnes) of coal. When technical, environmental, and social restrictions are applied to the remaining Pittsburgh coal model, only 12 billion short tons (11 billion tonnes) are available for mining. Our assessment models estimate that up to 0.61 billion short tons (0.55 billion tonnes), 2.7 billion short tons (2.4 billion tonnes), and 8.5 billion short tons (7.7 billion tonnes) could be available for surface mining, continuous mining, and longwall mining, respectively. This analysis is an example of a second-generation regional coal availability study designed to model recoverability characteristics for all the major coal beds in the United States.