Strain-rate dependency of peak and residual strength of sediment containing synthetic methane hydrate in triaxial compression test

Abstract

In this study, two methods of loading tests were carried out for sand mixed with synthetic methane hydrate under triaxial compressive stress; one is "constant strain-rate test" and the other is "alternating strain-rate test." On the basis of experimental results, we have explored the loading-rate dependency of mechanical characteristics, one of timedependent behaviors, and the deformation mechanism for hydrate-sand specimen. Findings of the investigation seem to be used for a full understanding of the deformation mechanism of methane hydrate sediments and for a proposal of constitutive equation for methane hydrate sediments. Copyright © 2009 by The International Society of Offshore and Polar Engineers (ISOPE).