Seabed Deformation during Methane Hydrate Production : Mechanical Properties of Seabed Sediments

Abstract

Pore scale interactions between methane hydrate and soil grains have a significant effect on the deformation behavior and the strength of methane hydrate bearing sediments. To clarify the nature of those interactions, the triaxial compression tests were performed on sand samples containing ice. The icy samples are relatively easy to prepare and stable at controlled temperature. In addition, the physical properties, i.e. density, Poison's ration and elastic moduli of ice and methane hydrate are similar. Two preparation methods were used, corresponding to different mechanisms of natural methane hydrate accumulation. The test results indicated that the mechanical properties of icy sand samples were affected by both the volume and shape of ice in pore space.