Three-dimensional consolidation of fine-grained sediments

1999 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 355-362 ◽  
Author(s):  
David N Dewhurst ◽  
Joseph A Cartwright ◽  
Lidia Lonergan

Current theories of one- to three-dimensional consolidation are based on the concept of gravitational loading with concomitant expulsion of pore fluid as a result of mechanical rearrangements of particles and porosity reduction. However, the recent discovery of extensive networks of layer-bound fractures forming polygonal patterns in extremely fine grained smectitic clays and chalks suggests that current theory may not adequately explain the consolidation process in such sediments. These faults develop during shallow burial and often appear to have been active at the sediment-water interface. Radially isotropic strain suggests that the process of formation was nontectonic. Measured values of strain suggest that deformation resulted from volumetric contraction of the sediments. We argue that the formation mechanism for these fault systems is related to the colloidal properties of the constituent sediments and that, as such, stresses due to gravity may not be the only factor controlling pore-fluid expulsion during consolidation.Key words: polygonal faults, clay, smectite, shrinkage, colloidal.

Solid Earth ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 2425-2438
Author(s):  
Martina Kirilova ◽  
Virginia Toy ◽  
Katrina Sauer ◽  
François Renard ◽  
Klaus Gessner ◽  
...  

Abstract. Porosity reduction in rocks from a fault core can cause elevated pore fluid pressures and consequently influence the recurrence time of earthquakes. We investigated the porosity distribution in the New Zealand's Alpine Fault core in samples recovered during the first phase of the Deep Fault Drilling Project (DFDP-1B) by using two-dimensional nanoscale and three-dimensional microscale imaging. Synchrotron X-ray microtomography-derived analyses of open pore spaces show total microscale porosities in the range of 0.1 %–0.24 %. These pores have mainly non-spherical, elongated, flat shapes and show subtle bipolar orientation. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy reveal the samples' microstructural organization, where nanoscale pores ornament grain boundaries of the gouge material, especially clay minerals. Our data imply that (i) the porosity of the fault core is very small and not connected; (ii) the distribution of clay minerals controls the shape and orientation of the associated pores; (iii) porosity was reduced due to pressure solution processes; and (iv) mineral precipitation in fluid-filled pores can affect the mechanical behavior of the Alpine Fault by decreasing the already critically low total porosity of the fault core, causing elevated pore fluid pressures and/or introducing weak mineral phases, and thus lowering the overall fault frictional strength. We conclude that the current state of very low porosity in the Alpine Fault core is likely to play a key role in the initiation of the next fault rupture.


Metals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 654
Author(s):  
Ryosuke Matsutani ◽  
Nobuo Nakada ◽  
Susumu Onaka

Ultra-fine-grained (UFG) Cu shows little total elongation in tensile tests because simple shear deformation is concentrated in narrow regions during the initial stage of plastic deformation. Here, we attempted to improve the total elongation of UFG Cu obtained by equal-channel angular pressing. By making shallow dents on the side surfaces of the plate-like specimens, this induced pure shear deformation and increased their total elongation. During the tensile tests, we observed the overall and local deformation of the dented and undented UFG Cu specimens. Using three-dimensional digital image correlation, we found that the dented specimens showed suppression of thickness reduction and delay in fracture by enhancement of pure shear deformation. However, the dented and undented specimens had the same ultimate tensile strength. These results provide us a new concept to increase total elongation of UFG materials.


1962 ◽  
Vol 99 (6) ◽  
pp. 558-569 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter J. Wyllie

AbstractBowen's petrogenetic grid is a PT projection containing univariant curves for decarbonation, dehydration, and solid-solid reactions, with vapour pressure (Pf) equal to total pressure (Ps). Analysis of experimental data in the system MgO–CO2–H2O leads to an expansion of this grid. Three of the important variables in metamorphism when Pf = Ps are P, T, and variation of the pore fluid composition between H2O and CO2. These can be illustrated in a three-dimensional petrogenetic model; one face is a PT plane for reactions occurring with pure H2O, and the opposite face is a similar plane for reactions with pure CO2; these are separated by an axis for pore fluid composition varying between H2O and CO2. Superposition of the PT faces of the model provides the petrogenetic grid. The reactions within the model are represented by divariant surfaces, which may meet along univariant lines. For dissociation reactions, the surfaces curve towards lower temperatures as the proportion of non-reacting volatile increases, and solid-solid reaction surfaces are parallel to the vapour composition axis and perpendicular to the PT axes. The relative temperatures of reactions and the lines of intersections of the surfaces can be illustrated in isobaric sections. Isobaric sections are used to illustrate reactions proceeding at constant pressure with (1) pore fluid composition remaining constant during the reaction, with temperature increasing (2) pore fluid composition changing during the reaction, with temperature increasing, and (3) pore fluid changing composition at constant temperature. The petrogenetic model provides a convenient framework for a wide range of experimental data.


Author(s):  
Sidney D’Mello ◽  
Eric Mathews ◽  
Lee McCauley ◽  
James Markham

We studied the characteristics of four commercially available RFID tags such as their orientation on an asset and their position in a three dimensional real world environment to obtain comprehensive data to substantiate a baseline for the use of RFID technology in a diverse supply chain management setting. Using RFID tags manufactured by four different vendors and a GHz Transverse Electromagnetic (GTEM) cell, in which an approximately constant electromagnetic (EM) field was maintained, we characterized the tags based on horizontal and vertical orientation on a simulated asset. With these baseline characteristics determined, we moved two of the four tags through a real world environment in three dimensions using an industrial robotic system to determine the effect of asset position in relation to the reader on tag readability. Combining the data collected over these two studies, we provide a rich analysis of the feasibility of asset tracking in a real world supply chain, where there would likely be multiple tag types. We offer fine grained analyses of the tag types and make recommendations for diverse supply chain asset tracking.


2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (S308) ◽  
pp. 87-96
Author(s):  
Oliver Hahn

AbstractI review the nature of three-dimensional collapse in the Zeldovich approximation, how it relates to the underlying nature of the three-dimensional Lagrangian manifold and naturally gives rise to a hierarchical structure formation scenario that progresses through collapse from voids to pancakes, filaments and then halos. I then discuss how variations of the Zeldovich approximation (based on the gravitational or the velocity potential) have been used to define classifications of the cosmic large-scale structure into dynamically distinct parts. Finally, I turn to recent efforts to devise new approaches relying on tessellations of the Lagrangian manifold to follow the fine-grained dynamics of the dark matter fluid into the highly non-linear regime and both extract the maximum amount of information from existing simulations as well as devise new simulation techniques for cold collisionless dynamics.


2018 ◽  
Vol 55 (7) ◽  
pp. 709-729 ◽  
Author(s):  
Riley P.M. Mulligan ◽  
Andy F. Bajc

Recent three-dimensional mapping investigations in southern Simcoe County, Ontario, allow refinement of the existing regional stratigraphic framework. Analysis of 25 continuously cored boreholes has revealed a complex but consistent sediment succession that provides a record of the last two glacial cycles (Marine Isotope Stages 1–6). Five stratigraphic units (SU1–SU5) comprise the pre-Late Wisconsin record. The stratigraphy is floored by a presumed Illinoian glacial complex consisting of a lower, coarse-grained till (SU1), locally overlain by stratified glaciolacustrine and glaciofluvial sediments (SU2), but more commonly capped by a stone-poor, fine-grained till (SU3) of the Georgian Bay lobe. A widespread subaerial unconformity developed on the upper surface of SU3 contains organic-bearing, nonglacial deposits (SU4) ranging between 54 800 ± 3000 years BP (considered beyond the limits of radiocarbon dating) and 37 450 ± 590 14C years BP. SU4 is abruptly overlain by a thick succession of rhythmically laminated lacustrine muds graded upwards into glaciolacustrine silts and clays interrupted by regionally continuous sand bodies (SU5). The succession is capped (and locally truncated) by Late Wisconsin Newmarket Till. The sedimentary record of southern Simcoe County is correlated with other well-studied reference sections in southern Ontario and contains information that informs reconstructions of former ice extents in the lower Great Lakes region following the Illinoian glaciation. Several sediment units host aquifers, but limited thickness and spatial extent, as well as issues with naturally occurring dissolved gases and solids, restrict their use for groundwater supply.


2010 ◽  
pp. 109-117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neda Motchurova-Dekova ◽  
David Harper

Synchrotron radiation X-ray tomographic microscopy (SRXTM) is a non-destructive technique for the investigation and visualization of the internal features of solid opaque objects, which allows reconstruction of a complete three-dimensional image of internal structures by recording of the differences in the effects on the passage of waves of energy reacting with those structures. Contrary to X-rays, produced in a conventional X-ray tube, the intense synchrotron light beams are sharply focused like a laser beam. We report encouraging results from the use of SRXTM for purely taxonomic purposes in brachiopods: an attempt to find a non-destructive and more efficient alternative to serial sectioning and several other methods of dissection together with the non-destructive method of X-ray computerised micro-tomography. Two brachiopod samples were investigated using SRXTM. In ?Rhynchonella? flustracea it was possible to visualise the 3D shape of the crura and dental plates. In Terebratulina imbricata it was possible to reveal the form of the brachidium. It is encouraging that we have obtained such promising results using SRXTM with our very first two fortuitous samples, which had respectively fine-grained limestone and marl as infilling sediment, in contrast to the discouraging results communicated to us by some colleagues who have tested specimens with such infillings using X-ray micro-tomography. In future the holotypes, rare museum specimens or delicate Recent material may be preferentially subjected to this mode of analysis.


2004 ◽  
Vol 573 (2) ◽  
pp. 191-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Geissbühler ◽  
P. Fenter ◽  
E. DiMasi ◽  
G. Srajer ◽  
L.B. Sorensen ◽  
...  

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