Strain-Rate Dependence of Triaxial Compressive Strength of Artificial Methane-Hydrate-Bearing Sediment

Abstract

In this study, drained triaxial compression tests were conducted on artificial methane-hydrate-bearing sediment samples to obtain the strain-rate dependence. In the tests, an axial load was applied at a constant or alternating strain rate. On the basis of the results, we examined the strain-rate dependence of the peak strength and residual strength and considered the deformation mechanism of the specimen. We found that the strain-rate dependence of the artificial methane-hydrate-bearing sediment is as strong as or slightly stronger than that of frozen sand and is stronger than that of many other geomaterials.