Geotechnical Properties of Tidal Flat Muds: Responses to Tangential and Normal Stresses
Abstract
The long-term goal of this study is a quantitative and mechanistic understanding of the response of mud flat sediments to tangential and normal stresses and how these relate to the erosion rates of mud flats. The rate of muddy sediment erosion is very difficult to predict, yet it is crucial to know in predicting the evolution of mud flats as a result of natural or anthropogenic perturbations. Our objective is to determine if fracture strength of muddy sediments is a predictor of erosion rate. Work was conducted at the Willapa Bay, Washington, study site. The work consisted of the following: (1) measure the values of the primary elastic geotechnical parameters (Young's modulus) as functions of sediment depth, organic matter content, temperature, grain size, and porosity; (2) determine the fracture strength of these sediments using our in situ probe; and (3) establish any correlations between these various parameters using linear elastic theory and LEFM.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA514596
Entities
People
- Bernard P. Boudreau
- Bruce S. Johnson
- Paul Hill
Organizations
- Dalhousie University