Mechanical properties of methane hydrate-bearing-sediments (MHBS) are basic parameters for safety analysis of hydrate exploration and exploitation. Young's modulus, cohesion, and internal friction angle of hydratebearing sediments synthesized in laboratory, are investigated using tri-axial tests. Stress-strain curves and strength parameters are obtained and discussed for different compositions and different hydrate saturation, followed by empirical expressions related to the cohesion, internal friction angle, and modulus of MHBS. Almost all tested MHBS samples exhibit plastic failure. With the increase of total saturation of ice and methane hydrate (MH), the specimens' internal friction angle decreases while the cohesion increases.
Xu-Hui ZhangXiao-Bing LuLi-Min ZhangShu-Yun WangQing-Ping Li
