Consolidation, triaxial shear-strength, and index-property characteristics of organic-rich sediment from the Peru continental margin: Results from Leg 112

Proceedings of the Ocean Drilling Program: Scientific Results 112-43
By: , and 

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Abstract

Sites 679, 680, and 681 of the Ocean Drilling Program were drilled along an east-west transect across an organic-rich, diatomaceous, coastal upwelling facies that occurs as a shelf/slope lens along the Peru continental margin. Seven 60-cm-long, unsplit core sections from these sites were tested for consolidation, triaxial shear strength, and geotechnical index properties. The testing showed that the sediment has unusually high water content, Atterberg limits, degree of overconsolidation, compressibility, and shear strength. The sediment has unusually low density and grain specific gravity. Atterberg limits, grain specific gravity, compressibility, and apparent excess maximum past stress increase linearly with organic-carbon content, which also correlates positively with diatom content. Overconsolidation measured in these tests is probably not a result of sediment erosion or slumping, but rather the result of diagenesis or interparticle bonding by organic matter. High shear strengths were measured throughout, but particularly high relative shear strengths (as indicated by friction angles and degrees of dilatancy during shear) occur near 20 mbsf. This "crustlike" behavior is probably produced by early diagenesis (perhaps including dolotomization) within the upper 20 m, and is complemented by interlocking of diatoms.

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Publication type Report
Publication Subtype Organization Series
Title Consolidation, triaxial shear-strength, and index-property characteristics of organic-rich sediment from the Peru continental margin: Results from Leg 112
Series title Proceedings of the Ocean Drilling Program: Scientific Results
Series number 112
Chapter 43
DOI 10.2973/odp.proc.sr.112.169.1990
Volume 112
Year Published 1990
Language English
Publisher Ocean Drilling Program, Texas A&M University
Description 13 p.
First page 639
Last page 651
Country Peru
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