Design and Application of an In Situ Test Device for Rheological Characteristic Measurements of Liquefied Submarine Sediments

Abstract

Liquefied submarine sediments can easily lead to submarine landslides and turbidity currents, and cause serious damage to offshore engineering facilities. Understanding the rheological characteristics of liquefied sediments is critical for improving our knowledge of the prevention of submarine geo-hazards and the evolution of submarine topography. In this study, an in situ test device was developed to measure the rheological properties of liquefied sediments. The test principle is the shear column theory. The device was tested in the subaqueous Yellow River delta, and the test results indicated that liquefied sediments can be regarded as “non-Newtonian fluids with shear thinning characteristics”. Furthermore, a laboratory rheological test was conducted as a contrast experiment to qualitatively verify the accuracy of the in situ test data. Through the comparison of experiments, it was proved that the use of the in situ device in this paper is suitable and reliable for the measurement of the rheological characteristics of liquefied submarine sediments. Considering the fact that liquefaction may occur in deeper water (>5 m), a work pattern for the device in the offshore area is given. This novel device provides a new way to test the undrained shear strength of liquefied sediments in submarine engineering.

Structure–Seabed Interactions in Marine Environments

“…Nine (9) papers are included in this Special Issue: one review article [1] and eight research articles covering two main themes-(1) the mechanisms of marine sediments in the Yellow River Delta [2] and a field study [3] and (2) structure-seabed interactions in the vicinity of tunnels [4,5], spudcans [6], pile foundations [7], breakwaters [8], and pipelines [9]. More details on each contribution are summarized here.…”

“…Measurements of the rheological characteristics of liquefied sediments are limited. Zhang et al [3] introduced an on-site test device based on the shear column theory. The device was tested in the Yellow River Delta.…”

Deep seabed mining: Frontiers in engineering geology and environment

“…VST, the first technique to be used in ocean areas, was first applied over 100 years ago (Cadling and Odenstad 1950;Briaud 2013). The principle of VST is relatively simple, and few influencing factors are involved (Zhang et al 2021a). While VST allows the shear strengths of seabed soils to be obtained quickly, it cannot achieve continuous testing along the depth direction of the soil layers.…”

Exploring the depths: Advancing seabed research in marine and environment

“…Explorations in these areas have unveiled new species and remarkable biotechnological applications. Through the implementation of numerical simulations and laboratory experiments, researchers have unraveled the mechanics and dynamics of fluid flow and heat transfer within these ecosystems [9,10] . These insights illuminate the processes that sustain these extraordinary habitats, offering valuable lessons for sustainable management and utilization of marine resources.…”