Pore-size distribution and mechanical properties of sandy sediments based on the eastern Nankai Trough sediments

Gas hydrate-bearing sediments from the eastern Nankai Trough, Japan, have been characterized in terms of their lithology, interpreted processes and paleo environments of deposition, and various geometric parameters of their grain size distribution. These data have been used to determine the relative influence of each characteristic on gas hydrate saturation within the sedimentary column. As a part of a Japanese National hydrate research program (MH21, funded by METI), we performed a study on pore-size distribution and mechanical properties of sandy sediments. Based on grain size data obtained, we produced typical three kinds of sediments as standard. Pore-size distribution of each sediment has been measured and compared with those of sediments collected from the eastern Nankai Trough. Triaxial compression testing was conducted on sandy sediment samples under consolidated drained conditions.