Recently, Study on Key Testing Technology and Engineering Mechanical Properties of Soil with Natural Gas Hydrate, the program proposed by researcher WEI Changfu from IRSM, wins support from Key Program of National Natural Science Fund with supporting fund of 2900,000 yuan.

 

Natural gas hydrate can be found in the permafrost regions and on the edge of the seafloor continental shelf, it is strategic substitute energy with giant reserve and great developing value. However, due to the limited acknowledge about the engineering properties of soil with natural gas hydrate, human beings are facing great challenges in the development and utilization of natural gas hydrate. This program of IRSM studies on problems about engineering mechanical properties of soil with natural gas hydrate under exploitation disturbance; deformation and damage mechanism; and multi-process coupling effect. The program emphasizes on key testing technology, testing method, theoretical simulation and numerical analysis. By establishing testing platform about the engineering mechanical properties of soil with natural gas hydrate, this program will break through key technology difficulties. Based on the deep revelation of soil layer deformation and damage mechanism, the program will establish theory and numerical model needed by dynamic evolution process of soil with natural gas hydrate under exploitation disturbance, it will also put forward scientific evaluation and analysis method for mechanical stability of natural gas hydrate under exploitation disturbance. The research is expected to provide theoretical basis and technology support for preventing engineering and geological hazard caused by natural gas hydrate exploitation as well.