Dynamic Rheological Properties of Deep-Sea Soft Clay under the Coupled Influence of Temperature and Salinity

Wang Ya; Chang Liucheng; Wang Hongyu; Wang Yong

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Wang Ya，Chang Liucheng，Wang Hongyu, et al. Dynamic Rheological Properties of Deep-Sea Soft Clay under the Coupled Influence of Temperature and Salinity[J]. Haiyang Xuebao，2025, 47(x)：1–9

Citation:

Wang Ya，Chang Liucheng，Wang Hongyu, et al. Dynamic Rheological Properties of Deep-Sea Soft Clay under the Coupled Influence of Temperature and Salinity[J]. Haiyang Xuebao，2025, 47(x)：1–9

Citation:

Wang Ya，Chang Liucheng，Wang Hongyu, et al. Dynamic Rheological Properties of Deep-Sea Soft Clay under the Coupled Influence of Temperature and Salinity[J]. Haiyang Xuebao，2025, 47(x)：1–9

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Dynamic Rheological Properties of Deep-Sea Soft Clay under the Coupled Influence of Temperature and Salinity

1.
College of Civil and Hydraulic Engineering, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750021, China
2.
Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, China

Received Date: 2025-07-01
Rev Recd Date: 2025-09-04

Available Online: 2025-09-11

Abstract

Abstract

To ensure the structural stability of subsea infrastructure under prolonged exposure to marine dynamic loads (e.g., waves, ocean currents, and seismic activities), it is essential to understand the rheological behavior of deep-sea soft clay in the surface layer of the seabed. In this study, deep-sea soft clay was selected as the research subject, and dynamic shear tests were conducted under varying salinity and temperature conditions using a strain-controlled rheometer. The variation patterns of storage modulus (G'), loss modulus (G''), and cross-strain were systematically analyzed. By integrating liquid and plastic limit tests and free settlement tests with, the influence mechanisms of salinity and temperature on the rheological properties of deep-sea soft clay were explored. The experimental results indicate that as the concentration of NaCl solution increases and temperature decreases, the liquid limit, plastic limit, settlement volume, G', G'', and cross-strain of deep-sea soft clay all exhibit an upward trend. This behavior is closely associated with the formation of a flocculated clay structure and the reduction in thickness of the double electric layer. Under increasing shear strain, deep-sea soft clay demonstrates a distinct two-step yielding behavior: the first yield occurs during the initial stage of modulus reduction, corresponding to the breakdown of the flocculated network; the second yield appears in the subsequent modulus reduction phase, associated with the disruption of the shear-induced hollow cylindrical structure. The plateau phase between the two yielding stages reflects the shear resistance provided by the hollow cylindrical structure. The findings of this study provide a scientific foundation for the design and stability evaluation of engineering foundations in ultra-deep marine environments.
- Deep-sea soft clay,
- dynamic oscillatory shear,
- rheological behavior,
- double electric layer,
- flocculation structure

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References(29)

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