A new method for storage of block samples: a pilot study

Abstract

A new method for storing mini-block samples was developed by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. The method consists of storing samples inside a pressurised storage cell (PSC) in order to minimise the effects of stress relief. The pilot study consists of nine mini-block samples that were stored and tested at the sampling site. The samples were sealed with a rubber membrane and storage cell at the site, shortly after sampling. Thereafter, an isotropic pressure was applied and maintained constant throughout the storage period of up to 2 months while the excess water was monitored. The results indicate that the storage method reduces/minimises the effects of stress relief and ageing during the time delay between sampling and testing. The conducted tests indicate that samples stored inside the PSC result in geotechnical parameters that are close to the 0 d samples, which were tested less than an hour after the sampling.