Influence of microfossils and pyrites on the behaviour of oceanbed sediments

An attempt has been made to investigate the microfabric and mineralogical features of marine sediments collected from the north-east coastal region of Singapore. A limited laboratory studies on shear strength, consolidation and chemical analysis were carried out to examine the geotechnical characteristics of marine sediments. Emphasis has been focussed on the microfabric aspects of microfossils (diatom) and pyrite, and their influence on the soil properties. Test results indicated the predominant presence of microfossils (diatom) and pyrite, and their impact on the marine sediments behaviour has been discussed briefly. The abundant presence of microfossils results in an increase in strength, compressibility and hydraulic conductivity due to the presence of large voids between the skeleton structures.