One-dimensional compression and consolidation of shales

• A methodology for analysing compression and consolidation of shales is discussed.
• An apparatus is presented to perform oedometric high-pressure tests.
• An analytical method is formulated to analyse the shale consolidation behaviour.
• Results obtained on Opalinus Clay using the developed methodology are presented.

This paper presents a comprehensive methodology for analysing the compression and consolidation behaviour of shales. An apparatus was designed to perform oedometric high-pressure tests by applying a maximum vertical total stress of 100 MPa and simultaneously controlling the pore water pressure of the specimen. An analytical method was formulated to analyse the shale consolidation behaviour, which allows information to be gathered on the coefficient of consolidation, stiffness, poroelastic properties, secondary compression and permeability of the tested material as a function of the applied stress conditions. Results obtained on Opalinus Clay shale using the developed methodology are presented and discussed.