Increased Cement Paste Permeability via Novel Controlled Fatigue Technique

摘要

In this study, a novel approach using low-load cyclic compression fatigue technique to gradually propagate cracks in a brittle porous material and enhance fluid flow in a controlled direction was investigated. The technical feasibility of using this technique to increase permeability was evaluated by conducting cyclic fatigue, hydraulic conductivity, and crack formation tests. It was shown that this technique could be used to gradually propagate crack(s) in a controlled direction, and increase permeability in a porous and brittle material. The method improves the conventional counterpart of hydraulic fracture by inducing controlled damage formations, without suddenly compromising the structural integrity of the material, thereby manipulating permeability. The highest permeability recorded is approximately 4.25 × 10~(-9) m/s for 1,000 fatigue cycles. The results have implications for enhancing the capabilities of liquid CO_2 sequestration in deep sea sediments.