Creep Processes of Continental Slope and Rise Sediments

研究的总体目标是了解蠕变的机制，并能够预测海底斜坡的位移幅度和速率。前3年的项目为研究边坡蠕变过程提供了地质基础、广泛的实验数据库和有限元程序基础。实验室测试将集中在进一步发展分析蠕变本构关系的沉积物发现在大陆斜坡和上升。有限元规范将得到扩展和改进，以纳入更广泛的材料行为，并应用于更复杂的边坡结构。在项目的实验室物理模型部分，实际实验才刚刚开始，设备将得到改进，以提供额外的监测能力和更精确的测量。这项研究在理解广泛的斜坡过程方面具有科学意义，对海上设施在斜坡上的定位具有重要意义。

The overall objective of the research is to understand the mechanisms of creep and be able to predict the magnitudes and rates of displacements of submarine slopes. The previous 3-year program provides the geological basis, extensive experimental data base, and foundation of a finite element code for studying creep processes of slopes. The laboratory testing will focus on further development of analytical creep constitutive relationships for sediments found on the continental slope and rise. The finite element code will be expanded and improved to incorporate a wider range of material behavior and applied to more complex slope configurations. In the laboratory physical model portion of the program, in which actual experiments are just beginning, the apparatus will be improved to provide additional monitoring capabilities and more precise measurements. The research is scientifically relevant in terms of understanding a broad range of slope processes and has important implications to the sitting of offshore installations on slopes.