Reef Sand Research Articles

Mechanism Analysis of Strengthening the Coral Reef Sand Foundation by Dynamic Compaction Method Based on Discrete Element Theory

Mechanism Analysis of Strengthening the Coral Reef Sand Foundation by Dynamic Compaction Method Based on Discrete Element Theory

Response of a Coral Reef Sand Foundation Densified through the Dynamic Compaction Method

Dynamic compaction is a method of ground reinforcement that uses the huge impact energy of a free-falling hammer to compact the soil. This study presents a DC method for strengthening coral reef foundations in the reclamation area of remote sea islands. Pilot tests were performed to obtain the design parameters before official DC operation. The standard penetration test (SPT), shallow plate-load test (PLT), and deformation investigation were conducted in two improvement regions (A1 and A2) with varying tamping energies. During the deformation test, the depth of the tamping crater for the first two points’ tamping and the third full tamping was observed at two distinct sites. The allowable ground bearing capacity at two disparate field sites was at least 360 kPa. The reinforcement depths were 3.5 and 3.2 m in the A1 and A2 zones, respectively. The DC process was numerically analyzed by the two-dimensional particle flow code, PFC2D. It indicated that the reinforcement effect and effective reinforcement depth were consistent with the field data. The coral sand particles at the bottom of the crater were primarily broken down in the initial stage, and the particle-crushing zone gradually developed toward both sides of the crater. The force chain developed similarly at the three tamping energies (800, 1500, and 2000 kJ), and the impact stress wave propagated along the sand particles primarily in the vertical direction.

Investigation of mechanical characterization and damage evolution of coral reef sand concrete using in-situ CT and digital volume correlation techniques

Coral reef sand concrete (CRSC) plays an indispensable role in island reef projects, but limited knowledge of its damage poses safety and stability concerns for coral reef sand concrete structures. Therefore, the in-situ computed tomography (CT) is employed to investigate the strength and deformation, and pore structure evolution of coral reef sand concrete under uniaxial load. Additionally, the crack propagation and three-dimensional strain field evolution under different stress states are revealed by the digital volume correlation (DVC) techniques. The results demonstrate that when the stress is below 35.79 MPa, the porosity gradually decreases as the stress increases. However, when the stress exceeds 35.79 MPa, the local porosity increases with the rising stress, and the porosity at 39.89 MPa is higher than the initial porosity. Moreover, stresses evidently concentrate at areas of local maximum porosity, resulting in the initiation and development of cracks in those regions. During the failure process, CRSC experiences splitting damage firstly caused by longitudinal cracks, followed by the extension of these cracks into oblique cracks, resulting in shear damage. Coral aggregate is the weak phase in CRSC, exhibiting transgranular fractures. Additionally, CRSC exhibits significant strain in the pores and coral aggregates, leading to crack development along the direction of the pores or coral aggregates. Therefore, this study offers a deeper understanding of the damage mechanisms of CRSC, providing theoretical support for its further research and practical application in far-sea projects.

Temperature-Dependent Post-Cyclic Mechanical Characteristics of Interfaces between Geogrid and Marine Reef Sand: Experimental Research and Machine Learning Modeling

The mechanical response of the marine reef sand–geogrid (RG) interface can be influenced by a high-temperature climate, grain size, and variable stress environments. These factors are critical to the effectiveness of geogrid reinforcement in reef sand engineering. However, there are few studies on the influences of grain size, temperature, and stress history on the mechanical characteristics of RG interfaces, with most studies centering on the influence of single factors on the mechanical characteristics of RG interfaces. In this paper, based on self-developed temperature-controlled large interface shear equipment, a series of before/post-cyclic shear tests were carried out on RG interfaces in the temperature range of 5–80 °C. The impact of different reef sand grain sizes on the RG interface was explored (S1: 1–2 mm; S2: 2–4 mm). It was shown that temperature and grain size had significant influences on the mechanical characteristics of the RS interface. Compared with the S1 RG interfaces, the S2 RG interfaces had higher sensitivity to temperature changes with respect to the before/post-cyclic maximum shear strength. Moreover, in comparison to the before-cyclic shear strength, the post-cyclic maximum shear strength is more responsive to temperature changes. The before/post-cyclic maximum shear strength of the S2 RG interfaces was greater than the maximum shear strength of the S1 RG interfaces as the temperature changed. Based on the results of physical tests, a machine learning model containing 450 datasets was constructed, which can accurately predict the shear strength of the RG interface.

Research on construction parameters of stone columns for liquefaction mitigation in coral reef sand areas

For loose coral reef sand with high fines content located in strong earthquake zones, it is necessary to choose stone columns as a liquefaction mitigation ground improvement method that can consider both drainage and densification functions. Taking the Tibar Bay Port project in East Timor as an example, the bottom-feed technology of vibrating stone columns was developed, and typical coral reef sand sites with different fines contents were selected as trial test areas. Experimental research was performed to study the construction parameters for onshore and offshore stone column processes. Tests showed that the vibratory process control parameters, quality acceptance standards, and control procedures proposed through research meet the anti-liquefaction requirements for both drainage and densification effectiveness. The different construction characteristics of onshore and offshore stone columns were also analyzed. Considering the particularity of underwater stone column construction, the research results can be used for stone columns reinforced grounds similar to coral sand onshore and offshore.

Numerical study on hydrodynamic impacts of 3D excavation pit on tsunami-like wave at fringing reef

In recent years, dredging reef sand and aggregate as building materials for infrastructures has become a common practice in many atoll islands, which can significantly reshape the wave hydrodynamic environment at the fringing reef. Hence, it becomes necessary to evaluate the hydrodynamic impacts of excavation pits at fringing reef. However, previous research adopted a simplified two-dimensional (2D) excavation pit model, which ignores the influences of 3D geometric characteristics of excavation pit. This study performs a three-dimensional (3D) numerical study on the hydrodynamic impacts of 3D excavation pit on tsunami-like wave at fringing reef by using a nonhydrostatic wave model (NHWAVE). Impacts of several main factors, such as water depth, wave height, pit location, geometric dimensions of pit, the spacing between two serially connected pits and the spacing between two parallel connected pits are carefully discussed. Research results reveal that 3D excavation pit can significantly reshape the wave hydrodynamic environment at the fringing reef, especially the local wave height at the pit. In addition to wave breaking at the reef edge, the 3D excavation pit can further damp out a portion of energy of the breaking surge bore, which can reduce the maximum value of wave runup height at centerline of computational domain. However, maximum value of wave runup height near the two sides of pit are slightly increased to some extent.

Taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity of mollusk death assemblages in coral reef and seagrass sediments from two shallow gulfs in Western Cuban Archipelago.

Mollusk death assemblages are formed by shell remnants deposited in the surficial mixed layer of the seabed. Diversity patterns in tropical marine habitats still are understudied; therefore, we aimed to investigate the taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity of mollusk death assemblages at regional and local scales in coral reef sands and seagrass meadows. We collected sediment samples at 11 sites within two shallow gulfs in the Northwestern Caribbean Sea and Southeastern Gulf of Mexico. All the shells were counted and identified to species level and classified into biological traits. We identified 7113 individuals belonging to 393 species (290 gastropods, 94 bivalves, and nine scaphopods). Diversity and assemblage structure showed many similarities between gulfs given their geological and biogeographical commonalities. Reef sands had higher richness than seagrasses likely because of a more favorable balance productivity-disturbance. Reef sands were dominated by epifaunal herbivores likely feeding on microphytobenthos and bysally attached bivalves adapted to intense hydrodynamic regime. In seagrass meadows, suspension feeders dominated in exposed sites and chemosynthetic infaunal bivalves dominated where oxygen replenishment was limited. Time averaging of death assemblages was likely in the order of 100 years, with stronger effects in reef sands compared to seagrass meadows. Our research provides evidence of the high taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity of mollusk death assemblages in tropical coastal sediments as result of the influence of scale-related processes and habitat type. Our study highlights the convenience of including phylogenetic and functional traits, as well as dead shells, for a more complete assessment of mollusk biodiversity.

Deterioration mechanism of coral reef sand concrete under scouring and abrasion environment and its performance modulation

In complex marine environment, coral reef sand concrete structures such as breakwaters are subjected to abrasion by sand-containing currents, which seriously shortens the service life and cycle of structures. Therefore, this paper investigates the health status of on-site breakwaters, moreover, reveals the damage mechanism of coral reef sand concrete (CRSC) under scour and abrasion environments in combination with indoor macroscopic and microscopic experiments. In addition, the effects of fly ash (FA) and silica fume (SF) on the mechanics and durability, hydration and hydration products of CRSC are investigated so that corresponding measures can be proposed to improve the service performance of breakwaters. The results demonstrate the indentation hardness of coral aggregate is greater than that of ITZ and cement stone matrix. Therefore, the ITZ and cement stone matrix with lower hardness are scoured and abraded by water flow containing coral reef blocks with high hardness, resulting in abrasion failure of CRSC. FA and SF prolong the induction period of cement, and reduce the hydration rate and accumulated heat of the accelerated period and second peak. The hydration reaction between the supplementary cementitious material and Ca(OH)2 occurred within 20–40 h, resulting in the third exothermic peak of the system. The hydration process of the admixture-cement system goes through three stages: crystallization nucleation and crystal growth (NG), phase boundary reaction (I) and diffusion (D). FA mainly plays a physical filling role in the early stage, and it reduces the early C-S-H polymerization degree and the total volume of C-S-H phase, but slightly increases C-S-H polymerization degree in later stage. However, SF is involved in hydration reaction in the early stage, and increases the C-S-H polymerization degree and total volume of C-S-H phase.

Experimental study on the reinforcement mechanism and wave thumping resistance of EICP reinforced sand slopes

Sand slope is an important part of coastal zone and islands, which is severely affected by wave erosion and causes problems such as degradation of coastal zone and reduction of island area. Enzyme-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (EICP) technology is a new reinforcement technology with environmental friendly and excellent effect, which has been widely studied in the field of geotechnical engineering in recent years. In this research, we focus on the coastal or reef sand slopes in marine environments. The EICP reinforcement of representative sand slope units and large scale flume wave thumping experimental study are conducted indoors. By analyzing the physical and mechanical properties, erosion resistance, and microstructure of EICP-reinforced sand slopes, the mechanism of EICP reinforced sand slopes is revealed, the feasibility of EICP reinforced sand slopes is confirmed, and a feasible solution for EICP reinforced sand slopes is finally obtained. Results show that: (1) EICP reinforcement effectively enhances the surface strength and erosion resistance of sand slopes. Higher calcium carbonate content in the sand slopes corresponds to greater surface strength and improved erosion resistance. When the calcium carbonate content is similar, using low-concentration reinforcement twice is more advantageous than using high-concentration reinforcement once due to its superior uniformity. (2) The intensity of waves, the angle of the sand slope, and the severity of erosion damage are interrelated. Higher wave intensity, steeper sand slope angles, and more serious erosion damage require stronger reinforcement measures. (3) Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) image analysis reveals that the reinforcing effect of sand slopes primarily depends on the amount of calcium carbonate crystals cemented between sand particles. A higher content of calcium carbonate crystals leads to better erosion resistance in the sand slope.

Investigation on the rheology, self-shrinkage, pore structure, and fractal dimension of coral powder-cement slurry

There is a significant amount of coral powder in coral aggregates, which has a negative impact on the operational performance, mechanical characteristics, and durability of coral reef sand concrete. The present study investigates the effect of coral powder with varying fineness and content on rheological and self-shrinkage properties using an Anton Paar MCR102 rotational rheometer and YC-BWS bellows self-shrinkage apparatus, respectively. The dynamic yield stress, rheological index, and plastic viscosity are obtained according to the Bingham model, Modified Bingham model, and Herschel-Bulkley model. The pore structures of coral powder-cement slurry are studied using a combination of MIP and SEM tests. Fractal theory is used to characterize the pore size distribution. The results demonstrate that the coral powder-cement slurry exhibits a shear thinning phenomenon. The Herschel-Bulkley model is successful in simulating the rheological behavior of cement slurry. The dynamic yield stress and plastic viscosity increase gradually as the fine coral powder content increases. With the increase in the coarse coral powder content, the dynamic yield stress decreases gradually while the plastic viscosity increases. The self-shrinking value of the coral powder-cement slurry increases rapidly within 1d but gradually stabilize with age. The self-shrinkage value increases with the increase in the coral powder admixture. The self-shrinkage value of the fine coral powder-cement slurry is less than that of the coarse coral powder-cement slurry. It is found that increase in the coral powder reduces the compressive strength of the cement paste, however, cement replacement with 10% coral powder is acceptable. Pore surface fractal dimension and capillary pore volume is able to effectively characterize pore size distribution and pore volume, respectively. Furthermore, the strength has a positive and negative linear relationship with the pore surface fractal dimension and capillary pore volume, respectively. The ratio of pore surface fractal dimension to capillary pore volume can be used as a parameter of the strength model. A linear relationship between the strength and the ratio of pore surface fractal dimension to capillary pore volume is proposed, and the model exhibits high accuracy.

Microbial fuel cells in coral reef sediments as indicator tools for organic carbon eutrophication

Eutrophication with organic carbon (OC) can be harmful for corals and their reefs due to its stimulating effects on associated and sedimentary microbes, leading to oxygen deficits. Mitigation measures require real-time monitoring of wastewater pulses close to coral reefs, where biogenic carbonate sands act as biocatalytic filters for OC. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) where the anode is deployed in sediments and the cathode is in contact with the overlying water can directly generate electricity from the microbial degradation of OC in sediments, but their application in coral reefs has not yet been tested. During a laboratory experiment, we thus investigated if MFCs, vertically deployed in coral reef sands, can be used as indicator tools for eutrophication with artificial wastewater (AW, prepared from organic compounds and chemicals) at OC concentrations of 20, 40, or 52 mg C L-1 higher than controls. AW pulses were repeated three times at every concentration, with five weeks between the first and second pulse, and six months between the second and third pulse. Results revealed significant increases in current densities in all AW treatments (means up to 11, 36, and 39 mA m−2, respectively), while controls remained stable and low (-1 to 3 mA m−2). Current densities and OC concentrations correlated significantly (rrm = 0.64), and the slope of the correlation increased with each consecutive AW pulse. This highlights the functionality of the MFC as a qualitative indicator tool for OC pulses even months after deployment. The response time of the MFCs was fast (<1 day) compared to other indicators for water quality (e.g., coral colony- or community measures that take weeks to years to respond), and they successfully detected OC concentrations expected for wastewater effluents. Measurements can be automated for continuous monitoring, and no laboratory facilities are required (as for OC analysis), making MFC sensors a suitable tool for remote locations. Overall, these findings emphasize the high potential of these low-cost (<20 € per MFC) MFCs as indicator tools for OC pulses in coral reef environments.

Influence of spatial distribution of fine sand layers on the mechanical behavior of coral reef sand

Fine coral sand commonly distributes in coral sand artificial foundation due to the effect of gravity sorting during hydraulic process and the particle breakage of coarse particle. Considering that the significant impact of the distribution form of fine sand on the strength and deformation properties of coral sand foundation, the effect of spatial distribution of fine sand layers on the mechanical behavior of coral sand was studied. The mechanical behavior of coral sand in the consolidated undrained (CU) shear tests were simulated by discrete element models (DEM) analysis method, and the impact mechanism of fine sand interlayers on mechanical strength was analyzed. The effect of thickness and number of fine sand interlayer on the mechanical behavior and shear deformation of coral sand specimens were analyzed based on the proposed uniformity degree, a parameter that quantify the spatial distribution of fine particle interlayers. The results show that the mechanical behavior of coral sand was simulated well by DEM based on particle scanning results. Under the condition of constant fine particle content, the average coordination number of particles increased and the minimum contact force between particles decreased when fine particles were distributed in the form of interlayer. It indicates that the fine particle interlayer has a diffusion effect on stress transfer, which revealed the mechanism of the macro increasing strength of 10%–20% under the same confining pressure. A linear relationship was found between the proposed parameter uniformity and the peak deviator stress of specimens, and the impact of uniformity on the strength was particularly significant under high confining pressures.

Dynamic response characteristics of coral reef sand concrete under impact loading

The dynamic mechanical properties, energy evolution characteristics, breakage modes, and damage mechanism of coral reef sand concrete (CRSC) are distinctly different from those of land-sourced aggregate concrete. Because structures made of CRSC may suffer damage due to earthquakes and artillery shells, it is significant to investigate the impact resistance and dynamic response characteristics of CRSC. In this study, macroscopic and microscopic testing techniques were used to compare the dynamic response characteristics of CRSC, CRSC with polypropylene fibers (PFs), and CRSC with basalt fibers (BFs) under impact loading. The results showed that with increasing strain rate, the dynamic compressive strength and dynamic increase factor (DIF) of the CRSC increased via power and logarithmic functions, respectively. Furthermore, the PFs and BFs improved the dynamic compressive strength at medium and low strain rates. The damage modes of the CRSC and CRSC with BFs were primarily fragmentation damage, while the damage mode of the CRSC with PFs was core retention damage. The failure cracks of all three types of concrete developed through the coral coarse aggregate, cement mortar, and slurry near the interfacial bonds. Nanoindentation test results revealed the great bonding performances at the coral aggregate–slurry bond. The incorporation of PFs or BFs changed the form and content of the C–S–H in the interfacial transition zone of the CRSC, which in turn affected the mechanical properties of the CRSC. In practical engineering, however, PFs and BFs could still improve the seismic and blast-resistant performances of CRSC.

Lagoon infilling by coral reef sand aprons as a proxy for carbonate sediment productivity

AbstractSand aprons are distinctive landforms that offer important insights into sedimentary dynamics for reef platform development. Here we link temporal and spatial scales of 21 sand aprons in the southern Great Barrier Reef to understand their Holocene formation and evolution in response to relative sea-level changes, the depth of the Pleistocene base, and contemporary morphodynamics. Our results show that lagoon infilling is a function of reef size and is a self-limiting process controlled by hydrodynamics and relative sea-level changes. Lagoon infilling does not depend on the type of reef or degree of exposure to waves, but it could reflect past wave climates. Our carbonate productivity estimates based on lagoon infilling are remarkably similar to those inferred from habitat classification. Finally, we hypothesize that current carbonate productivity has slowed because of the effects of climate change.

An Investigation into the Nature and Origin of the Inland High Sand Reef Located at Rose Hall - Port Mourant in East Berbice, Guyana

An Investigation into the Nature and Origin of the Inland High Sand Reef Located at Rose Hall - Port Mourant in East Berbice, Guyana

Axial behavior of circular seawater sea-sand coral concrete columns reinforced with BFRP bars and spirals

• Axial behavior of BFRP bars reinforced seawater sea-sand coral concrete columns was studied experimentally. • The load bearing capacity of B-SSCC columns declined as the spiral spacing narrowed paradoxically owing to the significant discontinuity of coral concrete internally. • Columns with dense stirrups showed more pronounced ductility in the post-peak stage compared with B-SSCC square columns. • An ultimate bearing capacity prediction model is established. For the sake of solving the problem of steel reinforcement corrosion in concrete structures and reducing the transportation cost of concrete raw materials at sea in the development of South China Sea Islands, a new type of coral reef sand concrete columns reinforced with basalt fiber reinforced polymer (BFRP) bars and spirals was proposed. In this study a total of 18 circular seawater sea-sand coral reef concrete columns reinforced with BFRP bars and spirals (B-SSCC) were tested under concentric axial loads. Parameters of nominal longitudinal bar diameters and spiral spacing were investigated to obtain variations on crack propagation, failure modes, load bearing capacity, strain and ductility properties. The results indicated that no obvious cracks were observed until the curves reached up to 0.95 P max approximately and the columns experienced more brittle and explosive failure modes with the increase of longitudinal bar diameter and spiral spacing. The load bearing capacity of B-SSCC columns increased with longitudinal reinforcement ratio, however, declined as the spiral spacing narrowed paradoxically. It was owing to the significant discontinuity of coral concrete internally. Compared with B-SSCC square columns, the circular columns with dense stirrups showed pronounced ductile behavior in the post-peak stage, remarked by improved average ductile coefficient β of 22.6%. Finally, a numerical prediction of load bearing capacity was suggested.

Facies Mapping of the Holocene Carbonate Complexes in Kepulauan Seribu Java Basin, Indonesia Using Satellite-Derived Data Set

The analog study is common in understanding buried reservoirs and the relationship between architectural complexity and heterogeneity of carbonate deposits. This study processed satellite and false-color images using single-band images and classified them using a supervised classification technique to generate an environmental facies map. Thus, the study’s objectives are to map facies distribution in selected carbonate depositional environment and investigate oceanographic parameters that influence the development and evolution of modern carbonates in Holocene Kepulauan Seribu patch reef complexes, Java Basin. The main sub-environments are reef sand apron, subtidal reefal margin, and shallower subtidal lagoon. Annual wind patterns in the Java Basin have influenced the development of carbonate sediment in the Kepulauan Seribu archipelago, resulting in the formation of an isolated carbonate platform pattern with a single crest and asymmetrical dipping flanks. Meanwhile, the salinity of seawater influences the production of modern carbonate deposits as the Java basin is situated at the equator line, where the salinity of the seawater is moderately salty (35‰) and contributes to the favorable conditions for carbonate growth. The analysis of oceanographic elements with the integration of quantified environmental facies distribution is conducted to monitor the deposition of carbonate sediments which gives insight into carbonate distribution on the studied platforms. Satellite-derived facies maps provide an accurate overview of depositional facies patterns at the field scale in the oil and gas industry, enabling geologists to assess the potential of an oil and gas reservoir.

Seawater based MICP cements two/one-phase cemented sand blocks

The Sporosarcina pasteurii strains can grow and multiply in seawater medium and have certain urease activity. The two-phase and one-phase cementation methods can be used for the construction of ocean islands and reefs far away from the mainland in seawater seawater based MICP (Microbial-Induced Carbonate Precipitation). The compressive strength, carbonates content and porosity of sand blocks cemented by seawater based MICP with two-phase and one-phase methods are measured and compared. The results show that the strength and carbonates content of sand blocks with two-phase biocementation are greater than that of one-phase. The SEM images show that the principle of seawater based MICP cementing loose sand blocks is that carbonates particles grow between the sand particles, and them act as a bridge to bind the loose sand particles into a whole. The seawater based UPB of different pH can induce calcium carbonate deposition at different time. The seawater based UPB of different pH can be selected according to the actual project to reinforce the island reef sand foundation and prepare building materials under one-phase biocementation.

Sounds of Silence

It was the early 1980s on a warm summer’s evening on North West Island, located in the Capricornia Bunker Group towards the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef. I had some time to myself and was wandering along the beach at sunset. Looking up, I realised there were thousands and thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of birds — wedge-tailed shearwaters, in fact — circling the island as they returned to their underground nests and their mates and chicks after a day of feeding and cruising the air currents. What was so special about this? After all, it happens every summer’s evening on many Reef sand cays. It was special for me because I suddenly realised that this huge sweep of birds was flying past in total silence … the only sound was an occasional wing dipping into the sea.

Coral reef biofilm bacterial diversity and successional trajectories are structured by reef benthic organisms and shift under chronic nutrient enrichment

Work on marine biofilms has primarily focused on host-associated habitats for their roles in larval recruitment and disease dynamics; little is known about the factors regulating the composition of reef environmental biofilms. To contrast the roles of succession, benthic communities and nutrients in structuring marine biofilms, we surveyed bacteria communities in biofilms through a six-week succession in aquaria containing macroalgae, coral, or reef sand factorially crossed with three levels of continuous nutrient enrichment. Our findings demonstrate how biofilm successional trajectories diverge from temporal dynamics of the bacterioplankton and how biofilms are structured by the surrounding benthic organisms and nutrient enrichment. We identify a suite of biofilm-associated bacteria linked with the orthogonal influences of corals, algae and nutrients and distinct from the overlying water. Our results provide a comprehensive characterization of marine biofilm successional dynamics and contextualize the impact of widespread changes in reef community composition and nutrient pollution on biofilm community structure.