A multi-phasic approach for estimating the Biot coefficient for Grimsel granite

Abstract

This paper presents an alternative approach for estimating the Biot coefficient for the Grimsel granite, which appeals to the multi-phasic mineralogical composition of the rock. The modelling considers the transversely isotropic nature of the rock that is evident from both the visual appearance of the rock and determined from mechanical testing. Conventionally, estimation of the compressibility of the solid material is performed by fluid saturation of the pore space and pressurization. The drawback of this approach in terms of complicated experimentation and influences of the unsaturated pore space is alleviated by adopting the methods for estimating the solid material compressibility using developments in theories of multi-phase materials. The results of the proposed approach are compared with estimates available in the literature.