How does serpentinization affect the poromechanical properties of olivine-rich rocks?
Serpentinization is expected to modify the poromechanical properties of olivine-rich ultramafic rocks through coupled hydration reactions, solid volume expansion, and fluid–rock interaction. This reaction generates hydrogen while progressively altering stiffness, strength, pore structure, and fracture connectivity. Such reaction-driven rock-matrix evolution can change effective stress response, permeability structure, and crack development, with important consequences for fluid transport and deformation in subduction environments.
This study seeks to systematically investigate how serpentinization controls the poromechanical behavior of olivine-rich rocks by quantifying reaction-induced changes in elastic properties, compressibility, porosity, permeability, and fracture networks. Laboratory experiments are designed to simulate serpentinization under controlled temperature, pressure, and fluid conditions. Multiscale mechanical/flow testing and high-resolution imaging are used to track the coupled evolution of deformation and pore structure as reaction progresses.
The objective is to establish a framework that links serpentinization extent to evolving hydromechanical properties, and to clarify how reaction-driven microstructural changes influence fluid migration and poromechanical response in ultramafic rocks.
Publications
- Lawal, U., Kim, K. (2026). Poromechanical and Crack Evolution of Olivine Rich Rock During Serpentinization. (Under Review).