The mechanical behavior of the Kettle Point oil shale

摘要: Samples of eastern black shale (Kettle Point oil shales, Ontario) were subjected to extensive mineralogical and geomechanical tests. We prove that the mineralogy, as measured by ratio quartz illite, controls strength deformation properties, organic material plays no significant role. The reason is increasing clay content dilutes rigid quartz–quartz grain contacts are responsible for high strengths stiff behavior. Tests temperature effects on point load another low confirm matter not important mechanical properties in matrix-supported shales. Key words: shale, Brazilian test, triaxial strength, content, slake durability, thermogravimetry.