Triaxial Strength, Thermal Expansion, and Acoustic Velocity Data of Core Samples from the Precambrian Basement and Basal Cambrian Sandstone in Alberta (tabular data, tab-delimited format)

This digital data release provides laboratory-measured rock mechanical, thermal expansion, and acoustic velocity data for drillcore samples from the Precambrian basement and Basal Cambrian Sandstone in Alberta. The dataset includes:

• The results of multistage triaxial compression testing on 24 samples under confining pressures of 8.27 MPa (1200 psi), 15.17 MPa (2200 psi), 28.96 MPa (4200 psi), and 42.75 MPa (6200 psi). Tests were conducted at temperatures from 67°C to 198°C to simulate in situ temperature conditions. Axial loading during stages 1 to 3 was stopped when volumetric strain transition (VST) from compaction to dilation was observed. Stage 4 was loaded to failure to determine peak strength. Not all samples completed all four stages due to early failure or testing anomalies.
• The results of thermal expansion and ultrasonic acoustic velocity testing on a separate batch of 10 samples, conducted under hydrostatic conditions. Samples were heated from near-ambient to approximately 200°C. Axial and radial strains were recorded continuously, and P-wave and S-wave velocities were measured before and after heating.
• High-resolution computed tomography (CT) images for all samples prior to testing, used to document internal rock features such as foliation, veining, and microfractures. Post-test CT scans of the 17 triaxial samples were used to identify shear failure planes, compaction features, and damage patterns.
Derived outputs include compressive strength, stress at VST, Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio, Mohr–Coulomb failure parameters (cohesion and internal friction angle), thermal expansion coefficients, and temperature-dependent acoustic velocities.
Data quality was supported by calibrated instrumentation, repeat measurements, and CT imaging. This dataset provides key inputs for geothermal, geomechanical, and subsurface modelling  studies in Alberta’s basement and deep sedimentary formations.

This work was completed under the Mineral Grant provided by the Government of Alberta dated June 22, 2021.