| Project name | Numerical Modelling and Experimental Investigation of Expansive Clay |
|---|---|
| Acronym | NUMEX |
| Project partner |
|
| Grantor | DFG (Project 556457374) |
| Duration | from: 21.03.2025 to: 20.03.2028 |
|
Research field |
E+E (E+E > Energy + Environment I+I > Information + Intelligence M+M > Matter + Materials) |
| Project content |
Expansive clay materials are characterised by their low hydraulic conductivity, high plasticity, and volume increase upon contact with water. These properties are highly relevant in geotechnical engineering, as they pose challenges for structures on/in expansive soils/rocks while also offering advantages in sealing applications. The objective of the project is to analyse the swelling behaviour and coupled hydro-mechanical processes through experimental investigations on reconstituted clay samples. This includes radial stress measurements under oedometer conditions, determination of the critical state for dry and saturated material, and cyclic wetting and drying tests. Based on these experimental investigations, a numerical model developed by the applicants will be reviewed and extended. The modelling approach will be capable of predicting the evolution of swelling deformation and swelling pressure, as well as swelling-induced changes in hydraulic conductivity, as a function of mechanical boundary conditions. To account for large deformations, the model will be implemented into an existing Particle Finite Element Method (PFEM) code. The developed methods will be tested and validated using benchmark problems and realistic geotechnical applications. |
