Experimental investigation of the behaviour of unsaturated soils is a key component in the analysis and design of a wide range of geoenvironmental problems. Furthermore, in some circumstances the influence of temperature variation needs to be considered in addition to the hydraulic and mechanical behaviour. Notwithstanding the significant theoretical and numerical developments, experimental determination of Thermo-Hydro- Mechanical (THM) soil properties remains a challenge. Consequently, in order to address these problems this thesis presents the design and development of two Temperature and Suction controlled Oedometer (TSO) cells with operational support. The new cells permit parallel testing of unsaturated soil over a temperature range of room temperature to 90°C. Suction control is achieved using the axis translation technique and is currently limited to 1.5 MPa. Vertical stress is applied via an air pressure controlled loading ram, operating up to a maximum stress of 2.5 MPa. The new apparatus has been calibrated in response to variations in temperature, suction and net stress. Subsequently, an experimental methodology for sample preparation and testing has been established. Speswhite kaolin has been used throughout this study due to its moderate swelling properties and the abundance of independently obtained data available. Basic geotechnical properties of kaolin have been determined via standard experimental techniques. Stress-path, temperature-path and suction-path tests have been successfully carried out using the new equipment. The results obtained have been validated in comparison to independently obtained data. From the work undertaken it is clear that temperature effects on the behaviour of kaolin are significant. Further work is now necessary to explore the behaviour of other soil types
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:544368 |
| Date | January 2000 |
| Creators | Folly, J. P. W. |
| Publisher | Cardiff University |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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