An effective stress constitutive framework for the prediction of desiccation crack in lime-treated soil: Experimental characterization and constitutive prediction

The present work investigates the desiccation effects on a lime-treated silty clay. Original experimental techniques have been developed to control suction conditions (with osmotic technique), track volume variations and cracks occurrence upon drying. Free constrained desiccations are performed evaluate shrinkage potential (for free drying) of crack triggering (upon drying). Also, indirect tensile tests uniaxial compression carried out strength stiffness at various suctions. Those investigations natural compacted clay in order emphasize benefits lime treatment and/or mitigation cracking process. To simulate field compaction obtain specimens having geomechanical properties as close possible real material site, particular kneading process CBR mould was used, final were cut required sizes with milling machine numerically controlled by computer (CNC). At end, generalized effective stress framework an parameter ? calibrated according power law is used provide constitutive interpretation relation water retention properties, soil stiffness, geometrical constraints specimens. It observed that initiate under positive (compressive) stress. For materials, it demonstrated postpones cracks, triggered higher So, plays favourable role reduction soft soils subject