An insight into drying-wetting cycles of peat

A relevant part of the geotechnical infrastructure in north Europe and overseas is built on soft organic soils, including peat. Peat extremely vulnerable to climate-related hazards as increased temperature accelerates drying, shrinkage decomposition matter. exhibits dramatic changes volume with water content. As material deforms, pore space evolves retention response. The evolution leads a hysteretic relationship between suction, content, void size distribution. In this work, data from free shrinkage-swelling suction measurements natural fibrous peat subjected drying wetting cycles are presented discussed. behaviour samples modelled by accounting for capillarity considering X-Ray computer tomography was used explore change upon drying. experimental evidence shows that experiences distinct zones one where accelerated contraction occurs. Such explained consequence interactions an aggregated fabric. This supported conceptual modelling approach highlights pivotal role evolving space.