Physical and numerical modelling of soil-atmosphere-structure interaction

Extreme, extended wet and dry seasons increase the adverse effects that soil wetting drying cycles have on response of shallow geotechnical structures. In expansive soils, volumetric changes due to water content variations may result in incompatibility deformations at soil-structure interface. This study proposes a physical approach numerical model address soil-atmosphere-structure interactions during saturation desiccation. Experimental desiccation tests were performed relatively thin, compacted kaolin clay samples represent soil-atmosphere boundary. A climatic chamber was used impose atmospheric conditions air relative humidity, temperature, wind velocity, irradiance surface. Empirical mathematical expressions obtained estimate rates as function basic parameters properties. The experimental complemented with coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) for unsaturated soils. THM calculates thermal fluxes, changes, vertical stresses, compatibility movements swelling shrinking. An example capabilities is presented full-scale problem.