Temperature- and saturation-dependent behaviour of unsaturated clay beams in bending tests

The paper investigates the deformation behaviour of partially saturated clay beams under flexural stress. Beams were prepared from two clays and then loaded until failure. Three degrees saturation loading rates examined for each clay. load, matric suction at different beam points, deflection in middle measured during tests. device ensures an even distribution stresses on top surface beam, which was confirmed by employing tactile pressure matrix sensors placed between beam. In addition to tests room temperature, 55 °C carried out a walk-in climate chamber assess effects temperature. papersummarises testing procedure presents selected experimental results.