Use of X-ray computed tomography for studying the desiccation cracking and self-healing of fine soil during drying–wetting paths

Managed aquifer recharge is an efficient approach using surface water for groundwater recharge. However, soil clogging in the infiltration systems represents a critical problem that reduces efficiency of systems. In recent years, much research has been conducted to investigate subsurface and (cake). Cake prevents into table can drastically reduce rate. arid semi-arid areas, alternation humid dry seasons effect on cake cracking. present research, propagation desiccation cracking self-healing unconsolidated (cake), placed Plexiglas columns, was investigated X-ray computed tomography (CT) during drying–wetting (DW) paths. The results showed drying path, cracks initiated at base by friction with bottom column then propagated top cake. As time increased, evaporation led more growing from than tended stabilize because content greater surface. initiation, propagation, expansion developed saturated condition During wetting some were closed while others appeared. close progressively time, highlighting phenomenon, probably due high plasticity index soil. swelling mainly related increase void ratio decrease suction between particles. demonstrate capacity CT technique evolution DW