Volume change response and fabric evolution of granular MX80 bentonite along different hydro-mechanical stress paths

Abstract Despite the increasing understanding of bentonite behaviour, there is still missing evidence on how different hydro-mechanical loadings, including sequences hydration and compression, affect fabric volume change behaviour material. It generally assumed that interplay between clay assemblages overall material reason having final states are dependent stress path followed. Here results an experimental campaign aiming to study these factors reported discussed. Free swelling pressure tests were performed, both followed by compression a relatively high stress. The program involved various samples dismantled at intermediate in order perform microstructural observations means mercury intrusion porosimetry electronic scanning microscopy. was observed while void ratio given level depends path, subsequent led unique virgin line. data obtained microscale gave further insight for interpretation macroscale, showing tends recover same regardless saturation.