Effects of Freeze-Thaw Cycles on Permeability Behavior and Desiccation Cracking of Dalian Red Clay in China Considering Saline Intrusion

Chen Chen, Chaozhe Zhang (), Xiao Liu, Xiaona Pan, Yenan Pan and Pengjiao Jia
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Chen Chen: China Northeast Architectural Design & Research Institute Co., Ltd., Shenyang 110003, China
Chaozhe Zhang: Institute of Geotechnical Engineering, School of Transportation, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
Xiao Liu: School of Civil Engineering, Shenyang Jianzhu University, Shenyang 110168, China
Xiaona Pan: China Construction Engineering Design & Research Institute Corporation Limited (Liaoning), Shenyang 110000, China
Yenan Pan: School of Civil Engineering, Shenyang Jianzhu University, Shenyang 110168, China
Pengjiao Jia: School of Rail Transportation, Soochow University, Suzhou 215131, China

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 4, 1-20

Abstract: Red clay with features of high liquid (plastic) limit, low permeability, medium-low compressibility and high strength is widely used in anti-seepage projects including roadbed, earth dam, tailings and landfill cover. This study investigates the hydraulic conductivity and propagation of desiccation cracks of compacted red clay in Dalian, China, considering the effect of freeze-thaw (F-T) cycles and saline intrusion. A series of compacted specimens were subjected to different F-T cycles at various controlled salt concentration of 0.2% and 4%. The surface cracking initiation and propagation process of compacted specimens under wetting-drying (W-D) cycles were monitored by Digital Image Correlation technique. The results indicated that permeability coefficient of compacted specimens increased significantly after the first F-T cycle regardless of specimens with variable dry density and salt concentration. The relationship between the number of F-D cycles and permeability coefficient can be expressed as the exponential function for Dalin red clay. Dry density and Saline inhibits the desiccation cracks of compacted specimens under W-D cycles. However, the F-T cycles have a modest promoting effect on crack propagation on the surface of saturated red clay. This study analyzes the underlying formation mechanisms of desiccation cracking-inducing geohazards and provides some guidance for the long-term performance of infrastructures upon saline intrusion and F-T cycles for red clay.

Keywords: red clay; freeze-thaw; wetting-drying; permeability behavior; desiccation cracking; digital image correlation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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