Thermo-hydro-mechanical behaviour of two heavily overconsolidated clays

An experimental study on the thermo-hydro-mechanical behaviour of two heavily overconsolidated clays is presented. Laboratory tests have been conducted on a Spanish bentonite (FEBEX bentonite) and a Belgian kaolinitic/illitic clay (Boom clay), statically compacted at different initial dry densities and water contents. Volume change behaviour of the soils during suction reduction paths at different temperatures and during heating–cooling cycles at constant water content or suction have been investigated through the use of suction and temperature controlled oedometer cells. In addition, the volume change response under unconfined conditions and constant water content has been measured to determine thermal expansion coefficients. The results show similarities and differences between the observed behaviour of the two types of clays that have been interpreted on the basis of their different structures and regarding their proportion of intra-aggregate water.