Numerical and Experimental Investigation of Desiccation Shrinkage and Cracking in High-Plasticity Intact Clay
Transportation Infrastructure Geotechnology, vol.13, no.6, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 13 Issue: 6
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1007/s40515-026-00996-3
- Journal Name: Transportation Infrastructure Geotechnology
- Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus
- Keywords: Desiccation cracking, Expansive clay, Hydro-mechanical coupling, Shrinkage curve, Unsaturated consolidation
- Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
This study developed a coupled hydro-mechanical framework to predict the initiation time, location, and mechanism of desiccation cracking in cylindrical specimens of high-plasticity Ankara clay. The clay was characterized using evaporation tests, shrinkage measurements, and soil-water retention data. Unsaturated consolidation theory was combined with an effective stress formulation, and the measured shrinkage curve was used to calibrate the suction-dependent stiffness function. The model was validated against laboratory observations under controlled temperature and relative humidity. Numerical results showed that rapid moisture loss formed a thin desiccated outer zone, which contracted around the wetter inner core. This restraint generated radial compression within the core and equal tensile hoop and axial stresses at the specimen surface. Cracking initiated at mid-height when the surface tensile stress reached the soil tensile strength. The predicted initiation time was 2 h 40 min, compared with approximately 2.5 h observed experimentally. At 20 °C and relative humidity below 50%, cracking occurred within 3 h, whereas at 5 °C and 30–50% relative humidity, it occurred after 4 h 29 min to 9 h. Mean matric suction at cracking increased only from approximately 1750–1860 kPa. The framework estimated permissible drying durations during laboratory testing.