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Thermo-hydro-mechanical coupling in slope stability: advanced experiments and multiscale modelling
Loche, Marco ; Scaringi, Gianvito (advisor) ; Comegna, Luca (referee) ; Görüm, Tolga (referee)
The complexity of the thermo-hydro-mechanical processes in expansive clays is such that coupled models are needed to explain their behaviour under variable hydraulic, mechanic, and thermal conditions. The effects of temperature changes on the behaviour of bentonite are being studied, in particular, with respect to their role in the chemical and hydraulic insulation of radioactive waste. Results demonstrate that thermal effects can be significant. These effects can also occur owing to different processes, such as seasonal thermal variations in the shallow (possibly clay-rich) soil layers along mountain slopes. Very limited research in this field has shown that some landslides might be activated by thermal excursions. In the proposed project, experiments and modelling at various scales have been performed to better account for thermo-hydro-mechanical coupling and for the control of temperature on the shear strength, and hence on the stability of slopes. An extensive variety of geotechnical parameters are subjected to changes under thermal action. For instance, we need to mention the shear strength. To develop a more complete framework to account for temperature in slope stability analysis, a multi-scale approach has been defined to improve our understanding on how soil behaves under thermal changes....
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