Hydro-Mechanical Triaxial Behaviour Of Compacted Earth At Different Temperatures

In order to explore the hydro-thermo-mechanical behaviour of compacted earth, triaxial apparatus at controlled temperature and equipped with non-contacted sensors measuring system, was developed. The results show that the relative humidity at which the samples were stored have a strong impact on the mechanical characteristics of earthen material: both the maximum deviator stress f(c) and Young's modulus E decrease with the increase of relative humidity, meanwhile, more plastic characteristics are observed. Along with the development of stress level, a degradation of secant Young's modulus and accumulation of residual strain appear. The magnitude of both depends on the relative humidity and on the confinement pressure. Finally, the mechanical behaviour (including strength and deformation) does not seem to be affected by temperature modifications between 23 degrees C and 30 degrees C.