An experimental study of moisture movement due to thermal and thermo-hydraulic gradients in clays

This paper presents initial results and analysis of an experimental study of moisture movement in both the liquid and vapour phase due to thermal and thermo-hydraulic gradients in clays. The purpose of this work is to develop an improved understanding of heat and moisture migration in unsaturated clay. Results of two types of test will be presented; in the first type a sample of unsaturated clay of known initial conditions is subjected to temperature gradient whilst in the second type a similar sample will be subjected to both temperature and hydraulic gradient acting in opposite directions to each other. During the tests, transient temperatures are measured by thermocouples and moisture content is measured via sampling and oven drying.