An experimental study of cracking mechanisms in drying soils

Results of laboratory tests of cracking of a clayey soil due to desiccation are presented. Circular and rectangular soil samples of different sizes and boundary conditions were used in the tests. The samples were monitored while desiccating in laboratory-controlled conditions, taking pictures at regular intervals for image analysis. The analysis reveals that specimen size, thickness and aspect ratio have a strong influence on the crack pattern, total moisture loss and rate of moisture loss. Boundary conditions have also a considerable impact in the mechanism of drying. The results of the presented work provide the foundation for large-scale, fully monitored tests needed to develop predictive models for cracking of soils under drying conditions.