Abstract:
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A fully coupled advanced formulation for heat, liquid and gas transfer in unsaturated
deforming soils is presented. Balance equations are rooted in the theory of mixtures. A double
porosity model, which is believed to be especially relevant when simulating expansive soils, is
proposed to characterize the water transfer mechanism. Another relevant feature of the fra-
mework developed, is the incorporation of a consistent elastoplastic model to describe stress±
strain relationships in unsaturated soils. A ¯exible FE computer program was developed,
including an array of alternative numerical strategies and constitutive equations to enhance its
capabilities. The experimental results of a hydration and heating experiment performed on
con®ned expansive bentonite were satisfactorily compared with model simulations. |