A Review on Mechanisms of Thermally Induced Volume Changes in Fine Soil

Abstract

New geotechnical applications such as nuclear waste disposal, geothermal structure, thermally active landfills, and other structures dealing with temperature fluctuations in the short-term and long-term, have made it almost impossible to neglect the effect of temperature on the mechanical behavior of soils such as in conventional geotechnical designs. An important aspect in geotechnical engineering has always been the volumetric behavior that could be more critical in fine soils due to their complex nature. Therefore, a clear understanding on thermally induced volume changes in fine soils is essential in order to perform such thermal related geotechnical designs and to ensure safety and functionality during their lifetime. In this context, this paper presents a critical review on the current knowledge for thermally induced volumetric changes in fine soils as well as the effect of temperature on mechanical parameters. Thermal volume expansion and contraction occur in fine soils based on their stress history; however, some essential questions and discrepancies are still unresolved. The further assessment of proposed mechanisms is conducted in this paper that highlight the importance of microstructure and chemical interactions to be considered when studying thermal volume changes in fine soils.