NUMEX: Numerical Modelling and Experimental Investigation of Expansive Clay Materials

• Applicants: Professor Dr.-Ing. Carlos Eduardo Grandas Tavera; Professor Dr.-Ing. Jan Machacek
• Subject Area: Geotechnics, Hydraulic Engineering
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 556457374

Expansive clay materials are characterised by their low hydraulic conductivity, high plasticity, and volume increase upon contact with water. These properties are significant in geotechnics as they present both challenges for structures on expansive ground and advantages for sealing applications. The main objective of the project is to analyse the swelling behaviour and hydro-mechanical processes through experimental investigations on reconstituted clay samples. This includes radial stress measurements under oedometer conditions, determination of the critical state for dry and saturated material, and cyclic wetting and drying tests. Based on these experimental investigations, a numerical model developed by the applicants will be reviewed and extended. To simulate large deformations, these numerical methods will be integrated into an existing Particle Finite Element Method (PFEM). The developed methods will be tested and validated using benchmark problems and geotechnical applications.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants