However, the F-T cycles have a modest promoting effect on crack propagation on the surface of saturated red clay. Dry density and Saline inhibits the desiccation cracks of compacted specimens under W-D cycles.

The relationship between the number of F-D cycles and permeability coefficient can be expressed as the exponential function for Dalin red clay. The results indicated that permeability coefficient of compacted specimens increased significantly after the first F-T cycle regardless of specimens with variable dry density and salt concentration. The surface cracking initiation and propagation process of compacted specimens under wetting-drying (W-D) cycles were monitored by Digital Image Correlation technique.

A series of compacted specimens were subjected to different F-T cycles at various controlled salt concentration of 0.2% and 4%. This study investigates the hydraulic conductivity and propagation of desiccation cracks of compacted red clay in Dalian, China, considering the effect of freeze-thaw (F-T) cycles and saline intrusion. Red clay with features of high liquid (plastic) limit, low permeability, medium-low compressibility and high strength is widely used in anti-seepage projects including roadbed, earth dam, tailings and landfill cover.

Deep freeze enterprise crack