The physics of desiccation cracks 2: Modeling and prediction of the crack patterns

This paper extends the experimental results of our companion paper by modeling and predicting the onset and pattern formation of desiccation cracks in geomaterials (Ruoyu et al., 2023). Thin-layer silt samples in controlled atmospheric conditions were tested to obtain the surface strain maps with the digital image correlation (DIC) method during dehydration. Support experiments, including consolidation and displacement-controlled triaxial tests, were conducted for the properties of geomaterials. These experimental results were used to validate a viscoplastic theoretical model by comparing cracks and singularities locations that distribute following the Cnoidal wave pattern. A critical value exists in the viscoplastic model that determines the number of singularities, which accurately predicts the number of cracks in the experiment. The critical values contain two crucial parameters: rate sensitivity and & lambda;. Rate sensitivity describes the rate-dependent stress-strain relation, while & lambda; shows the ability of pore pressure redistribution under the external mechanical loading rate. These results provide a new view to analyze the desiccation cracks considering the rate-dependent viscoplasticity.& COPY; 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study extends the results of a previous study by modeling and predicting desiccation cracks in geomaterials. Experimental tests were conducted on thin-layer silt samples under controlled atmospheric conditions to obtain surface strain maps. A viscoplastic theoretical model was validated using these experimental results, and it accurately predicted the number of cracks in the experiment.