Experimental evaluation of engineering behavior of soft Bangkok clay under elevated temperature

This paper presents the results of a systematic well designed experimental investigation carried out to study the engineering properties of the soft Bangkok clay heated up to 90 degrees C from room temperature (25 degrees C). Details of modified oedometer and triaxial test apparatus that can handle temperatures up to 100 degrees C are also presented. In the range of temperatures investigated, soft Bangkok clay exhibited temperature induced volume changes that depend mainly on the stress history, reduction in the conventional elastic zone, stiffening, and increased hydraulic permeability with increasing temperature as well as apparent overconsolidation state after subjecting the normally consolidated specimen to heating/cooling cycle. The results of this study provide additional data that can enhance the understanding of the thermohydromechanical behavior concepts of saturated clays.