An analytical approach to the characterization of swelling in clay-bearing stone

Clay minerals that swell when exposed to water play an important role in the deterioration of buildings and monuments, as well as in a number of civil engineering problems. A novel method for the in situ determination of the key properties governing these phenomena has been recently proposed by Scherer and Gonzalez [Geol. Soc. Am. Spec. Pap. 390 (2005) p.51]. A comprehensive relation between the experimental observations and the material properties could however not be established up to now. The present study develops an analytical model in which the interplay between geometrical factors and material properties, as well as initial and boundary conditions is accounted for. An extensive parametric study reveals that the discrepancies between the observations and the modelling approach by Scherer and Gonzalez is due to initial and boundary conditions on the one hand and the dispersion of the moisture front on the other hand. Based on the developed model, recommendations for performing in situ tests are formulated and conditions for the applicability of the more simplified modelling strategy by Scherer and Gonzalez are derived. A comparison with experimental data supports these conclusions.