Numerical investigation of desiccation cracking in fine-grained soil using a lattice spring model

Numerical simulations for desiccation shrinking and cracking in fine-grained soil, based on Distinct Lattice Spring Model, are performed. Soil model is reconstructed complying with experimental particle size distribution and void ratio. A desiccation model is proposed to simulate the drying process. A pore water and solid particle coupled mechanism is used to account for the mechanical behaviour due to desiccation. The parameters obtained from free drying simulation are used to model the process of constrained drying. A good agreement between simulation and exprimental presentation has reached.