Impact of thermal loading on pore pressure and K0 in low-permeability clayey soils

Abstract

This study investigates the thermal effects on low-permeability silty-clayey soils, focusing on pore pressure generation and the variation of the lateral earth pressure coefficient at rest (K0) under heating. These processes are highly relevant in energy geotechnical applications, such as geothermal systems and the geological disposal of radioactive waste. An experimental campaign was conducted using an instrumented axisymmetric cell to apply heating pulses under constant volume and controlled hydraulic boundary conditions. The results indicate that the thermal pressurization coefficient (¿) increases with temperature, accompanied by a progressive increase in the K0.

Postprint (published version)