Effects of Dry–Wet Cycles on Permeability and Shear Strength of Yuanmou Red Clay

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The Yuanmou red clay, widely distributed in the Yuanmou Basin of Yunnan Province, China, exhibits unique engineering characteristics that are highly sensitive to environmental moisture variations. Repeated dry–wet cycles significantly influence both its permeability and shear strength, leading to changes in the clay’s microstructure and mechanical behavior. During successive cycles, the soil particles undergo shrinkage and swelling, resulting in the development of microcracks and an increase in pore connectivity. Consequently, the permeability of Yuanmou red clay tends to increase with the number of dry–wet cycles, facilitating easier water infiltration. Conversely, the shear strength generally decreases as the structural integrity of the clay weakens due to particle rearrangement and loss of interparticle bonding. The cohesion component of shear strength reduces more noticeably than the internal friction angle, indicating that the degradation is mainly attributed to the destruction of cementation and aggregation within the soil matrix. Understanding these effects is crucial for assessing slope stability, foundation performance, and erosion risks in regions where Yuanmou red clay is prevalent and subjected to alternating wet and dry climatic conditions.

#YuanmouRedClay #GeotechnicalEngineering #SoilMechanics #DryWetCycles #Permeability #ShearStrength #SoilStructure #SlopeStability #ClaySoil #EnvironmentalEffects





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