Tensile strength variation of a silty clay under different temperature and moisture conditions

Abstract

In this study, the tensile strengths of silty clays from Qinghai-Tibet Plateau with different initial water contents (3.5–21.0%) at various temperatures (−12.0–0.0 °C) are investigated using an indirect method (Brazilian test). Experimental results show that the tensile strength of silty clay is first increase and then decreased with the increasing initial water content at the temperature of 0 °C, while that monotonically increases with the increasing initial water content at the temperature below 0 °C. The tensile strength of silty clay slightly increases with the decreasing temperature for a given initial water content below 10.9%, otherwise it largely increases with the decreasing temperature. The relationship of the tensile strength of silty clay with the initial water content and temperature is established. This paper also presents a qualitative analysis of mechanisms by which the tensile strength of silty clay varies with the temperature and initial water content. The findings of this study are expected to provide a better approach toward understanding the mechanism of tensile crack-related failures in cold regions, thereby being help for the prevention of tension-related problems. • The tensile strengths of silty clays with different water contents at various temperatures are studied. • The mechanism that the tensile strength varies with water content and temperature is analyzed. • The study can provide a better way to understand tension-related failure in cold regions.