Progressive Cracking Research Articles

Time–Course Analysis of the Onset and Progression of Cuticle Cracking in Fruits of Cherry Tomato Cultivar ‘Nene’

Cuticle cracking in tomatoes, characterized by fine cracks on the cuticular membrane, significantly reduces their shelf life. In this study, we collected basic information about the onset and progression of cuticular cracks in cherry tomatoes by observing the time–course of cuticular cracks incidence and severity during three cultivation periods. Several fruit characteristics—including the fruit weight, cuticular membrane deposition, and epidermal cell morphology—were analyzed alongside environmental factors to identify the conditions under which cuticular crack occurs. In the spring–summer season, cuticular cracks’ onset occurred at 30 days after anthesis, whereas in the summer–autumn, it occurred at 20 days after anthesis. The severity of cuticular cracks at harvest was higher in the summer–autumn cultivation than in the spring–summer. These results indicate that the period during which susceptibility to cuticular cracks increases may vary by season, contributing to seasonal differences in the final severity. However, no consistent relationship was observed between the incidence or severity of cuticular cracks and the fruit size, temperature, or humidity throughout the study. In both seasons, the onset of cuticular cracks coincided with the peaking of the cuticular membrane deposition. Thickening of the cuticular membrane, resulting in decreased elasticity may contribute to the cuticular cracks’ onset.

Simulation and multi-dimensional damage evolution analysis of detailed micro-model representing ancient brick masonry compressive behavior

To further investigate the crack propagation and damage evolution mechanisms of ancient masonry under uniaxial compression, this study employs numerical simulation techniques alongside laboratory experiments to characterize and predict both the apparent and internal cracking behaviors of ancient masonry, utilizing a detailed micro-model constructed from the constitutive equations governing brick blocks and mortar. The findings indicate that this comprehensive micro-model effectively replicates the crack development process. The microscopic damage evolution is delineated by distinct stages: initiation, propagation, penetration, and ultimate failure. Furthermore, the mesoscopic fracture degree serves as a quantitative measure for assessing the mesoscopic evolution of ancient masonry during damage events. An internal damage assessment model has been developed to intricately describe the crack propagation process from within to outside. Additionally, recognizing the inherent randomness and complexity associated with crack development, we introduce a fractal dimension index which significantly enhances tracking accuracy throughout all phases of crack progression. Concurrently, in conjunction with a progressive damage model, multi-faceted predictions and evaluations regarding crack development are conducted to provide an effective framework for understanding the damage processes affecting ancient masonry.

Experimental and Theoretical Study on the Crack Defect Effect on the Bearing Capacity of a Rectangular Culvert

Rectangular culverts are extensively employed in various municipal projects. Due to their frequent placement in weak strata within urban areas, these structures are susceptible to defects like cracks, which can significantly reduce their bearing capacity and even result in collapse or other failures. This study investigates the mechanical behavior of cracked rectangular culverts through laboratory tests, analyzing both the failure mechanisms and the impact of crack depth on the ultimate bearing capacity (UBC) of the culverts. Focusing solely on the effect of crack depth on the UBC of rectangular culverts with defects, this paper establishes fundamental assumptions and proposes a calculation method for the residual bearing capacity (RBC) of rectangular culverts under crack-induced conditions. The theoretical calculations closely align with the experimental results. The findings indicate that (1) the failure process of a rectangular culvert under trilateral normal external load can be categorized into the initial stage with no visible cracks, the crack progression stage, and the final failure stage; (2) the increase in crack depth leads to a decrease in the UBC of the rectangular culvert, indicating that cracks have a negative impact on its bearing capacity; and (3) when the crack depth reaches the protective layer’s thickness, the UBC of the rectangular culvert reduces by over 30%, providing further evidence that an increase in crack depth significantly diminishes its bearing capacity.

Study on the Optimization of b-Value for Analyzing Weld Defects in the Primary System.

This study presents a method to add a crack analysis algorithm to the Acoustic Leak Monitoring System (ALMS) to detect and evaluate the crack growth process in the primary system piping of nuclear power plants. To achieve this, a fracture test was conducted by applying stepwise loading to welded specimens that simulate the cold leg section, and acoustic emission (AE) signals were measured in relation to the increase in strain using an AE testing system. The experimental results indicated that the stability and instability of cracks could be assessed through the Kaiser effect and the Felicity effect when detecting crack growth using AE signals. Additionally, by utilizing both root mean square (RMS) and amplitude parameters simultaneously to calculate the b-value, it was confirmed that the RMS-based b-value minimizes the effects of AE signal attenuation and allows for a more stable assessment of crack progression. This demonstrates that the RMS, which reflects signal energy, is effective for real-time monitoring of the crack growth state. Finally, the results of this study suggest the potential for real-time crack monitoring using AE data in piping systems of critical structures, such as nuclear power plants; by adding a simple AE analysis method to the ALMS system, a practical approach has been derived that enhances the safety of the structure and allows for quantitative assessment of crack progression. Future research is expected to further refine the AE parameters and algorithms, leading to the advancement of safety monitoring systems in various industrial settings.

Asymmetric deformation and failure behavior of roadway subjected to different principal stress based on biaxial tests

The magnitude and direction of stress will affect the failure of roadway. The impact of stress magnitude and direction on roadway failure was investigated using a rock failure system equipped with true triaxial loading, acoustic emission (AE), and digital image correlation (DIC) technologies. The system allowed for the simulation of rock sample failures under various three-dimensional stress conditions, while real-time monitoring was conducted using a high-precision microseismic system. By prefabricating rectangular holes at different angles in sandstone specimens, roadways under different stress effects in engineering can be simulated. Biaxial loading tests were then performed on these prefabricated sandstone cube specimens to observe external fracture characteristics and internal fracture information using acoustic emission equipment. The peak strength of samples with holes is approximately 38–56% of that of intact samples. In the early and middle loading stages, the strain on the surface is on the order of 10-3. In the later loading stage, the strain on the surface is on the order of 10-2. The findings indicate that roadway failure primarily involves local particle ejection, fragment spalling, large-scale particle ejection, plate crack buckling, and eventual failure. The ultimate failure mode varies based on stress deflection angles: with no included angle, the roadway exhibits a ’V’ shaped failure zone on both sides, predominantly experiencing tensile failure. At included angles of 30°, 45°, and 60° between stress and roadway axis, the roadway displays a “—” failure pattern along the diagonal, characterized by a combination of tension and shear failure. The extension angle of the“—” failure zone varies depending on the stress deflection angle. At a 90° included angle, the roadway shows a ’V’ shaped failure in the roof and floor, primarily undergoing tensile failure. Real-time monitoring of the strain field evolution around the roadway during failure using DIC method revealed valuable insights. AE events at different deflection angles reflect the progression of micro cracks in the specimen, showing a strong correlation with macro failure. The research outcomes elucidate the mechanisms behind various forms of roadway failure induced by stress deflection and shed light on the failure mechanism at different stress deflection angles.

AI-Enhanced Prediction of Pavement Crack Propagation: A Study Using Traffic Load, Environmental and Material Data

This study develops an AI-based predictive model for forecasting pavement crack propagation by integrating traffic load, environmental conditions, and material property data. Traditional pavement management systems often struggle to accurately predict crack growth due to the complex interactions between these influencing factors. By leveraging data from various sources, including sensor-based traffic metrics, meteorological data, and material composition tests, this study identifies significant variables contributing to crack initiation and progression. The proposed model utilizes a blend of machine learning algorithms, including Random Forest and neural networks, with a cross-validation approach to ensure robustness. Results indicate that the model achieves high prediction accuracy, with an RMSE of 1.2 mm/year and an R-squared value close to 0.93. The findings support the use of AI-enhanced models as reliable tools for road infrastructure planning and maintenance, promising reductions in maintenance costs and improved pavement durability.

Understanding surface morphology changes in stainless steel through stepwise cavitation erosion: A comprehensive study

Cavitation damage, evolution, and features with time are serious problems confronting designers and users of high-speed hydraulic machines. The stepwise erosion technique clarifies the evolution of cavitation damage and its features over time. The technique involves exposing a test sample to repeated very low durations of erosion, followed by accurate relocation in the SEM. This allows fora detailed study of the actual wear processes within a material, providing a solid foundation for understanding material failure. The experiments were conducted using an ultrasonic vibratory horn functioning at 19.5 kHz frequency and 50 µm ± 0.2 um peak-to-peak amplitude. The tested material was cold-rolled austenitic stainless steel SUS 304 (18 Cr-8 Ni). The results show that the slip bands formed due to shock waves’ impact are the preferential sites for early material removals. Material removal starts gradually along the slip bands that form at the grain boundary and then progresses into the grain. The results also showed that the microjets formed pits that were a few micrometers in size and separated from one another. These pits have remained the same shape and size over time, confirming their limited role in the evolution of cavitation damage. The initiation and progression of inherent cracks resulting from plastic deformation, as well as the characteristics of dislodged particles, strongly support the conclusion that shockwave impacts cause fatigue failure as the mechanism of cavitation erosion.

Research on the Stability of Lining Structures Under Different Fault Moments Based on FDM-DEM

Currently, research on employing finite difference method and discrete element method (FDM-DEM) coupling to assess the stability of tunnel lining structures is limited. This study utilized the FDM-DEM coupling approach, with the F2 fault of the East Tianshan Tunnel as a case study, to develop a numerical model in conjunction with PFC3D 6.0 and FLAC3D 6.0 software. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of the displacement deformation and crack progression of the tunnel lining structure under varying dislocation momentum conditions, unveiling the underlying mechanisms. The findings indicated that as the dislocation increased, the extent of damage to the vault intensified, and the particle contact force within the tunnel lining shifted from compression to tension, significantly contributing to the crack formation. Fault dislocation influenced the gradual expansion of cracks from the vault to the spandrel and arch waist, with the crack width increasing alongside the rising dislocation momentum. In particular, under substantial dislocation momentum, the overall stability of the tunnel lining was markedly diminished. The safety factor at the tunnel section declined progressively as the dislocation momentum escalated, with values of 2.53, 2.49, 2.43, 2.39, and 2.32 corresponding to dislocation momenta of 0.01 m, 0.05 m, 0.1 m, 0.15 m, and 0.2 m, respectively. This research offers valuable insights and a reference framework for investigating the stability of tunnel lining structures in proximity to fault dislocations, pinpointing potential failure points, and bolstering the structural integrity of tunnels.

Various configurations of externally bonded strain-hardening cementitious composite reducing shear failure risk of defected RC beams

This study delves into the efficacy of external strengthening methods in improving the shear behavior of defected reinforced concrete (RC) beams that lack shear stirrups, utilizing both experimental and numerical methodologies. Failure risk of such beams is a potential threat which is mitigated carefully to increase building safety and sustainability to avoid risk of construction failure. Ten RC beams underwent three-point experimental testing to assess the influence of the strengthening scheme and the presence of mechanical anchors. Two beams were designated as control specimens, while eight beams were strengthened with the application of additional strain-hardening cementitious composite (SHCC) layer in various configurations. These configurations encompassed single-sided, two-sided, and strip applications, with the inclusion of mechanical anchors. The study found that employing a single-sided SHCC, incorporating vertically bent bars into the RC beam, is recognized for its efficient alleviation of degradation in shear reinforcement. The incorporation of three SHCC strips to partially reinforce the compromised beams demonstrated a modest impact on the initial stiffness. Nevertheless, noteworthy enhancements of 46% and 42% were observed in both cracking and ultimate loads, respectively. Furthermore, increasing the number of the SHCC strips to four resulted in a more significant improvement in the load–deflection responses. Enhancing the compromised beams by applying four SHCC strips to the beams using bolts offers a feasible alternative to the configuration where SHCC was uniformly attached along the entire defected zone. Moreover, a numerical model was created to simulate the tested beams. The model effectively anticipated the progression of cracks, ultimate capacity, and deflection, indicating excellent agreement with the experimental observations.

Modeling and failure mechanism study of unidirectional GFRP corrugated sandwich sheet piles based on discrete element method

In this paper, a DEM model of a unidirectional glass fiber reinforced polymer composite sandwich sheet pile (UGFRP-CSSP) is developed to elucidate the damage mechanisms under longitudinal bending and axial compression at the mesoscale, in order to bridge the gap between existing knowledge and its potential applications as sheet pile walls. A series of four-point bending and axial compression tests are performed on UGFRP-CSSP to validate the DEM model, which is calibrated through a sensitivity analysis of the mesoscopic parameters. The failure behavior, crack progress, and initial crack formation of the UGFRP-CSSP are investigated by correlating the results from physical experiments and numerical simulations. The research reveals that the DEM model accurately depicts the failure behavior under bending and compression of unidirectional (UD) composite elements, offering a mesoscopic perspective on the failure origins. It is identified that the tensile shear strength of the resin is the weak point leading to initial failure, as it is lower than that of the glass fibers. Longitudinal bending failure typically initiates at the skin-core interface and around the central axis of core, with cracks propagating longitudinally due to compression shear failure between fibers. Axial compression failure also occurs predominantly at the skin-core interface, with similar longitudinal cracking attributed to tensile shear failure at the acute angle fiber connections in the long span side. Finally, a new viewpoint was proposed that the fiber modulus may have a decisive impact on the failure behavior of UD composite materials.

Crack Evolvement of Ancient Brick Masonry Under Uniaxial Compression Fatigue Loading

ABSTRACT Cracking is an essential intuitive indicator of damage in masonry structures. Evaluating the progression of fatigue cracks in ancient brick masonry structures is vital for the preservation and safety of ancient buildings. By conducting amplitude cyclic uniaxial compression tests on ancient brick masonry specimens, using the video image correlate-3d (VIC-3D) technology to collect images of the entire process from loading to failure, the development of fatigue cracks is analyzed and concluded. A reversed S-shaped function for fatigue crack evolution was established based on the fatigue damage mechanism. The model parameters’ physical significance, value range, and their impact on the model curve were discussed. The fatigue damage evolution equation was derived from the fatigue crack evolution model. The research results show that a reversed S-shaped function for fatigue crack evolution covers various types of fatigue crack evolution laws, with strong adaptability and high accuracy. The damage evolution curve established, based on the fatigue crack evolution model, has a reversed S-shaped change rule, and was divided into three stages: the first stage (0 N f ~ 0.1 N f ) fatigue damage grows faster; the second stage (0.1 N f ~ 0.9 N f ) fatigue damage growth is stable, close to linear change; when the cycle ratio exceeds 0.9, it enters the third stage, and fatigue damage increases rapidly.

Progressive damage and stiffness degradation assessments of double‐lap CFRP/Ti interference fit bolted joints under quasi‐static tensile load

AbstractMatrix crack propagation and stiffness degradation behaviors of the carbon fiber reinforced polymer/titanium alloy (CFRP/Ti) bolted joint were characterized by a synergistic damage mechanics approach. The parametric study including pre‐tightening torques and interference fit sizes was conducted. The results showed that the joint stiffness degradation exhibited characteristics of local stiffness degradation due to local stress concentration. Stiffness degradation in different plies was caused by matrix crack damage occurring in different directions. The pre‐tightening torque significantly increased the joint stiffness and restrain matrix crack progression, effectively inhibiting the stiffness degradation of the joint. Moreover, the low interference fit level delayed the crack initiation in −45° ply and 45° ply and the crack propagation of the laminate, while promoted the crack initiation in 90° ply. The stiffness degradation of the laminate could be significantly reduced by interference fit.Highlights Matrix crack propagation and stiffness degradation behaviors of the CFRP laminate were characterized by a synergistic damage mechanics method. A FE model of the CFRP/Ti double‐lap interference fit bolted joint was established. Influences of pre‐tightening torques on both matrix crack initiation and propagation were investigated. The optimum interference fit size of the matrix damage strengthening was 0.20%–0.60%.

Research on high-strength and rapid-hardening magnesium phosphate as a novel bonding material for limestone artifacts

Due to natural erosion and human interference, limestone artifacts often suffer from cracks and gradual detachment. There is a critical need for new bonding materials that possess excellent aging resistance and high compatibility with the artifact substrates. This study investigates the effects of varying proportions of citric acid (CA) and borax (B) as composite retarders on the fundamental properties of magnesium phosphate cement (MPC). Through the application of X-ray diffraction techniques and cold field emission scanning electron microscopy, this research elucidates the mechanisms by which the retarders affect MPC. It was found that a 5 % addition of CA and B significantly reduces the hydration temperature during the early stages of MPC setting, enhances the unconfined compressive strength (reaching 44.3 MPa at 28 days), and allows for controllable setting times (17 minutes). Additionally, the presence of CA was found to delay crystal growth, resulting in an increased quantity of the amorphous phase and higher density of MPC. The optimal MPC formulation was selected as a bonding and repair material for limestone artifacts. For comparative analysis, traditional glutinous rice lime mortar (GL) and commercially available epoxy resin (EP) were tested under wet-dry cycling and UV aging conditions. Results indicated that EP materials demonstrated significant aesthetic incompatibilities and progressive cracking and detachment as aging tests progressed. GL materials exhibited significantly lower bonding strength compared to EP and MPC. In contrast, MPC displayed excellent aging resistance, moderate bonding strength, and a Shore hardness value closely matching that of the limestone substrates. Therefore, high-strength, rapid-hardening MPC represents a valuable and forward-looking solution for the conservation of limestone artifacts.

Laboratory and Field Performance Evaluation of NMAS 9.5, 8.0, and 5.6 mm SMA Mixtures for Sustainable Pavement

This study evaluates the laboratory and field performance of stone mastic asphalt (SMA) mixtures with nominal maximum aggregate sizes (NMAS) of 9.5, 8.0, and 5.6 mm. Aggregates and fine aggregates of these sizes were produced using an impact crusher and a polyurethane screen. Mix designs for SMA overlays on aged concrete pavement were developed. Laboratory tests assessed rutting performance using full-scale accelerated pavement testing (APT) equipment and reflective cracking resistance using an asphalt mixture performance tester (AMPT). Field evaluations included noise reduction using CPX equipment, skid resistance using SN equipment, and bond strength using field cores. Results showed that for 8.0 mm SMA mixtures to achieve the same rutting performance as 9.5 mm SMA, PG76-22 grade binder was required, whereas 5.6 mm SMA required PG82-22. The 8.0 and 5.6 mm SMA mixtures showed 22.2% and 25% reduced crack progression, respectively, compared with the 9.5 mm SMA mixtures. Field evaluations indicated that 8.0 mm and 5.6 mm SMA pavements reduced tire–pavement noise by 1.7 and 0.8 dB, increased skid resistance by 8.5% and 2.0%, and enhanced shear bond strength by 150%, compared with 9.5 mm SMA. Overall, the 8.0 mm SMA mixture on aged concrete pavement demonstrated superior durability and functionality toward sustainable pavement systems.

Elucidating the evolution of pore structure, microstructural damage, and micromechanical response in cement pastes containing microencapsulated phase change materials under freeze-thaw conditions

As climate variability intensifies the frequency and severity of freeze-thaw cycles, the development of cementitious materials capable of withstanding these harsh conditions becomes increasingly crucial. This research focuses on the potential of Microencapsulated Phase Change Materials (MPCMs) to enhance the durability of Hardened Cement Paste (HCP) in the face of such challenges. Specifically, this paper evaluates the influence of MPCMs on evolution of pore microstructure, damage, and micromechanical response in HCP subjected to extended freeze-thaw cycles, utilizing Low-Temperature Differential Scanning Calorimetry (LTDSC), X-ray Tomography (XRT), and micro-indentation. LTDSC results indicate a lower ice-crystallization temperature and a significant reduction in ice formation in MPCM-integrated HCP. Micro-indentation experiments reveal that while the control HCP undergoes substantial decreases in indentation hardness (35 %) and Young's modulus (37 %) after 180 cycles, the MPCM samples show much lower losses (only 9 % loss in hardness and 7 % loss in Young's modulus for 20 % MPCM inclusion). XRT image analysis reveals that MPCMs mitigate pore enlargement, preserve a stable pore size distribution, and effectively reduce the risk of increased interconnected porosity in HCP when subjected to extended freeze-thaw cycles. Crack analysis demonstrates that control HCP samples exhibit significant crack propagation with increased freeze-thaw cycles, while samples with 10 % MPCM inclusion show only slight crack initiation, and those with 20 % MPCM inclusion maintained their structural integrity with virtually no crack progression after 180 freeze-thaw cycles. These findings underscore the potential of MPCMs to improve the durability of HCP against freeze-thaw damage, offering key insights for designing more robust materials.

Investigation of the failure behaviour of equiatomic AlCrCuNiFe based high entropy alloy TIG weld cladding

The present research focuses on the development of an equiatomic AlCrCuNiFe high entropy alloy (HEA) cladding using the TIG welding process. The influence and contribution of TIG cladding process parameters (welding current, welding speed, and SOD) on the microhardness and flexural stress have been investigated using the response surface methodology (RSM) and analysis of variance (ANOVA), respectively. The indentation fracture toughness test has been conducted over the claddings exhibiting minimum, maximum, and optimum microhardness values. The result revealed that welding current has the highest effect on the mechanical performance of the HEA cladding. The FE-SEM, optical microscopy, XRD and EDS analysis were performed to characterize the claddings. The cladding deposited at the S12 test run offered the least flexural resistance, microhardness, and indentation fracture toughness which was about 812 MPa, 494.97 HV0.3, and 1.29 ± 0.04 MPa.m1/2, respectively. In contrast, the optimized S5 cladding specimen exhibited good flexural resistance, appreciable microhardness and indentation fracture toughness of about 1543.92 MPa, 712 HV0.3, and 1.63 ± 0.03 MPa.m1/2 respectively. The optimum cladding exhibited flexural stress, microhardness, and fracture toughness enhancement of 46.77 %, 30 %, and 26.35 % compared to the least resistance cladding (S12) due to the high-retained alloying elements leading to enhanced solid solution strengthening. The three-point bend-tested cladding specimens’ optical microscopy images revealed that the cladding failure was primarily due to cohesive failure, crack progression, and delamination.

Deposition mechanism and fracture characterization of 434 stainless steel HOVF coating on T6061 aluminum alloy

434 stainless steel coatings have been applied T6061 alloy using High-Velocity Oxygen Fuel (HVOF) as a deposition technique for surface performance improvement. The relationship between the coating's deposition characteristics of thickness, homogeneity, porosity, and hardness and the spraying parameters of mainly the number of sprayed-layers and spraying distance was revealed. The coating's fracture behaviors was further studied using three-point bending and digital image correlation (DIC) technology, which allows the observation of the crack progression and record the stress distribution on the coatings. Results showed that the crack progression always occur at the oxides between the different sprayed layers or surrounding semi-melted feedstock particles, the crack progression mode is mainly depending on the number and location of oxides in the coating. Then, the crack progression mainly continued through the interface between sprayed layers while the oxide content approach or exceed a critical value of 12 %. Finally, a model for the coating fracture mechanism was established to explain the interface bonding performance between the coating and the substrate.

Impact resistance and performance of precast shear walls with various connections under axial and lateral loads

This study conducted pendulum impact tests on three precast concrete (PC) shear wall specimens with various connection types and one cast-in-situ reinforced concrete (RC) shear wall specimen to investigate their behavior under out-of-plane impact loads at a consistent axial compression ratio. The study reported observations on failure patterns, the progression of cracks, the dynamics of impact force over time, relationships between axial force and vertical displacement, deformation behavior, and the strains in concrete and rebars. Through comparative analysis with similar PC columns, the influence of various connections on the impact resistance is analyzed for both shear walls and column specimens. It was found that all PC specimens showed flexural failure modes akin to those of the RC specimen, yet with more extensive cracking and lower stiffness. PC specimens with grouted sleeve connections demonstrated satisfying impact resistance that emulates the performance of cast-in-situ walls. Specimens with grouted corrugated metallic duct connections demonstrated obvious localized damage. Eventually, the study proposes a novel method for rapidly evaluation of the impact resistance of concrete shear walls.

Investigating the growth of surface crack and high cycle fatigue in surface-piercing propeller

In this study, the progress of surface crack and high cycle fatigue of the surface piercing propellers (SPPs) are investigated numerically using the finite element method. The cyclic load is calculated from the hydrodynamic pressure on the blade by simulating the fluid around the blade using the computational fluid dynamics software STAR-CCM+. The initial cracks are assumed to be created near the blade root. The fatigue life is calculated from the Paris-Erdogan equation. The results show that the crack close to the root has a shorter life and the stresses at the crack front depend on the blade-water interaction duration.

A Comparative Study of Different Dimensionality Reduction Algorithms for Hyperspectral Prediction of Salt Information in Saline–Alkali Soils of Songnen Plain, China

Hyperspectral technology is widely recognized as an effective method for monitoring soil salinity. However, the traditional sieved samples often cannot reflect the true condition of the soil surface. In particular, there is a lack of research on the spectral response of cracked salt-affected soils despite the common occurrence of cohesive saline soil shrinkage and cracking during water evaporation. To address this research, a laboratory was designed to simulate the desiccation cracking progress of 57 soda saline–alkali soil samples with different salinity levels in the Songnen Plain of China. After completion of the drying process, spectroscopic analysis was conducted on the surface of all the cracked soil samples. Moreover, this study aimed to evaluate the predictive ability of multiple linear regression models (MLR) for four main salt parameters. The hyperspectral reflectance data was analyzed using three different band screening methods, namely random forest (RF), principal component analysis (PCA), and Pearson correlation analysis (R). The findings revealed a significant correlation between desiccation cracking and soil salinity, suggesting that salinity is the primary factor influencing surface cracking of saline–alkali soil in the Songnen Plain. The results of the modeling analysis also indicated that, regardless of the spectral dimensionality reduction method employed, salinity exhibited the highest prediction accuracy for soil salinity, followed by electrical conductivity (EC) and sodium (Na+), while the pH model exhibited the weakest predictive performance. In addition, the usage of RF for band selection has the best effect compared with PCA and Pearson methods, which allows salt information of soda saline–alkali soils in Songnen Plain to be predicted precisely.