Influence of Water Content on the Mechanical Properties of an Argillaceous Swelling Rock

This work presents the results of an experimental investigation aimed to study the effect of water on the mechanical properties of a partially saturated argillaceous swelling rock. The mineralogical composition of the rock, in particular the portion of swelling clays, was determined with X-ray diffraction. The water retention curve was estimated using a dew-point potential meter and the swelling behavior of the studied rock was examined by unconfined and oedometric swelling tests. The influence of water on the rock mechanical properties was assessed by means of triaxial tests. The experimental results indicate a strong decrease of strength and stiffness with increasing saturation or decreasing suction. This occurs only within a certain range of saturation. Degradation of the rock properties can be expected for small increments in the water content within this range. At low suction and close to the air-entry value, the stiffness remained constant. As the rock desaturates, the strength and stiffness increase approaching constant values. For suction greater than about 76 MPa, low increase of strength and stiffness was observed. The specimens in the swelling tests reached a saturation degree of 70 % which corresponds to a decrease of strength and stiffness of approximately 80 %. Rock swelling occurring simultaneously with reduction of strength and stiffness, increases deformations and it is an important issue for the stability of excavations.