Effect of thermal gradient on weathering of artificial soft rock

Abstract

Heavy rain and earthquake are major causes of slope failure. However, weathering of geomaterials is also an important factor of the slope failure. The present study investigates the effect of temperature on the weathering of geomaterial. The tested specimen is soft rock which was prepared by mixing kaolin clay with cement. The specimens were subjected to unconfined compression and creep loading under various temperature conditions to clarify the effect on the strength and deformation characteristics of the soft rock specimens.