A Novel Analytical-Statistical-Numerical Framework for Investigating the Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical Behavior of Heterogeneous Subsidence Phenomena, Moisture and Temperature Variations in Cracked Soils Under Soil-Atmosphere Interaction

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Department of Civil Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

This study presents an analytical–statistical–numerical framework to examine the thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) behaviour and the resulting heterogeneous subsidence and swelling of desiccation-cracked expansive soils under realistic soil–atmosphere interactions. Desiccation cracks, by creating preferential pathways for water and vapour, significantly alter the near-surface hydraulic and thermal regimes, leading to non-uniform moisture distribution and temperature gradients. The study employs a statistical characterisation of crack geometry, including crack width, depth and ratio, based on log-normal and Gaussian probability distributions, and applies climatic data from Qom as time-dependent Neumann boundary conditions. The modelling results demonstrate that cracked ground experiences up to 4.6-fold greater cumulative subsidence compared with uncracked ground, and the spatial variability of deformation strongly depends on crack geometry and spacing. Narrow cracks induce intense local desiccation and deep suction zones, whereas wide cracks promote infiltration and transient swelling during rainfall events. The distinctive pattern of concave deformation during wetting and convex deformation during drying highlights the complex cyclic behaviour of cracked soils. The developed framework provides a physically consistent and practical approach to evaluate climate-driven subsidence hazards in expansive soils.

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