Model Test on Inundation Swelling Deformation of Expansive Soil Foundation

A large model test of 10 m ×2.5 m ×4.1 m in length, width and height was carried out to study the swelling deformation and water content of expansive soil foundation under deep inundation. The water content, surface heave and deep heave were measured in the test. It is indicated that (1) the swelling deformation and water content are influenced by the dry density of soil and the foundation pressure; (2) the water content-time curves can be divided into initial, sudden and steady phases; (3) the larger the overburden pressure is, the less the surface heave is, so the swelling deformation decreases with the increase of overburden pressure; (4) the deformation characteristics of expansive soil foundation can be divided into compression, no deformation, swelling deformation or the composite; (5) the depth of swelling deformation is related to the pressure, size and shape of foundation.