Modelling of laboratory soil desiccation cracking using DLSM with a two-phase bond model

The distinct lattice spring model (DLSM) is extended to modelling soil desiccation cracking by introducing a two-phase bond model. The bond, which comprises a spring bond and water bond, is developed to consider the interaction of the pore pressure with deformation of the soil matrix. A parameter representing soil heterogeneity is introduced to consider the uneven drying during desiccation. The capability of the model is demonstrated through a number of numerical examples, which are in good agreement with the experimental observations. Three significant factors controlling desiccation cracking, which are soil particle size, heterogeneity and boundary conditions, are identified.