Advances on the knowledge of the thermo-hydro-mechanical behaviour of heavily compacted “FEBEX” bentonite

A review of the more relevant laboratory results concerning the thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) behaviour of the FEBEX bentonite is presented. Most of the THM features of compacted bentonite have been experimentally studied during the FEBEX project. The results about fabric characterisation, water retention, permeability, swelling capacity and mechanical behaviour obtained during the project have been summarised. The influence of temperature and water salinity on the THM behaviour of the bentonite is also considered. In general, the behaviour of the clay may be explained taking into account the changes in its double-level structure, micro and macro. The interactions between these two structural levels are responsible for the main features of the THM aspects of this behaviour.