Influence of geometry changes on drying-induced strains in a cracked solid

Influence of geometry changes on drying-induced strains in a cracked solid. The macroscopic response of a cracked solid subjected to drying is investigated within the framework of micromechanics. The originality of this contribution lies in the fact that the variations of the aspect ratios of cracks induced by the capillary pressure increase are accounted for. When the initial aspect ratio is small enough, it is shown that neglecting the geometrical changes yields an erroneous prediction of the sign of the macroscopic volume strain rate. To cite this article: X. Chateau et al., C. R. Mecanique 331 (2003). (C) 2003 Academie des sciences. POW par Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS. Tons droits reserves.