Vol. 337 No. 10 (2026)
DOI https://doi.org/10.18799/24131830/2026/10/5235
Elevated temperature as a factor affecting deformation properties of clay soils: a review
Relevance. Temperature plays an important role in the physical and mechanical properties of soils. Researchers have studied the effects of elevated temperatures on clay soils since the mid-20th century. At present, the geological environment is widely used for the disposal of radioactive waste, which radionuclides generate significant amounts of heat during decay. Aim. To analyze and systematize the results of published experimental studies on thermally induced changes in the deformation properties of various clay soils. To develop a comprehensive, up-to-date understanding of the thermally-induced changes in deformation parameters used in engineering-geological calculations and modeling. Methods. Literature review and data systematization. Results and conclusions. Increasing temperature reduces the preconsolidation pressure ( ) and increases the consolidation coefficient ( ), while having little effect on the compression index ( and the creep index ( ). Although this is the dominant trend, several researchers note an increase in and at relatively high initial void ratio . The degree of temperature effect depends on the composition, structure, and state of clay soil. Among all components (excluding gas), the liquid phase is the most sensitive to temperature changes. The composition and ratio of pore water types significantly determine the behavior of clay soils. When temperature rises, the thermal expansion of pore water occurs, along with a reduction in its density and viscosity. This affects the electrical double layer at the solid–liquid interface, promoting the partial transition of bound water into free water. These changes lead to modifications in structural bonds and the redistribution of effective stresses in the soil. For this reason, pore water plays an important role in the change of physical and mechanical properties under temperature increases. The findings of this analysis are applicable in designing buildings and structures with foundations exposed to thermal loads. The generalization of previous research provides insight into how the deformation properties of clay soils evolve under elevated temperatures ranging from +5 to +90°C.
For citation: Nemtsev G.D., Mirny A.Yu., Nikitin M.S., Sentsova E.A. Elevated temperature as a factor affecting deformation properties of clay soils: a review. Bulletin of the Tomsk Polytechnic University. Geo Assets Engineering, 2026, vol. 337, no. 10, pp. 172–187. http://doi.org/10.18799/24131830/2026/10/5235
Keywords:
elevated temperature, clay soils, deformation properties, consolidation coefficient, compression index, preconsolidation pressure, creep index
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