A Three-Dimensional Solution for the Semi-Coupled Thermo-Mechanical and Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical Behaviors of Soils With Groundwater

Abstract

This study proposes a three-dimensional transformed differential quadrature solution for the thermo-mechanical (TM) and thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) coupling of transversely isotropic soils considering groundwater. Initially, the governing equations for TH coupling above the water table and THM coupling below the water table are introduced. Subsequently, two-dimensional Fourier integral transform and Laplace integral transform are applied, and a series of equations are discretized along the depth according to the discrete rules of the transformed differential quadrature method. Then, the boundary conditions for stress, displacement, and temperature are introduced through integral transforms and stress-strain relationships. By solving the matrix equation, the solution for transversely isotropic soils is obtained. After verifying the theory in this study, continuity conditions, the water table depth, anisotropy of thermal diffusion coefficients, and seepage are analyzed, contributing to the design of radioactive waste disposal sites, energy piles, and other projects.