Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Swelling soils Soil-structure interaction'

Title from PDF of title page (University of Missouri--Columbia, viewed on March 2, 2010). The entire thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file; a non-technical public abstract appears in the public.pdf file. Dr. William Likos, Thesis Supervisor. Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Dans ce travail, les risques naturels considérés concernent des mouvements de terrains qui résultent de deux phénomènes principaux : retrait et gonflement des sols argileux et l'affaissement à grand rayon lié à la présence des cavités souterraines. Ceux-ci provoquent des tassements différentiels du sol qui génèrent des désordres sur les constructions environnantes : dégâts et fissuration des murs porteurs en maçonnerie, particulièrement aux angles du bâti. Ces dégradations structurales induisent des conséquences économiques importantes dans le cas des maisons individuelles ; elles résultent d'un manque de résistance des maçonneries, du peu de raideur de leur système de fondation et du peu d'efficacité de leur système de contreventement. Cette recherche a pour objectif d'analyser la vulnérabilité du bâti et de proposer des méthodes de renforcement pour les constructions existantes ainsi que des recommandations de dimensionnement pour les constructions. Ces questions nécessitent une connaissance approfondie du phénomène des mouvements des terrains et des modalités de transfert de ces actions à une structure. Pour y répondre, quatre étapes principales ont été effectuées : une étude bibliographique, une analyse de l'interaction sol-structure, un développement d'une justification d'endommagement et d'une méthode de renforcement ou de dimensionnement ainsi qu'une analyse probabiliste des risques. L'étude bibliographique avec des analyses fonctionnelles et statistiques, d'abord, propose un profil de la maison sensible à l'aléa naturel et des cas typiques des désordres sur la construction. Le développement des modélisations par éléments finis ensuite permet d'étudier les phénomènes d'interaction sol-structure. L'analyse de l'interaction sol - structure, au moyen de modélisations par éléments finis, permet d'obtenir des sollicitations dans la maçonnerie. D'abord, des modèles analytique et numérique simplifiés ont été développés pour modéliser des structures simples telles une semelle filante, un système de semelles d'une fondation filante ou un mur en maçonnerie sur un sol élastique de type Winkler ou Boussinesq. Ensuite, des modélisations de structures plus complexes avec tous les éléments du bâti ont été effectuées en développant un code aux éléments finis particulier qui a permis de calculer des bâtiments en maçonnerie sur un sol de type Pasternak. En vue de développer une justification d'endommagement ainsi qu'une méthode de renforcement et de dimensionnement adaptée pour risque «mouvement de terrains », les travaux de recherche focalisent sur la distribution des sollicitations obtenues par des modélisations et analysent les domaines de validité de la démarche proposée par les Eurocodes EC6 et EC8 pour les murs de contreventement en maçonnerie confinée (chainée) ou armée. L'analyse probabiliste des risques, couplant les modèles aux éléments finis développés avec la méthode des simulations de Monte-Carlo, a permis d'étudier la vulnérabilité des maisons individuelles selon les caractéristiques structurales représentatives du bâti existant, dans les régions les plus touchées par les mouvements de terrains. Les résultats de cette analyse ont été unifiés, au sein d'une méthodologie globale de l'évaluation de la vulnérabilité de structures, à l'usage, d'une part, des pouvoirs publics dans l'établissement de cartographies SIG des risques, et d'autre part de la capacité des procédés de renforcement à l'usage des industries
In the present work, the considered natural hazards concern to ground movements resulting from two main phenomena : shrinkage and swelling of clay soils and ground subsidence due to the presence of underground cavities. These phenomena cause differential ground settlements which generate disorders on the structures erected in their neighborhood : damage and cracking of masonry load-bearing walls, especially at the building corners. These structural degradations cause important economic consequences and losses in the case of dwelling houses. These damages result from a lack of masonry resistance or a small stiffness of the foundation system as well as a limited effectiveness of bracing system.This research aims to analyze the vulnerability of buildings and to propose a reinforcement method for the existing constructions as well as design recommendations for structures. These topics require a thorough understanding of the ground movements phenomenon and their transfer as actions on a structure. For this purpose, four main steps were performed : a literature review, an analysis of soil-structure interaction, a development of a damage justification and a method for reinforcement or design, as well as a probabilistic analysis of risk.The literature review with functional and statistical analysis, as a first step, provides a profile of the house susceptible to natural hazard effects and typical cases of building disturbances. The development of finite element method is therefore considered in order to study soil-structure interaction.The analysis of the soil-structure interaction using finite element modeling provides stresses in the masonry. First, simplified analytical and numerical models have been developed for simple structures such as a strip footing, a system of strips foundation or a masonry wall lying on elastic soil (Winkler or Boussinesq). Afterwards, modeling of more complex structures with the whole building elements was made by developing a particular finite element code that allowed the calculation of masonry buildings on a Pasternak soil. To develop a damage justification as well as the reinforcement and design building methods suitable for risk of “ground movements”, this work focuses on the stresses distribution obtained by numerical models and analyzes the validity domain of the approach proposed by Eurocodes EC6 and EC8 for confined masonry or reinforced masonry. By coupling the developed finite element models with the Monte-Carlo method, the probabilistic analysis of risk allows to study the vulnerability of dwelling houses having representative structural characteristics of existing buildings, erected in areas that are the most affected by ground movements. The results of this analysis have been unified into a global methodology for assessing the vulnerability of structures. This methodology is used, in one hand, for the development of GIS mapping of risks and, in other hand, for the reinforcement processes

Le changement climatique et les événements climatiques sévères tels que les périodes de sécheresse/humidification prolongées sont à l'origine du phénomène de retrait-gonflement dans les sols argileux. Ce phénomène est affecté par les interactions sol-végétation-atmosphère (SVA) et peut causer d’importants dommages structurels aux constructions légères telles que les bâtiments résidentiels. L’objectif de ce travail de recherche est de modéliser le comportement in situ du retrait-gonflement des sols gonflants dans un contexte SVA en se basent sur des outils numériques. Une méthode d'interaction sol-atmosphère est initialement présentée accompagnée d’un modèle couplé hydro-thermique du sol. Cette approche a été principalement mise en place afin de déterminer les conditions aux limites temporelles à la surface du sol en se basent sur la notion du bilan de masse et d'énergie pour déterminer a posteriori, les modifications spatio-temporelles de la succion du sol, de la teneur en eau et de la température. Cette approche a été validée à l'aide des observations in situ des sites instrumentés. Par la suite, l’influence de l’absorption d’eau par les végétations a été intégrée dans le terme source de l’écoulement de l’eau dans un milieu non saturé, à l’aide d’un modèle d’absorption d’eau de racine existant.Les variations temporelles de succion ont été postérieurement reliées au comportement volumique du sol en appliquant une approche simple développée à partir des résultats expérimentaux des essais de séchage/humidification réalisés dans la littérature. Les indices associés dans le plan indice des vides-log succion, ainsi que les paramètres complémentaires du modèle linéaire ont été corrélés aux paramètres géotechniques de base. L'approche proposée a été ultérieurement validée avec des données in situ fournies par la surveillance d’un site expérimental. Le site expérimental de Roaillan a été instrumenté afin de surveiller les modifications physiques du sol ainsi que le comportement structurel du bâtiment. Les comparaisons entre les résultats de la modélisation et les observations in situ de la succion du sol, la teneur en eau, la température et les mouvements du sol dans le temps ont montré une performance acceptable du modèle. L’approche a ensuite été appliquée pour étudier l’influence des projections climatiques futures (2050) sur les variables physiques et les mouvements du sol sur ce site. Trois scénarios RCP relatifs aux changements climatiques ont été examinés dans cette étude, qui ont révélé des différents comportements possibles à court terme et à long terme. Finalement, l'approche développée a été appliquée au territoire français en le divisant en six régions climatiques. Différents paramètres de sol ont été attribués à chacune de ces régions climatiques afin de définir les conditions de référence. En conséquence, l’influence de différents facteurs externes sur les mouvements du sol a été analysée sur une période donnée. Enfin, l’étude suggère les mesures adéquates à prendre pour minimiser l’amplitude du phénomène de retrait et de gonflement dans un contexte SVA
Climate change and severe climatic events such as long drought/rehydration periods are at the origin of the shrinkage and swelling phenomenon in expansive soils. This phenomenon is affected by Soil-Vegetation-Atmosphere (SVA) interactions and can cause severe structural damage to lightly loaded constructions such as residential buildings. The objective of this re-search work is to simulate the in-situ behavior of the shrinkage-swelling in expansive soils in a SVA context using numerical tools. A soil-atmosphere interaction method is primarily presented along with a coupled hydro-thermal soil model. This approach was established in order to determine primarily, the natural time variable boundary conditions at the considered soil surface based on the mass and energy balance concept, and secondly to determine the spatial-temporal changes of the soil suction, water content and temperature. This approach was validated using in situ observations of monitored sites. Thereafter, the influence of the water uptake by vegetation was incorporated in the source term of the unsaturated water flow theory, using an existing root water uptake model. Subsequently, the temporal variations of the soil suction were related to the volume change behavior using a simple approach developed based on the experimental results of drying/wetting tests performed in the literature. The associated volumetric indices in the void ratio-log suction plan, along with the complementary parameters of the linear model were correlated with basic geotechnical parameters. The proposed approach was validated with in situ data provided from an experimental site. The Roaillan experimental site was instrumented in order to monitor the soil’s physical changes along with the structural behavior of the building. Comparisons between the simulated and observed soil suction, soil water content, temperature and soil movements in time and depth showed an acceptable performance of the predictions. The approach was then extended to study the influence of future climate projections (2050) on the soil’s physical variables and movements. Three RCP climate change scenarios were considered in this analysis which revealed different possible behavior in both short term and long term. Finally, the developed approach was applied to the French territory by dividing it to six different climatic regions. Different soil parameters were attributed to each of these climatic regions in order to set the reference condition. Thereafter, the influence of different external factors was analyzed on the soil movements over a chosen period. The study finally suggests the adequate actions to take for minimizing the amplitude of the shrinkage and swelling phenome-non in a SVA context

Swelling clays cause tremendous amounts of damage to infrastructure. For the effective prevention of detrimental effects of these clays, and to optimize the beneficial properties for industrial applications it is necessary to clearly understand the fundamental mechanisms of swelling of clays. In this study, we studied the effect of fluid polarity on swelling and flow properties of swelling clays using molecular modeling and experimental technique for bridging the molecular level phenomenon of these clays with microstructure change, particle breakdown and macro scale swelling and flow properties. A wide range of fluids (Dielectric Constant 110 to 2.4) were used, those are also commonly present in landfill leachates. We were able to tie the properties of swelling clays at different length scales. Then, we simulated the solvation of clay sheets, studied the effect of discrete charge distribution, contribution of edge charges on swelling clays and discussed some fundamental assumptions associated with double layer theories.
Department of Civil Engineering, North Dakota State University

Title from PDF of title page (University of Missouri--Columbia, viewed on Feb 25, 2010). The entire thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file; a non-technical public abstract appears in the public.pdf file. Dissertation advisor: Dr. Erik Loehr. Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

A constitutive model based on rate-independent elastoplasticity concepts is developed and used to simulate the behavior of geologic materials under arbitrary three-dimensional stress paths. The model accounts for various factors such as friction, stress path and stress history that influence the behavior of geologic materials. A hierarchical approach is adopted whereby models of progressively increasing sophistication are developed from a basic isotropic-hardening associative model. Nonassociativeness is introduced as correction or perturbation to the basic model. Deviation of normality of the plastic strain increments to the yield surface F is captured through nonassociativeness. The plastic potential Q is obtained by applying a correction to F. This simplified approach restricts the number of extra parameters required to define the plastic potential Q. The material constants associated with the model are identified, and they are evaluated for three different sands (Leighton Buzzard, Munich and McCormick Ranch). The model is then verified by comparing predictions with laboratory tests from which the constants were found, and typical tests not used for finding the constants. The effect of varying initial density of a material on the stress-strain and volumetric response is investigated. An empirical relation is proposed, whereby one parameter is modified based on the initial density, such that improved predictions can be obtained without increasing the total number of parameters. Implementation of the nonassociative model in a finite element program to solve boundary value problems leads to a nonsymmetric stiffness matrix. Besides, using a nonsymmetric solver, three numerical schemes are investigated. The idea of the schemes is to modify the stiffness matrix such that a symmetric equation solver can be used. Prediction of stress-strain, volumetric response and CPU time for different schemes are compared with the predictions obtained using the nonsymmetric solver. The nonsymmetric equation solver used less CPU time and the solutions were more accurate. Based on the above findings, a soil-footing system is analyzed using the finite element techniques. The associative and nonassociative models are used to predict the behavior. For the nonassociative model, solution is obtained by using a nonsymmetric solver. Results obtained from both models are compared with a model footing test performed in the laboratory.

In this thesis primarily structural induced liquefaction potential was aimed to be analyzed. Also the effect of base isolation systems both on structural performance and liquefaction potential was studied. FLAC software was chosen for the analyses so that structure and soil could be modeled together. By these means the soil structure interaction effects were also examined. Four different structures and three different sites were analyzed under two different input motions. All the structures were also analyzed as base isolated. It was mainly found that depending on the structural type and for a certain depth the liquefaction potential could be higher under the structure than the one in the free field. Also it was concluded that base isolation systems were very effective for decreasing the story drifts, shear forces in the structure and liquefaction potential in the soil. It was also found that the interaction took place between structure, soil and input motions.

A field test is developed to assess the collapse susceptibility of soils rapidly and inexpensively. The in situ collapse test device measures the vertical deformations which occur in soils when they are subjected to stress and given access to water while under continuous load. Principles of statistics were employed to show that laboratory testing of soil specimens overestimate the magnitude of collapse as measured in the field and that the magnitude of collapse is, in part, a function of the soil moisture content at the time of loading and at the time of collapse. Good correlation was found between the spatial variability of collapsible soils with the location of alluvium terrace deposits and structurally damaged buildings.

A thermo-elastic-plastic model for unsaturated soils has been presented based on the effective stress principle considering the thermo-mechanical and suction coupling effects. The thermo-elastic-plastic constitutive equations for stress-strain relations of the solid skeleton and changes in fluid content and entropy for unsaturated soils have been established. A plasticity model is derived from energy considerations. The model derived covers both associative and non-associative flow behaviours and the modified Cam-Clay is considered as a special case. All model coefficients are identified in terms of measurable parameters. To verify the proposed model, an experimental program has been developed. A series of controlled laboratory tests were carried out on a compacted silt sample using a triaxial equipment modified for testing unsaturated soils at elevated temperatures. Imageprocessing technique was used for measuring the volume change of the samples subjected to mechanical, thermal and hydric loading. It is shown that the effective critical state parameters M, ???? and ???? are independent of temperature and matric suction. Nevertheless, the shape of loading collapse (LC) curve was affected by temperature and suction. Furthermore, the temperature change affected the soil water characteristic curve and an increase in temperature caused a decrease in the air entry suction. The simulations from the proposed model are compared with the experimental results. The model calibration was performed to extract the model parameters from the experimental results. Good agreement between the results predicted using the proposed model and the experimental results was obtained in all cases.

L’objectif du travail présenté dans cette thèse est l'analyse et modélisation numérique des mécanismes de transfert de charge axiale entre sol-pieu, dans les sols granulaires. En utilisant un modèle élastoplastique tridimensionnel d'élément finis, une attention particulière est prêtée à la modélisation du comportement de l’interface sol-structure. Ainsi, les outils numériques nécessaires ont été mis en place et les outils existants ont été améliorés afin que, l'analyse de l'interaction sol-pieu soit faisable. Deux nouveaux modèles de comportement 3D sont implémentés dans le code d'éléments finis GEFDYN: un modèle d'interface et, pour le sol, une formulation axisymétrique du modèle multimécanismes de l’ECP, déjà existant et également connus sous le nom de Hujeux. La performance des deux modèles de comportement est comparée avec des résultats expérimentaux: d'abord, en utilisant des essais directs de cisaillement sol-structure et ensuite des essais de charge statiques de pieux en modèle physiques de centrifugeuse. La formulation théorique et l'exécution numérique des modèles constitutifs se sont donc avérées adéquats pour l'analyse des mécanismes de transfert de charge de sol-pieux, pour différents états initiaux du sol, différentes rugosités de la surface sol-pieux et différentes géométries. Finalement, l'applicabilité des modèles proposés est également étudiée pour un cas d’étude réel d’essais de charge statique de pieux forés et à tarière continus, menés dans le site expérimental ISC2 à l’occasion de la 2nd International Conference on the Site Characterization. L’identification des paramètres du sol et la simulation des essais de charge in-situ a été réalisé avec succés
The purpose of the work presented in this thesis, which has a theoretical and numerical character, is the analysis and numerical modelling of soil-pile load transfer mechanisms, in granular soils, when the pile is subjected to axial vertical loads. In the three dimensional elastoplastic finite element model used, particular attention is paid to modelling soil-structure interface behavior. The necessary numerical tools were implemented and the existing ones enhanced so that, the analysis of the soil-pile interaction problem is feasible. Two newly implemented 3D constitutive laws, in the GEFDYN finite element code, are proposed: an interface model and, for soil, an axisymmetric formulation of the existing ECP multimechanism model, also known as Hujeux model. The performance of both constitutive models is compared with experimental results. First, using soil-structure direct shear tests and then, using results of static pile load tests of centrifuge physical models. The theoretical formulation and numerical implementation of the constitutive models proved to be adequate for the analysis of the soil-pile load transfer mechanisms for different soil initial states, soil-pile surface roughness conditions, and different geometries. Finally, the applicability of the proposed models, is also studied for a real case study of pile static load tests carried out in the ISC'2 experimental site, at the occasion of the 2nd International Conference on the Site Characterization. Soil’s laboratory characterization tests and in-situ pile static load tests on bored and CFA piles are simulated, and results successfully compared

When a jack-up foundation is installed on seabeds consisting of a sand layer overlying soft clay, potential for 'punch-through' failure exists. This happens due to an abrupt reduction in bearing resistance when the foundation punches a block of sand into the underlying soft clay in an uncontrolled manner. This can lead to a sudden large penetration that can cause temporary decommissioning and even toppling of the unit. This research has addressed this problem with the aim of developing a practical design method for the jack-up industry to assess potential punch-through hazards. This objective has been achieved with the successful development of a new conceptual model for predicting the peak penetration resistance and a consistent method for constructing a complete resistance profile of spudcan foundations penetrating through sand into the underlying clay. The analytical basis of the new conceptual model follows the approach for silo analysis, and takes into account the stress level and dilatant response of sand. It is therefore a significant improvement over the punching shear and load spread models recommended in the current industry guidelines SNAME (2002), which do not consider the strength properties of the sand. To provide relevant experimental data for the new model, an extensive series of 30 continuous penetration tests were performed using the UWA drum centrifuge. These experimental results were retrospectively simulated using finite element (FE) analysis, in order to back-calculate the stress-level dependent friction and dilation angles in the sand during peak penetration resistance. The back-analysis showed that larger values of peak resistance gave lower friction and dilation angles, which is consistent with gradual suppression of dilatancy under high confining stress. When compared to published results from visualisation experiments, the FE analysis showed a similar failure mechanism during peak resistance, where a frustum of sand was forced into the underlying clay, with the outer angle reflecting the dilation in the sand. This has formed the basis of the new conceptual model. The performance of the new model in predicting the experimental peak resistance was compared with other existing analytical methods. Additional experimental results, including those already in the literature, were incorporated in the comparative study. It was found that the new conceptual model generally gave a good prediction of the experimental values, while the prediction from SNAME (2002) was conservative, with the predicted values being about half the experimental results on average. It was also shown that the new model could be modified to predict the post-peak penetration resistance in the sand layer. Finally, an analytical method for predicting the resistance profiles in the underlying clay was devised based on new bearing capacity factors developed through FE analysis. By joining the values of peak resistance, post-peak resistance and the resistance profile in the underlying clay, a complete simplified penetration resistance profile for spudcan foundations in sand overlying clay can be generated. The predicted profiles were shown to match the experimental results well.

The coupled and uncoupled consolidation theories for saturated-unsaturated soils have been discussed. A new method for constructing the constitutive surfaces for saturated-unsaturated soils has been proposed. The consolidation processes for saturated-unsaturated soils have been explained by thermodynamic analogue. One dimensional consolidation theory for saturated-unsaturated soils is presented and a new method is proposed to calculate the immediate settlement, total settlement and the time history of the consolidation settlement manually in the same way as what we have done for saturated soils with a higher accuracy. It makes the consolidation theory of unsaturated soils as applicable as that of saturated soils. This method can also be used to perform uncoupled two or three dimensional consolidation calculation for both expansive soils and collapsible soils. From the analysis, the equivalent effective stress and excessive pore water pressure can be easily calculated. At the same time, the physical meanings for the parameters in the constitutive laws for saturated-unsaturated are illustrated. A new set of the differential equations for the coupled two or three dimensional consolidation of saturated-unsaturated soils are proposed, together with the corresponding method to solve the differential equations. It is also proved numerically and analytically that during the consolidation process the Mandel-Cryer effect exists for unsaturated expansive soils and there is a ??reverse?? Mandel-Cryer effect for unsaturated collapsible soils. A new method is proposed to estimate the volume change of expansive soils. A complete system is proposed for the numerical simulation of residential buildings on expansive soils. The strength of this method lies in its use of simple and readily available historic weather data such as daily temperature, solar radiation, relative humidity, wind speed and rainfall as input. Accurate three dimensional predictions are obtained by integrating a number of different analytical and numerical techniques: different simulation methods for different boundary conditions such as tree, grass, and bare soils, coupled hydro-mechanical stress analysis to describe deformation of saturated-unsaturated soils, jointed elements simulation of soil-structure interaction, analysis of structure stress moment by general shell elements, and to assess structural damage by the smeared cracking model. The real-time and dynamic simulation results are consistent with filed measurements.

Les sols argileux peuvent présenter des variations importantes de volume lors d’un changement hydrique, tel une période de sécheresse. Ce phénomène de retrait-gonflement des sols argileux est à l’origine de nombreux préjudices aux bâtis ce qui le situe, après les inondations, au second rang des aléas naturels français en matière de coût des dommages : 5 milliard d’euros entre 1988 et 2007. Les maisons individuelles sont les plus touchées par ce phénomène qui provoque un tassement différentiel du bâti à l’origine de sa dégradation (fissures dans les éléments de maçonnerie non armée en particulier). L’objectif de cette thèse est d’étudier la vulnérabilité des bâtis vis-à-vis de l’aléa retrait-gonflement à travers une analyse de l’interaction sol-structure. Ce travail s’est porté sur les trois grands volets suivants : 1 - le comportement hydromécanique des sols argileux, 2 - l’interaction sol-structure, 3 - l’évaluation des dommages structuraux. Le comportement hydromécanique des sols argileux a été modélisé par le concept de surface d’état et intégré dans un modèle d’interaction sol-structure inspiré du modèle de Winkler, avec des approches de plus en plus complexes : cas unidimensionnel tout d’abord, 2D ensuite en assimilant la structure à une poutre, puis en 3D en représentant la structure par une plaque. Ces modèles d’interaction sol-structure permettent de calculer la déflexion relative d’un bâti, en fonction d’une valeur de succion imposée et des propriétés mécaniques ou hydromécaniques de la structure et du sol d’assise. La déflexion relative du bâti est alors comparée à des valeurs seuils afin d’évaluer le dommage.La dernière partie de cette thèse consiste en une étude de faisabilité pour le développement de courbes de vulnérabilités adaptées à la problématique du retrait gonflement. Ces courbes représentent la moyenne des dommages d’un type de bâti conçu sur un type de sol gonflant pour une valeur de succion imposée. Ces courbes ont été développées à partir d’une typologie des sols gonflants et d’une typologie des bâtis issue des bases de données des maisons sinistrées. La moyenne des dommages est calculée par la méthode de Monte-Carlo, en prenant en compte la variabilité des paramètres du bâti
Clayey soils can present large volumetric deformations in response of water content change. This phenomenon of shrinkage and swelling of clayey soils is recognized as a costly natural hazard throughout the world. In France, this cost is reported between 1988 and 2007 to 5 million Euros, ranking in second class of the French natural hazards in terms of cost of damage after the floods. The individual masonry buildings with shallow foundations are the most affected by this phenomenon that causes a differential settlement of the building leading to cracks in facades and structural elements, especially in unreinforced masonry elements.The objective of this thesis was to study the vulnerability of the building, against the shrink-swell hazard through an analysis of soil-structure interaction. This work was focused on three major points: - Hydro-mechanical behavior of clay soils - Soil-structure interaction - Evaluation of structural damage.The hydro-mechanical behavior of clay soils was considered by the concept of state surface and integrated into a soil-structure interaction model, based on the Winkler model, with increasingly complex approaches: 1D, 2D and 3D by modeling the building behavior respectively by a spring system, the beam element and the plate element. These models of soil-structure interaction are able to calculate the relative deflection of the building, according to the values of imposed suction, mechanical properties of the structure and hydro-mechanical properties of the soil. The relative deflection of the building is then compared to threshold values of the classical damage categories to assess the building damage.Finally a feasibility study was conducted on the development of vulnerability curves adapted to the problem of shrinkage – swelling of clayey soils. These curves represent the average of structural damage versus suction, for each type of building. These curves were developed based on a classification of expansive soils and a building typology outcome from databases of affected buildings. The average damage is calculated by the Monte-Carlo method, taking into account the variability of the building parameters

This dissertation is concerned with the foundations in volume unstable soils and objects disorders which are related to this. The thesis was focused on the study of clay and loess soils which are abundant in the geological profile of the Czech Republic. First, the formation of the two groups of soils is introduced, then their properties are examined and finally the influence of vegetation on the former type and the influence of collapsibility in the latter type are investigated. The conclusion is, in fact, a recommendation on the design of structures so that the system of clay / structure is not damaged and that structures are not subject to renovations. Several instance of problems with structures are discussed which were subject to structural repairs employing both a civil and geotechnical engineers.