Experimental investigations for the modelling of anhydritic swelling claystones

Anhydritic claystones are highly problematic for underground construction because of their swelling ability: When the rock comes into contact with water, the rock volume expands due to swelling of both clay as well as anhydrite. When the expansion is restricted, e.g., by an invert arch in tunneling, the swelling rocks can exert high pressures on the lining and damage the structure. The swelling be...