Study of the hydromechanical behaviour of soils using a meshless approach to model large soil movements close to geo-structures

With global warming, climate cycles are increasing in intensity with their effects becoming more destructive. Concerning civil engineering and geo-structures, the alternation of wet and dry periods of great magnitude inducing significant swelling and shrinkage hence important ground movements (settlements, upheaves) has led to significant damages to overlying structures. Other examples are related to slope stability subjected to variation of water content leading to soil instabilities and gravitational sliding hazards. Large movement of soils and rocks are also encountered in various fields of geotechnical and underground structures. Therefore, it is urgent to improve the design of such structures and to review the construction dispositions in order to avoid these incidences in the future. This requires better quantitative prediction and control of the hydro-mechanical coupled behaviour of in situ soils during construction and the complete life cycle.