Discrete element modelling of clays requires defining the interaction energy between two particles. The Derjaguin, Landau, Verwey and Overbeek (DLVO) theory combining the effect of the van der Waals forces and the Coulombic forces due to the double layer of counterions provides a widely accepted framework to characterise the pair potential energy. Solutions of the Poisson-Boltzmann (PB) equation to quantify the Coulombic forces are only available for the case of infinitely extended and uniformly charged facing plates (1D conditions). However, these assumptions are not representative of a clay particle system. Particles should be represented by platelets of finite size and finite thickness, with different charges between the edge and the basal planes. This paper addresses the problem of deriving the Coulombic interaction forces for plates of finite size and thickness in 3D configuration by solving the Poisson-Boltzmann equation numerically via the Finite Element Method (FEM). It is shown that 2D particles (plates of infinitesimal thickness) provide an adequate representation of Coulombic interaction as long as the particles are uniformly charged. The advantage of 2D particles is to reconcile numerical modelling with analytical solutions available in the literature. The use of 2D particles is questionable when considering different charges between basal planes and edges.@en

The geotechnical construction industry is a major component of the overall construction sector and is strategically important in infrastructure development (transportation, flood and landslide protection, building foundations, waste disposal). Although industry and research in the overall construction sector have been investing significantly in recent years to produce innovative low-carbon technologies, little innovation has been created in geotechnical construction industry, which is lagging behind other construction industry sectors. This paper discusses the interplay between low-carbon geotechnical engineering and unsaturated soil mechanics based on the research carried out within the project TERRE (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Networks funded by the European Commission, 2015-2019,H2020-MSCA-ITN-2015-675762).@en

The paper presents results achieved within the project MAGIC, a project funded by the European Commission under the Marie-Curie Industry Academia Partnerships and Pathways (IAPP) scheme. The project MAGIC aims to advance the state-of-the art in the monitoring of geo-structures subjected to climate loading by filling some of the gaps in current monitoring technologies. The project involves a partnership between academic and industrial partners to boost knowledge transfer and promote the development of 'industrial' instruments and services. The paper presents developments concerning the measurement of pore-water tension (suction in excess of 100 kPa) and the integration of geotechnical and geophysical monitoring.@en