Creep Behavior for Bentonite–Sand Mixture in Unsaturated–Saturated Condition

The purpose of this study is to interpret the influence of creep deformations subjected to suction changing and external loading (i.e., loading and unloading) for unsaturated bentonite–sand mixture. The unsaturated bentonite–sand mixture is useful to remain safe for high level radioactive waste disposal system. This study presents the deformations of the bentonite–sand mixture under hydration-mechanical properties, and the results of strains were processed in combination with suction changes and creep loading. Two performance features (i.e., suction changing and external loading) caused occurrence of shrinkage phenomena and altered the physical properties. On the other hand, unconfined compressive strength is measured including the influence of both suction changing and creep deformation. Change of suction is the key factor to understand SWCC and is close to shear resistance of unsaturated soils.