| Summary: | Clay has wide application in engineered barriers. However, it is prone to crack if moisture content decreases at most circumstances. This research aimed to microscopically study drying shrinkage and associated cracking of two different clays: kaolin and sodium-based bentonite, using optical microscope-Leica DM2700 M, under controlled condition. The samples used were cylindrical with 20mm in diameter and 1mm in depth. During the observation, microscopic images were captured and saved. These images were used to analyse the cracking behaviour due to drying. The testing results showed that cracks initially occur in the middle of the sample and then propagate to the sample boundary. The length and width of the crack was increased as moisture decreased.
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