Dataset for "Characterizing the Effect of Surface Crack Propagation in Clayey Materials under Freeze-Thaw-Desiccation Processes"

This dataset supports the studies by H. L. Luo, A. Jost, J. Thiesson, A. Mendieta, E. Léger, and D. Jougnot entitled “Characterizing the Effect of Surface Crack Propagation in Clayey Materials under Freeze–Thaw–Desiccation Processes: Part 1 – Crack Patterns and Water Evaporation”, as well as the companion paper “Characterizing the Effect of Surface Crack Propagation in Clayey Materials under Freeze–Thaw–Desiccation Processes: Part 2 – Complex Conductivity Spectra.” The experiments were conducted in a controlled environmental chamber with continuous monitoring of sample temperature. The dataset includes measurements of surface crack patterns and dielectric responses of illite samples with different initial gravimetric water contents, as well as different clay types, under freeze–thaw–desiccation and desiccation-only conditions. The dataset provides experimental data on water evaporation and cracking behavior for all clay samples, including gravimetric water content, water evaporation rate, and surface crack ratio. Additionally, complex conductivity spectra, including conductivity amplitude and phase, are provided for the clay samples at various temperatures and gravimetric water contents.