Abstract: Energy pile is a novel geothermal-based energy-saving building technology that induces temperature changes in the surrounding soil. In loess areas,the implementation of energy pile directly impacts the structural properties of the loess,subsequently affecting its mechanical characteristics. Hence,it is crucial to investigate the variations in loess structure under changing temperature.We examined the influence of temperature on the deformation and strength of structural loess through triaxial shear tests and NMR tests conducted at varying temperature. Based on the existing statistical damage theory of loess, we develop a statistical damage constitutive model for structural loess subjected to high temperatures. This model assumes a Weibull distribution for the strength of loess microelements and employs the strain equivalence hypothesis. Indoor experiments validate the model, demonstrating its ability to comprehensively capture the damage to the particle skeleton of structural loess and accurately predict its deformation under shear forces.Weibull distribution parameters,such as m and F₀,affect curve shape of the model.The findings of this study provide vital theoretical underpinnings for subsequent engineering designs and constructions.

Key words: structural loess, Weibull distribution, temperature change, confining pressure, structural damage