Comparison of Soil Water Retention Curves for sandy clay, obtained using different laboratory testing methods

Abstract

The design of engineering structures is still a challenging task when considering unsaturated soil mechanics behaviour. The present paper focuses on analysing Soil Water Retention Curves (SWRC) for clayey soil samples collected from a purpose built experimental embankment. SWRC determination is crucial when analysing geotechnical parameters of the soil. During the measurements, soil samples were subjected to wetting and drying cycles using a stage procedure (where the process is carried out in stages to allow equalisation) and continuous processes. The methods used for obtaining the suction curves were high suction tensiometer, attached at the bottom of the sample, and pressure plates with suctions applied up to 800 kPa. The study compares laboratory methods on measuring suction for sandy clay samples. It proves that the wetting and drying history have an impact on the hydraulic behaviour of tested material. In order to give a wider picture of soil behaviour it also presents the outputs as a function of matric suction and volumetric and gravimetric water content, and degree of saturation.