Determination of hydro-mechanical Properties of Sand

Abstract

In this study the behavior of an unsaturated sand is examined. The sand used is Hostun sand from France. The Soil-Water-Characteristic Curves (SWCCs) of loose and dense specimen were determined by using the suction mode and pressure mode axis translation technique under various vertical net stresses. One dimensional compression and rebound behavior was studied for specimens at different initial matric suction values. During these tests the matric suction was maintained constant during loading and unloading processes. To study the wetting induced collapse of the sand, specimens with a known matric suction and water content were prepared and then saturated at several vertical net stresses during loading. The study showed that the SWCC is not significantly influenced by vertical net stress. However there is a influence of initial suction on the compression behavior of the material which is manifested on the stillness moduli, compression index and collapse potential of the sand used in this study. In comparison to these results, results from one dimensional compression and rebound tests, where water content was kept constant, for Quartz sand Weferlingen were added. Results from collapse potential test for Quartz sand Weferlingen are given, too.