Influence of Water Content and Dry Density on Electric and Electromagnetic Properties of a Compacted Fine-grained Soil

Abstract

In geotechnical engineering, there is a need for efficient techniques which could measure soil density and moisture content, volume integrating and in a non-destructive manner. Electrical resistivity and dielectric permittivity depend on both these soil parameters and it is hoped that these properties could help addressing this geotechnical issue. In order to evaluate this possibility, the influence of water content and dry density of a compacted fine-grained soil on its resistivity and its permittivity is being studied. As suggested by previously published models and experimental data, electrical resistivity decreases when dry density or gravimetric water content increases, and dielectric permittivity increases with an increase of water content or dry density. The influence of water content is the most significant on permittivity whereas both dry density and water content have a significant influence on resistivity.