Soil-Water Characteristic Curve for Unsaturated Mixed-Soil Considering Physical Form and Dry Density Effect

Abstract

A test is conducted to get the soil-water characteristic curve for three typical composite unsaturated soils in west Sichuan, considering its physical composition, physical form and dry density. Test data shows that the variation of physical composition, particle size and dry density can result in great change of soil-water characteristic curve. The bigger the dry density is and the more hydrophilic mineral it has, the more gently the soil-water characteristic curve is, and the higher dry density soil sample has higher residual moisture content. In addition, matrix suction decreased with less clay content and more content under the same water content. For three typical composite unsaturated soils, the change of soil-water characteristic curve resulting from variation of dry density is less in bigger water content, and is more in lower water content.