The relationship between unconfined compressive strength and matric suction of compacted Khon Kaen Loess

Abstract

The objective of this project was to investigate the relationship between matric suction and unconfined compressive strength of compacted Khon Kaen Loess. The samples were compacted at 92% and 95% of maximum dry density on a wet side by standard method. Matric suction was measured from KU-tensiometer. The test results showed a good relationship between the unconfined compressive strength and matric suction of compacted Khon Kaen Loess. The relationship between the unconfined compressive strength and matric suction was non-linear, which was shown in term of exponential. The unconfined compressive strength of dense soil was higher than the loose soil at the same matric suction value. Moreover the unconfined compressive strength of dry soil was higher than the wet soil. The unconfined compressive strength on transition regime slightly increased with matric suction. However the unconfined compressive strength on residual regime dramatically increased with matric suction.