Changes In Moisture Content Research Articles

Performance Analysis of a Multi Seed Smart Dryer Machine for Drying Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Peanuts are the second largest legume crop in Indonesia, both cultivated on farms and wild. In 2019-2023, Indonesia experienced a decline in peanut production due to the declining in harvesting area. In addition, this is also due to the poor quality of seeds in the cultivation process. This study aims to observe the performance of the Multi Seed Smart Dryer (MSSD) machine for peanut seeding. This research was conducted by observing changes in moisture content, drying rate, drying temperature, and peanut germination test results using the Multi Seed Smart Dryer machine. The results showed that the left side of all shelves experienced an increase in temperature because it was close to the heat source and the level of temperature uniformity was still said to be uniform because it did not exceed the uniformity limit. The peak drying rate occurred at the 12th hour and decreased further. Based on the results of the germination test, the dried beans have a germination rate of 83%. This is in accordance with the passing standard of seed quality according to the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia and International Seed Testing Association. Keywords: Drying, Multi Seed Smart Dryer, Peanut, Temperature.

Preservation of strawberries using jellyfish gelatin-based biodegradable films and coatings under refrigerated storage.

This study investigated the applicability of the biodegradable films and coatings prepared from gelatin extracted from jellyfish Acromitus flagellatus using two extraction methods; conventional hot water extraction and microwave-assisted extraction, for the preservation of strawberries under refrigerated storage (4 °C), compared to biodegradable films and coatings prepared from analytical grade cold water fish skin gelatin and porcine skin gelatin. After 21 days of storage, uncoated strawberries (control group) exhibited visual decay and fungal attacks while coated or film-wrapped strawberries exhibited a better appearance. Coating or wrapping with gelatin films significantly reduced the weight loss of strawberries and the changes in color, hardness, moisture content, pH, titratable acidity, and total soluble solids of coated/film-wrapped fruits during storage were minimal compared to the uncoated fruits. Of the treated groups, the weight loss of gelatin-coated strawberries was significantly lower compared to the fruits wrapped with corresponding gelatin films, in all gelatin types. Furthermore, strawberries coated or wrapped with jellyfish gelatin-based films exhibited comparable properties to the fruits that were coated or wrapped with other two types of gelatin films, indicating the potential use of gelatin extracted from jellyfish in biodegradable films or coating applications in the food industry.

Visualization of Moisture Content, Reducing Sugars, and Chewiness in Bread During Oral Processing Based on Hyperspectral Imaging Technology.

This study evaluated the differences in oral processing and texture perception of breads with varying compositions. The research investigated the dynamic changes in moisture content (MC), reducing sugars (RSs), and chewiness of the bolus formed from white bread (B0) and 50% whole-wheat bread (B50) during oral processing. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) combined with chemometric methods was used to establish quantitative prediction models for MC, RSs, and chewiness, and to create visual distribution maps of these parameters. The results showed that B0 had a higher moisture content and a faster hydration rate than B50 during the initial stages of oral processing, indicating greater hydrophilicity and ease of saliva wetting. Additionally, the uniformity of moisture distribution in the bolus of B0 was higher than that of B50. B50 exhibited significantly lower RSs content and poorer distribution uniformity compared to B0. The primary differences in chewiness between the two types of bread were observed during the early stages of oral processing, with B50 requiring more chewing effort initially. This study demonstrated that HSI technology can effectively monitor and elucidate the compositional changes in food particles during oral processing, providing new insights into bread texture perception and offering a scientific basis for improving bread processing and texture.

Effect of blanching and microwave-hot air drying of Asparagus racemosus Willd. tuberous roots on shelf life

The quality of dried tuberous roots of Asparagus racemosus Willd. depends on the drying method and storage conditions. This research aims to compare three methods for drying blanched and non-blanched root slices: tray drying at 60 °C (TD 60C), microwave-assisted hot air drying at 1000W with 60 °C (MW1000+60C), and at 1500W with 60 °C (MW1500+60C). Drying efficiency was evaluated over a one-year shelf life. The blanching was carried out at 80 °C for 5min. MW1000 60C was the most suitable for brightness, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total saponin content (TSC), and sugar content. Its brightness (L⁎), TPC, TFC, and TSC were 90.90 ± 1.08, 1.96 ± 0.08mg GAE/g DW, 0.69 ± 0.07mg ECE/g DW, and 1256.8 ± 25.1mg SE/g DW, respectively. Total sugar content and total reducing sugar content were 1577.1 ± 17.1mg Glu/g DW and 47.43 ± 2.06mg Glu/g DW, respectively. Blanching before MW1000+60C decreased TPC, TFC, total sugar content, and total reducing sugar content by 31%, 25%, 20%, and 43%, respectively, but did not reduce the TSC. The optimum shelf life was 6 months. The storage for 12 months caused negative changes in moisture content, colour, TPC, TFC, sugar content, and microbial load. The saponin compounds were asparacoside, shatavarin IX, shatavarin V, asparanin A, aspafilioside B, and sarsasapogenin 3-[4''-glucosyl-6''-arabinosylglucoside]. Theasaponin E3 was found in blanched and dried roots after 12 months. Consequently, this research provided guidelines for drying methods and monitoring shelf life.

Study on the effect of cinder ash as an auxiliary additive mineral in hydrated lime treatment for expansive sub-grade soil in road construction

Expansive soils pose significant challenges to road construction globally due to their tendency to expand and contract with changes in moisture content, leading to pavement failure. In the construction industry, finding an economical and cost-effective alternative to conventional road construction materials is crucial. The use of a natural cinder ash and hydrated lime mixture as reinforcement has proven to be effective in addressing this issue. Cinder ash, a readily available waste material in countries like Ethiopia, is adaptable and water-resistant, making it an ideal choice for reinforcing expansive soil. This article investigates the strength performance of a cinder ash and hydrated lime mixture as a reinforcement material for expansive soil. The study involves mixing 0%, 20%, 25%, 30%, and 35% of cinder ash with soil stabilized with 2–5% hydrated lime. Expansive soil samples are prepared according to the ASSHTO & ASTM method and tested for compressive strength, California bearing ratio, bulk density, and water absorption. The findings reveal a 448.62%, and 374% increase in compressive strength and California Bearing Ratio respectively for the specimen containing 5% hydrated lime and 35% cinder ash, cured for 28 days. The water absorption is minimized at 15.23% for the 5% hydrated lime and 35% cinder ash mixture; while the maximum density of the soil is observed at 1.774 kg/m3 for the optimal combination of 5% hydrated lime and 35% cinder ash mix. The study suggests that using 5% hydrated lime and 35% cinder ash content for the stabilization of expansive soil significantly enhances the strength characteristics of compressed stabilized soil.

Initial monitoring of a six-story lightweight timber frame building under different environmental conditions

AbstractThis study presents a comprehensive investigation of the dynamic behavior of a six-story lightweight timber frame building through periodic and continuous ambient vibration tests. Seasonal changes in temperature and relative humidity can influence the dynamic response of timber buildings, by affecting stiffness, strength, and connection properties due to changes in moisture content. Systematic tests were performed from October 2022 until May 2024 to identify natural frequencies, damping ratios, and mode shapes of the building using five battery-driven data acquisition units equipped with 15 uni-axial accelerometers. Two different only-output frequency and time domain Operational Modal Analysis (OMA) methods were used to evaluate the dynamic properties of the building. Additionally, the building has been continuously monitored with temperature and humidity sensors since its construction. Results obtained from the periodic measurements highlighted the need for a permanent system to capture the transient changes in the modal parameters. A complementary permanent system to record the accelerations at the roof level was installed in May 2024. The modal parameters from in situ measurements were compared with those obtained from the Finite Element (FE) model of the structure. The FE model, calibrated through a multi-stage approach, incorporating non-structural elements, and varying imposed loads, showed good agreement with experimental data. Comparative analysis of the results obtained under different temperature and humidity conditions showed the effect of the environmental conditions on the building dynamics properties, for both periodic and permanent measurements. This study highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and detailed FE modeling in understanding the dynamic properties and long-term structural behavior under varying conditions. This information can be used to ensure that the building meets safety and performance requirements and to identify potential issues that may need to be addressed during the design and maintenance phases.

EFFECT OF DRYING SPEED ON THE DESATURATION OF SWELLING ROCK

The paper presents the results of a numerical study of the influence of drying speed and hydraulic conductivity of swelling rock on the development of the desaturated zone. Swelling rock refers to natural material in which montmorillonite is the predominant type of mineral. Previous tests have unequivocally shown that a fully saturated swelling rock with a high swelling potential will not swell when wetted with water of the same chemical composition as the pore water. The swelling potential can be activated only after the desaturation of the swelling rock. The geohazard of swelling of such materials represents a very serious problem. The behavior of swelling rock is modeled as a combined hydraulic-mechanical process that includes vertical one-dimensional water flow in saturated and unsaturated conditions, with a change in the volume due to a change in the water content. As part of previously conducted laboratory research, a model of swelling was developed, which realistically represents the behavior of swelling material at the level of laboratory samples. With the developed model, it is possible to forecast the changes in moisture content that will occur during drying at the depth of the desaturated zone. Numerical simulations have clearly shown that the depth of the desaturated zone depends on the drying speed, that is, that significant depths of the desaturated zones can only be realized at low and long-term drying speeds. With the increase in the hydraulic conductivity of the swelling rock, the depth of the desaturated zone increases, and the time required for the development of such a zone increases to the same extent.

Global Ecosystem Nitrogen Cycling Reciprocates Between Land-Use Conversion and Its Reversal.

Anthropogenic land-use practices influence ecosystem functions and the environment. Yet, the effect of global land-use change on ecosystem nitrogen (N) cycling remains unquantified despite that ecosystem N cycling plays a critical role in maintaining food security. Here, we analysed 2430 paired observations globally to show that converting natural to managed ecosystems increases ratios of autotrophic nitrification to ammonium immobilisation and nitrate to ammonium, but decreases soil immobilisation of mineral N, causing increased N losses via leaching and gaseous N emissions, such as nitrous oxide (e.g., via denitrification), resulting in a leaky N cycle. Changing land use from intensively managed to one that resembles natural ecosystems reversed N losses by 108% on average, resulting in a more conservative N cycle. Structural equation modelling revealed that changes in soil organic carbon, pH and carbon to N ratio were more important than changes in soil moisture content and temperature in predicting ecosystem N retention capacities following land-use conversion and its reversion. The hotspots of leaky N cycles were mostly in equatorial and tropical regions, as well as in Western Europe, the United States and China. Our results suggest that whether an ecosystem exhibits a conservative N cycle after land-use reversion depends on management practices.

Soil Parameters Monitoring System

Soil parameters monitoring is vital for different areas such as climatological and ecological studies, agriculture, etc. Large scale measurement systems are based on satellite technologies however their spatial and temporal resolutions still must be improved for real-time measurement tasks and control of local areas. Such systems also require in-situ measurements for calibration. It rises the need of local sensor networks development. The paper proposes a soil monitoring system which allows measuring temperature and humidity. Wireless communication between sensors and data collection unit allows to form sensor array at required area without additional cables. Usage of thermal noise method allows to perform measurement of both parameters with a single sensor which allows to avoid soil moisture content changes due to absence of local soil heating which could be caused by probing currents in other methods. Proposed method also allows to increase measurement accuracy.

Understanding of Water Transport through Membrane Electrode Assembly in PEFC

In a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC), water generation, electroosmosis drag, and back diffusion change the humidity, which affects transport properties such as proton conductivity, effective oxygen diffusion coefficient, and permeance of the feed gas through a membrane. Since the sorption and desorption of water in the electrolyte membrane is slower than other processes such as the oxygen reduction reaction, the proton transport, and the oxygen diffusion, dynamic water behavior should be considered to estimate the cell performance precisely. In this study, the water permeation flux through a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) was measured, and the effective water diffusion coefficients in a membrane and catalyst layer (CL) were formulated as a function of temperature and the moisture content respectively. Dynamic moisture content change in MEA was simulated with the measured effective diffusion coefficients. The experimental results showed that desorption was slower than sorption in the identical moisture content range particularly at the beginning, and this tendency was successfully reproduced using the moisture content distribution obtained by numerical simulation.

Investigation of the effects of coal properties, environmental conditions, and costs on coal drying method selection using multi-criteria decision-making method (AHP)

In this study, coal properties and environmental characteristics were investigated, and the most suitable coal drying method was determined for four different regions (Armutcuk, Afsin, Can, and Soma) where Türkiye's significant coal reserves are located, using the AHP method (Analytical Hierarchy Process). Installation and operating cost, drying rate, environmental risk, and land area parameters were used as selection criteria in the AHP method. After analyzing the physical and chemical properties of coals from four different regions, changes in moisture content and drying costs were calculated according to various drying methods (rotary, microwave, solar, and air). The results indicated that the solar energy data of the regions were determined to be 1315, 1610, 1400, and 1444 kWh/m²-year for Armutcuk, Afsin, Can, and Soma, respectively. Accordingly, solar energy drying systems are expected to be preferred in regions with high solar energy. However, with the effect of other selection criteria, it was determined that although the Can region receives less solar energy than the Soma region, the microwave drying method should be used for the coal of the Soma region, and the solar energy drying method should be used for the coal of Can region. Microwave and solar energy methods should be preferred for drying the coals of the Armutcuk and Afsin regions, respectively. As in many sectors, multi-criteria decision-making methods are necessary for optimum equipment/method selection in the mining sector. In conclusion, this study showed that the AHP method can be used when appropriate criteria are thoroughly determined.

In-situ water retention monitoring system of an operational dike

The severe droughts in recent decades and the lack of regular flooding have caused considerable fissures to develop on clay embankments. Previous surveys in Hungary have identified the examined dike section as prone to desiccation cracks. It is essential to determine the possible extent of these desiccation cracks, as they degrade the dikes’ resistance against several failure mechanisms. A representative dike cross-section was equipped with a unique water retention monitoring system comprising 17 sensors, including 14 soil moisture and 3 water potential sensors. These devices were validated with laboratory measurements to obtain accurate results. The gravimetric water content (w) ranged from 8.3 % to 31.3 %, and the matric potential was recorded between 0.1 kPa and 2350.7 kPa over one and a half years. The study examined the differences in soil behaviour under pavement and turf cover, identifying common moisture content distribution patterns and areas of the cross-section prone to desiccation cracking. The uniqueness of the monitoring system lies in the fact that it was established in an operational embankment, which regulates the flow of a river. Furthermore, it was instrumented along the Tisza River, which is among Europe’s most significant watercourses. The results may help better understand the moisture content change in clay embankments and the role of the crest pavement in the moisture content distribution.

Effect of rock phosphate direct application on tropical legumes under different soil types of Sudan Savanna

ABSTRACT Direct application of low-grade rock phosphate (RP) is a less expensive alternative than the application of chemical phosphorus (P) for small holders relying on nutrient-deficient weathered soils. However, the effect of RP application on growth and yield is unstable for different crop species and soil water conditions. To identify legume species effective for RP direct application, five tropical legumes (cowpea, groundnut, bambara nut, mung bean, and soybean) were tested under two soil types with different water-holding capacities in Sudan Savanna; Lixisols and Plinthosols. The experiment was conducted under three conditions of P treatment, namely, RP application, triple super phosphate (TSP) application, and no phosphorus fertilizer application (0P). Under RP treatment, higher grain yield was obtained in Lixisols, which had a higher water-holding capacity. However, the yield increase was suppressed in the year with more rainfall owing to drastic changes in the soil moisture content, which caused excessive soil moisture stress during vegetative growth periods. Among the five legume species, cowpea and groundnut showed higher grain yields under the RP treatment than did other species. RP application increased shoot biomass but caused small changes in the shoot P and N concentrations. Soybean in Plinthosols had the highest yield ratio of RP/0P, but the absolute yield was low because of the insufficient soil water availability caused by the low water-holding capacity. RP direct application can assist shoot growth and yield, but it rarely compensates for basal yield differences between soil types and among legume species.

Biodegradation Behaviour of the Composite Consisting of Polypropylene and Bauhinia Vahlii Fiber

AbstractThe current study focuses on the degradation rate of polypropylene (PP) and Bauhinia Vahlii (BV) fibers under soil burial and natural weathering conditions for 360 days. The BV‐PP composite was produced with varying BV fiber compositions (0, 10, 20, and 30 wt.%) and 3 % MAPP (Maleic Anhydride Grafted Polypropylene). In addition, MAPP is employed as a coupling agent to improve fiber‐matrix compatibility and promote degradation. The XRD examination shows that a 10 % BV‐PP composite has a crystallinity index of 52.05 %, which is higher than that of neat PP. The rate of biodegradability was investigated using weight loss and tensile properties. The largest degradation was seen in natural weathering conditions with 30 % composite showing the maximum weight loss of 3.8 % and loss in tensile strength and modulus of 16.76 % and 5.11 %, respectively. Simultaneously, no weight loss or drop in tensile characteristics was found in the case of neat PP over 360 days. The SEM images of soil burial show material deterioration, which may be aided by bacterial and fungal activity, whereas natural weathering conditions show a large crack, rougher fracture surface, and cavities, which are attributed to thermal stresses, changes in moisture content, and ultraviolet radiation, thereby promoting the degradation process.

Analysis of PM2.5 Concentration Released from Forest Combustion in Liangshui National Natural Reserve, China

(1) Background: In recent years, forest fires have become increasingly frequent both domestically and internationally. The pollutants emitted from the burning of fuel have exerted considerable environmental stress. To investigate the influence of forest fires on the atmospheric environment, it is crucial to analyze the variations in PM2.5 emissions from various forest fuels under differing fire conditions. This assessment is essential for evaluating the effects on both the atmospheric environment and human health. (2) Methods: Indoor simulated combustion experiments were conducted on the branches, leaves, and bark of typical tree species in the Liangshui National Natural Reserve, including Pinus koraiensis (PK), Larix gmelinii (LG), Picea koraiensis (PAK), Betula platyphylla (BP), Fraxinus mandshurica (FM), and Populus davidiana (PD). The PM2.5 concentrations emitted by six tree species under various combustion states were measured and analyzed, reflecting the impact of moisture content on the emission of pollutants from fuel combustion, as indicated by the emission factors for pollutants. (3) Results: Under different fuel loading and moisture content conditions, the mass concentration values of PM2.5 emitted from the combustion of different organs of various tree species exhibit variability. (4) Conclusions: Among the various tree species, broad-leaved varieties release a greater quantity of PM2.5 compared to coniferous ones. A positive correlation exists between the moisture content of the fuel and the concentration of PM2.5; changes in moisture content notably influence PM2.5 levels. The emission of PM2.5 from fuel with varying loads increases exponentially. Utilizing the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) model for simulation, it was determined that both moisture content and fuel load exert a significant combined effect on the release of PM2.5 during combustion.

A diffusion‐driven model for deposit removal during water rinse

SummaryThe objective of this study is to develop a model that is based on water diffusion for predicting the cleaning procedure during water rinse of Clean‐in‐Place operation. The kinetics of dairy foulant generated by using dairy product was analysed. The foulants removal with three different moisture contents (6.7%, 13.4%, and 39.3%) and four different wall shear stresses (WSS, 0.013, 0.39, 0.84, and 2.42 Pa) were evaluated. It was found that the lag time decreased with increase of WSS. In addition, the maximal removal and cleaning rate was found to increase along with the elevation of the wall shear stress. Moisture contents of the deposit determines the minimum magnitude of the wall shear stress to initiate the removal process. By combining the water diffusion and removal kinetics obtained from the experiment, a model to describe the removal of the deposits has been developed. Diffusion assuming 1‐D infinite plate was used to simulate the change in moisture content. The model confirms that the foulants with a higher initial moisture content is more rapidly removed. Furthermore, the foulant removal is affected by the permeation of water into foulants as well as the wall shear stress.

The Influence of the Morphological Characteristics of Mining-Induced Ground Fissures on the Spatiotemporal Distribution of Soil Moisture

In order to study the influence of fissure morphology on soil moisture-content changes under different fissure types, this study established HYDRUS 2.0 numerical models of stepped fissures and planar fissures with different fissure widths and depths based on the experimental condition parameters obtained from physical simulation tests. Then, we simulated the spatial and temporal variation rules of soil moisture around the fissures. The results showed a high level of agreement between the HYDRUS numerical simulations and actual measurements, indicating that the model accurately reflects the movement of soil moisture near fissures. The study found that ground fissures affected the spatial distribution of soil moisture, leading to an increased rate of moisture loss in the deep soil near the fissure walls. Moreover, larger fissures had greater horizontal and vertical effects on soil moisture. The soil moisture content is lower closer to the fissure walls. As the soil depth increased, the influence of the fissures gradually diminished. For planar fissure with a depth of 50 cm, the soil moisture content was 30.6%, 17.8%, and 8.4% lower at depths of 10, 30, and 50 cm, respectively, compared to a fissure with a depth of 10 cm. For a stepped fissure with a depth of 50 cm, the soil moisture content was 29.2%, 20.9%, and 13.9% lower at depths of 10, 30, and 50 cm, respectively, compared to a fissure with a depth of 10 cm. Under the same conditions of fissure width and depth, stepped fissures exhibit faster moisture loss, and the larger the fissure, the more significant the additional moisture loss compared to planar fissures.

Enhancing greenhouse strawberry irrigation: integrating IoT technologies and low-cost moisture sensors in substrate

The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, particularly sensor-based systems, is revolutionizing agriculture, including strawberry cultivation in greenhouses. Furthermore, the use of wireless communication technologies, alongside efficient data storage and visualization platforms, can enhance monitoring and decision-making capabilities. This study aimed to calibrate and verify the real-time operation of the low-cost SKU SEN0193 V2.0 sensor and the SHT20 in strawberry cultivation substrate, evaluating IoT technologies for data transmission, including LoRa, InfluxDB for storage, and Grafana for visualization and monitoring. The adaptability and accuracy of the SHT20 and SKU SEN0193 V2.0 sensors were tested in laboratory and greenhouse strawberry crops. Water retention curves in the substrate were determined using the Haines Funnel, while recording sensor measurements simultaneously for calibration. For real-time monitoring, sensors were placed in two slabs with strawberry plants in a greenhouse. InfluxDB stored the data, and Grafana visualized it. While the SHT20 sensor showed limited suitability for substrates due to its lack of response to moisture variations, SKU SEN0193 V2.0 produced excellent results, detecting changes in moisture content in both laboratory and greenhouse tests. Sensor-specific calibration for greenhouse slabs is crucial. The utilization of data storage and visualization tools like InfluxDB and Grafana facilitated real-time data manipulation, demonstrating their potential for enhancing irrigation management in greenhouse strawberry production.

Design, construction, and calibration of a weighable lysimeter for measuring water requirements of field crops for data-scarce areas of Ethiopia

A simple weighable lysimeter was designed, constructed, and calibrated for measuring the water requirements and crop coefficients of shallow-rooted crops. It has a portable weighing mechanism to quantify changes in soil moisture content. The weighing mechanism consists of a horizontal steel bar, a hydraulic car jack, both ends hooked vertical steel bars, a stand, and a digital weighing balance. As the lysimeter's inner tank, a plastic drum with a 55 cm diameter that yields 0.24 m2 of internal area was used. A performance test was conducted, and a rating curve was developed at the beginning of the growing seasons in 2023 and 2024 to evaluate the sensitivity of the weighing mechanism in determining crop water use. Linearity, repeatability, and measurement uncertainty tests were conducted. The linearity error was ±0.04 kg and ±0.03 kg for the years 2023 and 2024, respectively, which is within the allowable limit. The weighing system repeats the measurement perfectly with no error (repeatability error was zero). The combined uncertainty of the measurements was 0.023 kg, representing the cumulative effect of individual errors. The lysimeter weighing system is capable of detecting variations in mass as small as 0.2 mm of moisture content. Therefore, the developed lysimeter can be used to determine water requirements and crop coefficients of shallow-rooted crops for the design and management of irrigation in data-scarce areas of Ethiopia.

Stress-Based Model for Interpreting Shear Wave Velocity from Seismic Cone Penetration Tests in Unsaturated Soil

Shear wave velocity is an important parameter for estimating soil properties used in analyzing the dynamic response of soil to seismic loading. This paper focuses on developing a model for predicting shear wave velocity in unsaturated soils. The model was developed primarily for the interpretation of seismic cone penetration tests (SCPTs) in unsaturated soil to account for seasonal variations in moisture conditions. In practice, SCPTs typically occur over a period of days without the option of choosing a wet or dry period. The question becomes, if tests are conducted during a dry period, how can shear wave velocity corresponding to a wetter period be predicted, or vice versa? Answering this question was the primary motivation of this work. The work involved field testing with the seismic cone penetrometer during wet and dry periods and a focused study at three sites involving comparison between field and laboratory testing for shear wave velocity. The model presented in this paper is built upon the significant work of many other researchers with reference to new experimental data obtained by the authors. It is demonstrated that a stress-based model incorporating matric suction can provide reasonable predictions of shear wave velocity and provides a method to interpret the impact of changing moisture content on shear wave velocities determined with SCPTs.