Water Sorptivity Research Articles

Nano reinforced cement paste composite with functionalized graphene and pristine graphene nanoplatelets

This study examines and compares the workability, hydration, mechanical, microstructure and transport properties of cement paste composites containing the three forms of graphene-based 2D nanomaterials synthesised from epigenetic graphite deposit, namely, graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and pristine graphene nanoplatelates (G). Graphene materials were used from 0.01% to 0.16% of cement weight. The rGO and G were treated with salt and surfactant, respectively during synthesis, to improve dispersion in water. Characteristics and physical strength vary among GO, rGO and G, which have influenced the properties of nano reinforced graphene-cement composites (GCCs). The 28-day compressive and flexural strength of graphene (GO, rGO and G) cement composite improved by 28% and 81%, 30% and 84%, and 39% and 38%, respectively, compared to the control mix (cement paste without graphene materials). Finally, microscopic analysis, dynamic vapour sorption (DVS), electrical resistivity and water sorptivity results suggested that graphene materials densify and reinforce the composite microstructure.

Tire Recycled Rubber for More Eco-Sustainable Advanced Cementitious Aggregate

This research focused on using ground tire rubber (GTR) with different grain sizes as a replacement for the mineral aggregates used in a cement-based mixture suitable for extrusion-based Additive Manufacturing. The use of two types of GTR particles and the possibility to apply rubberized mixtures in advanced manufacturing technologies are the innovative aspects of this work. At the base of this strategy is the possibility of achieving cementitious aggregates, which would potentially be improved regarding some technological-engineering requirements (lightness, thermal-acoustic insulation, energy dissipation capacity, durability) and environmentally sustainable. The integration of waste tires into cement-based materials is a promising solution for the reuse and recycling of such industrial waste. In addition, this approach may involve a considerable reduction in the use of natural resources (sand, water, coarse mineral aggregates) needed for the building materials production. The purpose of the research was to investigate the effect of sand-GTR replacement on certain chemical-physical properties of mixtures (permeable porosity, surface wetness, and water sorptivity), closely related to material durability. Besides, the role of rubber on the printability properties of the fresh material was evaluated. GTR fillers do not alter the rheological properties of the cement material, which was properly extruded with better print quality than the reference mixture. Concerning chemical-physical characterization, the GTR powder-granules synergy promotes good compaction of the mixture, hinders the cracks propagation in the cement matrix, decreases the permeable porosity, improves the surface hydrophobicity and preserves optimal water permeability.

Curing of slag concretes at low temperatures: effect on selected durability properties

AbstractThe influence of low curing temperatures (5, 10 and 15 ± 2 °C) on the strength and durability properties of ground granulated blastfurnace slag (GGBS) and ground granulated Corex slag (GGCS) concretes was studied. A standard curing temperature of 23 ± 2 °C) was also used for comparative purposes. Test specimens were cast using 100% CEM I 52.5N (PC), and three PC/Slag (GGBS or GGCS) replacement ratios of 50/50, 65/35 and 80/20, and a w/b ratio of 0.40. The specimens were cured for 28 days by submersion in water at the respective curing temperatures and then tested for durability. Durability was assessed using oxygen permeability, water sorptivity and chloride conductivity tests. The results showed that durability of the concretes decreased as the curing temperature decreased – gas permeability and water sorptivity increased while chloride resistance decreased. It was also observed that at a given curing temperature, the slag blended concretes showed superior durability performance than the plain PC concretes.

Utilization of kimberlite tailings as aggregates in concrete - strength and selected durability properties

AbstractThe feasibility of using kimberlite tailings as aggregates in concrete was assessed. Compressive strength and selected durability tests were carried out on concretes made using various replacement levels (0, 40, 60 and 100%) fine and/or coarse blended crushed andesite and kimberlite tailings as aggregates. A w/b ratio of 0.50 and a CEM I 52.5R were used. The results show that the kimberlite tailings as aggregates have a relatively high water demand which was manifested as a reduction in workability of the fresh concretes with kimberlite tailings as a proportion of either fine and/or coarse aggregates. The results also showed that the use of the kimberlite tailings as a proportion of either fine or coarse aggregates in concrete resulted in a decrease in both compressive strength and durability properties viz water sorptivity and oxygen permeability. This was partly attributed to the low workability of the concretes which is known to limit the degree of compaction of fresh concrete. It is envisaged that careful concrete mix proportioning including the use of admixtures and pre-wetting of the aggregates can be used to offset the negative effects of high water demand of the kimberlite aggregates.

Self-healing of cracks in mortars using novel PVA-coated pellets of different expansive agents

The potential for fine aggregates, a basic constituent of any mortar or concrete mix, has not been sufficiently exploited in developing self-healing systems. This paper investigates the self-healing capability of mortar mixes that contain polymeric coated pellets containing several potential self-healing agents. The pellets replaced 10% of the sand by weight in mortar mixtures and mortar prisms were pre-cracked up to 0.3 mm crack width at seven days. It was demonstrated through microscopy and ultrasonic observations that the addition of the coated pellets resulted in an improvement of the crack mouth and depth sealing by ~ 20–60% over and above the healing observed in the control samples. Water sorptivity and gas permeability tests confirmed the capability of the formed healing products through the use of the pellets in preventing the ingress of water, gas and/or deleterious liquids. In addition, the samples containing the pellets showed a considerable regain of flexural strength and stiffness after two rounds of water curing of the cracked samples. The significant contribution of pellets in forming the healing products in the crack volume was clear from the microstructural analyses conducted.

Effect of slope aspect and position on soil infiltrability in an ultisol in Akwa Ibom State, southern Nigeria

Soil infiltrability is an important hydrological process that enhances soil water storage and the minimization of runoff. A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of slope aspect (north, NfS and south, SfS) and positions [(crest (CR), upper (US), middle (MS) and lower (LS)] on soil infiltrability, that is, initial infiltration rate (io), steady-state infiltration rate (ic) and cumulative infiltration (I), and sorptivity (S) and transmissivity (A) on the University of Uyo Teaching and Research Farm (T&SF) located on an Ultisol in Akwa Ibom State, southern Nigeria. Results show that the initial infiltration rate (io) was 43.20 cm h−1 on SfS and significantly (p < 0.05) higher than 36.60 cm h−1 on NfS. The final infiltration rate (ic) was not significantly different between NfS (9.60 cm h−1) and SfS (7.20 cm h−1). The Cumulative depth of water (I) infiltrated was similar between NfS (28.18 cm) and SfS (21.46 cm). Soil water sorptivity (S) was moderately high on the two slopes but significantly (p < 0.05) lower in NfS (0.49 cm min−1/2) than in SfS (0.70 cm min−1/2) soil. Soil water transmissivity (A) was similar in NfS (0.19 cm h−1) and SfS (0.16 cm h−1) soil. The results indicate that the aspects were similar in io, ic, I, S and A. However, since soil texture is similar among the aspects, similar soil management practices, example tillage and mulching, could be adopted to enhance water infiltration to improve ic for increases in soil water conservation and crop production on the T&SF.
 Key words: slope aspect and position, soil infiltrability, sorptivity and transmissivity, soil water management

Fracture and Permeability Properties of Artificial Fly Ash and Slag aggregate Concretes at Different Water-to-Cement Ratios

This study presents an experimental investigation on the effect of artificial aggregate utilization fracture and permeability properties of concretes. For this, two types of artificial aggregates, namely, artificial fly ash aggregate (AFA) from cold bonding agglomeration process of fly ash and Portland cement and artificial slag aggregate (ASA) from cold bonding agglomeration process of ground granulated blast furnace slag and Portland cement, were replaced with natural aggregate to coarse aggregate. Moreover, to investigate the influence of water-to-cement ratio, three different water-tocement ratios of 0.35, 0.45, and 0.55 were considered in the concrete production. The concretes were tested for the mechanical property in terms of as compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, and splitting, net flexural strength, and fracture energy and also permeability property such as water sorptivity, water penetration, gas permeability, and resistance to chloride ion penetration. The test results were also analyzed by means of statistical technique, namely, GLM-ANOVA. It was found that the use of cold bonded fly ash and slag aggregates were very effective on the performance characteristics of concretes depending on w/c ratio.

A laboratory study to disentangle hydrological, mechanical and structural mechanisms of soil stabilization by plant mucilage between eroding and depositional zones of a slope

AbstractBiological exudates, such as plant mucilage, can greatly stabilize soils, but as the mechanical and hydrological drivers depend much on soil particle size composition, eroding and depositional areas of a slope may respond differently. Soils from an eroded midslope and a depositional footslope in an arable farm were amended with chia (Salvia hispanica) seed mucilage at concentrations of 0 g C kg−1, 0.46 g C kg−1 and 2.3 g C kg−1 mucilage, formed into cores, and then imparted with wetting and drying (WD) cycles. Mucilage increased the stability of these inherently stable soils from 80% to >98% water‐stable macroaggregates at 0 WD cycles regardless of slope position. Aggregate stability was maintained after 5 WD cycles by mucilage, whereas the stability of unamended soil dropped by 66.7% in the footslope and 30.1% in the midslope compared with 0 WD. The underlying physical stability properties were measured by tensile strength and penetration resistance for mechanical properties, water sorptivity and repellency for hydrological properties, and micro‐, meso‐, macro‐ and total porosity for structural properties. Almost every soil physical property measured changed less with WD cycles if mucilage was present. Compared to unamended soil, 2.3 g C kg−1 mucilage amendment decreased water sorptivity from 0.289 mm s−1/2 to 0.122 mm s−1/2 in the midslope and 0.230 mm s−1/2 to 0.182 mm s−1/2 in the footslope after 5 WD cycles. Aggregate stability, total porosity and water sorptivity were correlated. In the midslope, hydrology and penetration resistance were affected the most, which was likely to be driven by mucilage deposition in the macropores of this more coarsely textured soil. In the footslope, the greater impact of mucilage on tensile strength was likely to be driven by buffering of macroporosity formation by WD cycles in this finer‐textured soil.Highlights We explored how slope position interacts with plant mucilage to drive soil physical stability. Changes in soil physical stability by plant mucilage have rarely been considered with slope position. Interactions between mucilage and soil particles caused greater physical stability in the midslope than footslope. Mucilage stabilized soil by easing changes in pore structure, DOC redistribution and water repellency, with particle bonding less important.

An integrated design method for functional cementitious composites (FCC)

The disease of the operating tunnel lining has seriously threatened traffic safety and needs to be cured urgently. Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC), due to its excellent deformation ability and high damage tolerance, has the potential to retrofit the linings, but the quite high cost of raw material, mainly involving PVA fiber, has limited the broader application of ECC in the civil infrastructure. This paper proposed a practical design method of integrating four parts: engineering requirements, economical cost, matrix design and environmental assessment. A novel type of cementitious composites with low water absorption, moderate flexibility and light-weigh, named functional cementitious composite (FCC), was exploited to handle the common diseases of tunnel lining economically and environmentally. The results indicated that the cost-effective fiber is available to prepare the FCC, which shows great performance of cost-saving and functional properties. Besides, the functional characteristics, including low water sorptivity, light density and moderate flexibility, were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) and subsequently the optimized results were proven by the test results. Finally, the environmental assessment emphasized an excellent material greenness of FCC with reduction of 26.9% embodied energy consumption and 26.2% carbon equivalent emission compared to the ECC (M45).

Durability of Geopolymer Concrete with Scrap Steel Slag Coarse Aggregate

Use of environmental friendly materials in concrete to make concrete sustainable is gaining importance, as the growth of the construction sector is rapid and massive in India. Such a sustainable concrete is the geopolymer concrete with scrap steel slag coarse aggregate. The concrete replaces cement and natural coarse aggregate by fly ash and scrap steel slag. Mechanical Strength of the concrete of M20 grade was evaluated and found suitable. Concrete strength has no role without the concrete being durable. Experimental tests were carried out to check the durability of the concrete and the results are presented in this paper. M20 grade geopolymer concrete with scrap steel slag coarse aggregate was tested after ambient curing for 28 days and the results are compared with M20 grade cement concrete with conventional Coarse aggregate. Durability was checked based on Water absorption, Acid resistance, Sulphate resistance and Sorptivity. The experimental results indicate that geopolymer concrete exhibit excellent durability than conventional cement concrete.

Experimental investigations on the effect of concrete quality, exposure conditions and duration of initial moist curing on carbonation rate in concretes exposed to urban, inland environment

This paper reports an investigation on the influence of inland exposure conditions, concrete quality and cover depth on carbonation-induced corrosion initiation of steel in concretes exposed to urban, inland environment. 100 mm concrete cube specimens of were prepared using five types of binder namely plain Portland cement (CEM I 52.5 N, PC), 70/30 PC/FA (fly ash), 50/50 PC/BS (blast furnace slag), 90/10 PC/SF (silica fume) and 60/30/10 PC/BS/SF at three w/b ratios of 0.40, 0.60 and 0.95. For all the concretes, two companion sets of specimens were cast and cured for 7 and 28 days before being exposed to natural indoor, outdoor-sheltered and outdoor-unsheltered environments. Concrete quality was characterized using water sorptivity and oxygen permeability. Carbonation depths were measured at 6-month intervals up to 2 years. The results show that as the quality of the concrete increases the rate of carbonation rate decreases. The results also show that carbonation rate is more sensitive to concrete quality (binder type and w/b ratio) than duration of curing. The indoor-exposed specimens exhibited higher carbonation rates than the corresponding outdoor-exposed concretes. Blended cement concretes showed higher carbonation rate than to the plain PC concretes. An empirical carbonation rate prediction model incorporating both gas permeability and water sorptivity as input parameters is proposed.

An investigation on the influence of nano silica morphology on the characteristics of cement composites

Nanosilica is produced with various methods and each product has particular applications in the industry. The differences between the nanosilicas are mainly attributed to their morphology. For instance, some types of nanosilicas such as nanosilica gels have large agglomerates, while some others like nanosilica sols may be produced in the monodispersed form. The main objective of this article is investigating the differences between the influences of agglomeration state of nanosilica, as an aspect of morphology, on the characteristics of cement composites. Among the nanosilica types, nanosilica gel has been scarcely investigated in the cement based materials researches. Thus, a simple method for production of nanosilica gel is presented. Then, the characteristics of cement mixtures containing this material have been compared with those incorporating a monodispersed nanosilica sol and silica fume. The properties investigated in this study include shrinkage measurements, compressive strength, water sorptivity, cement hydration, flow ability, setting times and rapid chloride migration coefficient. The results indicate that, despite the agglomeration state, at early ages, nanosilica gel outperformed the silica sol and silica fume in improving the characteristics such as compressive strength. It confirms that the monodispersed form of nanosilica sol could not provide higher levels of nucleation centers in the mixture; in other words, coagulation of nano particles is inevitable in the environment of cement-based materials. Likewise, at long term, nanosilica gel incorporated concretes had improved durability in terms of chloride penetration and water sorptivity compared to those with monodispersed nanosilica sol.

Influence of methylcellulose on the impermeability properties of carbon nanotube-based cement pastes at different water-to-cement ratios

The notable mechanical properties of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) make them a potential reinforcement for cementitious composites. However, the MWCNTs in fresh ordinary Portland cement (OPC) pastes have been reported to agglomerate easily and influences their ability to act as reinforcements, thereby creating a technical barrier for the application of MWCNTs in cement and concretes. In this study, methylcellulose (MC) was selected as an additive to increase the viscosity of the cement-based materials. The effects and mechanisms of the MC on the transport properties and pore structures of the MWCNT-based cementitious composites at different water-to-cement (w/c) ratios were studied. Instruments developed in the laboratory were applied to measure two transport properties: water sorptivity and gas permeability. Furthermore, mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to further illustrate the pore structure effects from the reinforcements. The results imply that MWCNTs enhanced the impermeability properties of the cementitious composites, and when the w/c ratio increased, the efficiency of the reinforcements was less notable. When extra MC was added into the MWCNT-based cementitious composites, there were two distinct trends: the best water absorption properties of the cement pastes herein appeared at a 0.6 w/c ratio, while the best gas permeability properties herein occurred at a 0.3-w/c-ratio, mainly due to the hygroscopicity of the methylcellulose. The MIP results further suggested that the MC improved the aperture distribution of the MWCNTs in the cementitious composites and greatly optimized the pores from 103 nm to 102 nm at high w/c ratios. SEM images confirmed that the MC increased the viscosity of the fresh cement pastes and inhibited the reagglomeration of the MWCNTs. The findings of this study can guide MWCNT/MC hybrid composite implementation in the future.

Differences in moisture pattern, hydrophysical and water repellency parameters of sandy soil under native and synanthropic vegetation

The main goal of the study was to estimate the differences in moisture pattern, hydrophysical and soil water repellency (SWR) parameters of sandy soil profiles at two grassland sites, separated by a distance of about 100 m, near Sekule village (southwest Slovakia). Site S1 was covered with natural vegetation formed by a process of primary succession on a sand dune, whilst site S2 was covered by a synanthropic vegetation, formed by spontaneous secondary succession. Soil sampling and infiltration experiments were performed at designated plots during June 2017 to determine hydrophysical and SWR parameters. Higher measured value of organic carbon content at site S2 resulted in the greater values of repellency index (RI) and lower values of hydraulic conductivity, k(−2 cm), and sorptivity of water, Sw(−2 cm) compared to S1. For evaluating the differences between estimated hydrophysical and SWR parameters of S1 and S2, a Welch’s test of means (allowing for unequal group variances) was used, revealing significant differences in Sw(−2 cm), and RI, at p < 0.05. Simultaneously designed infiltration experiments pointed out altered distribution in wetting pattern across the soil profile with different penetration depths: below 100 cm and 80 cm at S1 and S2, respectively. Although the observed moisture patterns showed different shapes and extensions, difference in the cumulative increase in soil water storage between 0 and 50 cm was not significant (35.1% and 36.8% of applied water) at S1 and S2, respectively. According to the results we can state that grasslands at sites S1 and S2 have different soil water repellency parameters and shape of moisture pattern, induced probably by finger flow. Nevertheless, the soil water retention capacity of site S2, formed by spontaneous secondary succession is nearly the same as the retention capacity of native grassland S1.

Impact of secondary succession in abandoned fields on some properties of acidic sandy soils

Abstract Abandonment of agricultural lands in recent decades is occurring mainly in Europe, North America and Oceania, and changing the fate of landscapes as the ecosystem recovers during fallow stage. The objective of this study was to find the impact of secondary succession in abandoned fields on some parameters of acidic sandy soils in the Borská nížina lowland (southwestern Slovakia). We investigated soil chemical (pH and soil organic carbon content), hydrophysical (water sorptivity, and hydraulic conductivity), and water repellency (water drop penetration time, water repellency cessation time, repellency index, and modified repellency index) parameters, as well as the ethanol sorptivity of the studied soils. Both the hydrophysical and chemical parameters decreased significantly during abandonment of the three investigated agricultural fields. On the other hand, the water repellency parameters increased significantly, but the ethanol sorptivity did not change during abandonment. As the ethanol sorptivity depends mainly on soil pore size, the last finding could mean that the pore size of acidic sandy soils did not change during succession.

Fabrication of superhydrophobicity on foamed concrete surface by GO/silane coating

Foamed concrete is a lightweight building material, but its high water absorption is one of its main disadvantages. The objective of this study was to fabricate, characterize and evaluate a GO/silane superhydrophobic coatings on foamed concrete surface. The results showed that the water contact angle of the foamed concrete was 165.5° and water can roll off from the surface easily. Superhydrophobic modification improves waterproof properties of the foamed concrete obviously, the water sorptivity was reduced about 97.2%. SEM results showed that the superhydrophobic surface was mainly due to the rough structure brought by GO and the low surface energy brought by silane.

Effect of accelerated carbonation curing on near surface properties of concrete

Accelerated carbonation curing (ACC) is one of the emerging techniques to sequester CO2 in concrete. The present study focuses on assessing the near surface properties of concrete subjected to ACC. Freshly cast concrete was subjected to ACC for a period of 6 hours after an initial preconditioning of 2 hours and was followed by water spray till 3 days. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed presence of CaCO3 and increased quantity of CSH gel in near surface of ACC concrete. The findings of XRD and TGA were also confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscopy which exhibited a densification of microstructure due to precipitation of CaCO3 in voids. Mechanical properties and permeation properties of both bulk concrete and near surface concrete were assessed and results were compared with traditional water curing. Compressive strength and abrasion resistance of concrete was found to increase by 30% at the age of 3 days in ACC concrete. Water absorption, sorptivity, chloride permeability and carbonation depth decreased in case of carbonation cured concrete, showing a reduction in permeability of concrete surface. The effect of ACC was more prominent on near surface properties than on bulk properties at later ages and the same were confirmed by performing analysis of variance.

Experimental Investigation on Recycled Aggregate with Laboratory Concrete Waste and Nano-Silica

Abstract In the research laboratories a huge amount of concrete specimens are thrown away after their testing or due to some flaws which results in large amount of material loss not only in the initial stage but also after the end result. Therefore, a need to reuse these waste specimens by recycling them into coarse aggregates and then further using it to make concrete will turn into a sustainable option. This paper deals with the study of Recycled aggregate concrete made from laboratory concrete waste replacing Natural Aggregate(NA) and Nano Silica(NS) as partial replacement with cement. In this paper we investigated the compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural strength for mechanical properties and water sorptivity and rapid chloride penetration to evaluate durability characteristics of control concrete i.e., with natural aggregate as well as 20%, 40% and 60% replacement of NA with Recycled Aggregate (RA). Also, we compared the above results with concrete specimens prepared by replacing 1%, 3% and 5% of cement with Nano silica for each of the 20%, 40% and 60% RA concrete mix. The results indicated that when there was no presence of Nano silica in the specimen and had only RA and NA, a decrease in strength was observed. On the other hand, when Nano silica was replaced with cement, there was a gain in strength. The mix having 3% NS and 40% RA gave an optimum result for strength and durability properties. It also helps in reducing the CO2 emissions which occur due to large amount of cement usage leading to environmental problems like greenhouse effect. Thus, it inferred that replacement of cement with NS acts as an additive and helps in improving the micro-structure of the concrete. Also, it augments the strength and durability characteristics up to 3% replacement level along with 40% replacement of natural aggregate with RA in order to focus on sustainability.

Effect of superabsorbent polymer admixtures on hygric and thermal properties of cement mortar

Materials known as superabsorbent polymers (SAP) or hydrogels are currently used in quite a few applications, ranging from diapers or napkins to nutrient carriers and soil conditioners. The great ability of SAPs to absorb and hold a significant amount of water can be utilized well also in the construction sector. For instance, SAPs can serve as effective admixtures for mitigation of autogenous shrinkage of high-performance concrete, frost protection, or cracks sealing. In this paper, basic physical, hygric and thermal properties of cement mortars containing superabsorbent polymer admixtures are analyzed. Basic physical characteristics are measured using the water vacuum saturation method and helium pycnometry. Moisture diffusivity is determined by utilizing the results of water sorptivity measurements, water vapor diffusion permeability is measured by the cup method. Sorption isotherms are determined by the desiccator method in the range of relative humidity of 11% – 96%. Thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity are measured by pulse method. Experimental results show a very significant dependence of all hygric and thermal parameters on the SAP dosage in the mix.

Hydraulic conductivity and sorptivity at unsaturated and saturated conditions as related to water infiltration in soils

Sorptivity (S) has been defined in terms of the horizontal infiltration equation. At unsaturated conditions (at a very short time) S represents “maximum sorption capacity”, but in saturated conditions the sorption capacity decreases with the time. Over a long time of infiltration, sorptivity was not studied as a soil water parameter that could be determined. The purpose of this study is to apply derived equations depending on the infiltration functions to predict (1) soil water sorptivity (S) at infiltration capacity ( unsaturated conditions ) and at basic infiltration rate (I b ) ( saturated conditions ), (2) the hydraulic conductivity (Saturated Ks and unsaturated K (θ ) ) into capillary-matrix and non-capillary macro pores of soils. Five alluvial (saline and non-saline clay) and calcareous soil profiles located in the Nile Delta were investigated for applying the assumed equations. A decrease in S value was observed with an increase in soil water content. At steady infiltration rate (I b ), S decreased from 1.04 to 0.647cm.min -0.5 (i.e. S decreased by 37.79%) in average in calcareous soils and from 0.537 to 0.251cm.min -0.5 (53.25%) in alluvial clay soils. The steady S w parameter was used in prediction of the hydraulic conductivities and the basic infiltration rate I b , whereas, S w is a suggested term at steady infiltration rate. The calculated values of I b were corresponding to those obtained by infiltration experiment. This confirmed the significance of steady S w as a new functional infiltration parameter. A matching factor u was calculated as a ratio between predicted I b and the measured saturated hydraulic conductivity, Ks. The mean values of u were 0.895, 0.685 and 0.360 for calcareous, clay and saline clay soils respectively. Unsaturated K (θ ) has been discriminated into saturated macro-pore K (θ ) RDP and matrix unsaturated K (θ ) h . The values of K( θ ) RDP for macro pores remained higher than those for soil matrix pores (K (θ ) h ) in the studied soils. The highest value of K (θ ) was obvious in calcareous soil profiles, while the lowest value was existed in saline clay soil. In conclusion, the predicted values of hydraulic conductivities of soil matrix (capillary) and macro (non-capillary) pores were reasonable and existed in the normal ranges of the investigated soils, indicating that the proposed equations are applicable and can be recommended to be used in coarse and fine textured soils with large scale of different properties.