Comparison of Field and Laboratory Soil–Water Characteristic Curves
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 131, Issue 9
Abstract
Results of field monitoring of moisture content and matric suction at the crest and berm of a large cut slope in completely decomposed granite in Hong Kong are reported. Field moisture content and matric suction clearly show that the volumetric water content increases as a result of rainfall infiltration and decreases as a result of evaporation. Correspondingly, the matric suction decreases due to rainfall infiltration and increases due to evaporation. Soil–water characteristic curves at different depths at the crest and near the berm of the cut slope are determined from the field data. Unlike soil–water characteristic curves determined in the laboratory by testing small specimens, the field measured soil–water characteristic curves show negligible hysteresis. Engineering implications of the field soil–water characteristic curves are discussed.
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Acknowledgments
The work presented in this paper was financially supported by the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong (Research Grant No. HKU 7123/99E) and the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. The writers would also like to thank the Territory Development Department (HK), Maunsell Consultants Asia Ltd., China Harbour Groups, and Vibro (HK) Ltd. for their kind assistance during the installation of instruments in the field, and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) for valuable assistance in conducting the pressure plate test in the laboratory.
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Information
Published In
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 131 • Issue 9 • September 2005
Pages: 1176 - 1180
Copyright
© 2005 ASCE.
History
Received: Jan 13, 2004
Accepted: Nov 19, 2004
Published online: Sep 1, 2005
Published in print: Sep 2005
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