Unsaturated Soil Moisture Diffusivity Measurements in Laboratory Using Thermocouple Psychrometers
Publication: Contemporary Topics in Ground Modification, Problem Soils, and Geo-Support
Abstract
The performance of civil structures constructed on unstable or expansive unsaturated soils can be critically affected by moisture movement through these soils. The unsaturated diffusivity coefficient controls transient moisture flow conditions within a soil in response to total suctions or fluxes imposed at the boundaries of the soil profile. This study adopts and analyzes an approach originally developed by Peter Mitchell for laboratory unsaturated soil diffusion coefficient measurements. The diffusivity coefficients are determined by measuring total suction profiles over time in cylindrical soil specimens. Mitchell's methodology for evaluating the soil moisture diffusion characteristics is simple, economical, and accurate hence it can be used on a routine basis in a geotechnical laboratory. The paper presents diffusivity measurements of high plasticity clays exposed to a relatively constant low relative humidity environment in laboratory. The possible effect of soil sample lengths in determining accurate estimates of moisture diffusivity is also presented.
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Copyright
© 2009 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published online: Apr 26, 2012
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Diffusion
- Diffusion (porous media)
- Diffusion (thermal)
- Engineering fundamentals
- Engineering mechanics
- Geomechanics
- Geotechnical engineering
- Laboratory tests
- Soil analysis
- Soil dynamics
- Soil mechanics
- Soil properties
- Soil suction
- Soil water
- Soils (by type)
- Tests (by type)
- Thermodynamics
- Transport phenomena
- Unsaturated soils
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