Effects of Drying and Wetting Process on the Tensile Strength of Granite Residual Soil

Abstract

The tensile strength of granite residual soil has different changing laws during the wetting and drying process which often appears after rainfall. The microscopic relationship between tensile strength, bond force, and absorbed suction was studied using a self-developed soil tensile strength tester. The results show the following. (1) The change in tensile strength with saturation is a convex curve with a peak; according to the drying and wetting path, there are differences in peak value and amplitude of variation. (2) The sample with a higher fine particle content has a structure that is denser and has fewer pores, while an increase in gravel content will significantly reduce the tensile strength of the soil. (3) Absorbed suction and bond forces are important factors that control tensile strength in the drying process. The bond force contributes more than 70%, the tensile strength is in invariable constant saturation, and the wetting process is mainly controlled by absorbed suction.