Estimation of Soil Water Characteristic Curves (SWCC) of mining sand using soil suction modelling

Abstract

Soil water characteristic curve (SWCC) is widely known as the relationship between matric suction and water content. It is used as a tool to determine the hydraulic and mechanical behaviour of unsaturated soils and to predict soil water storage. Direct measurement is difficult and time-consuming. Many empirical models have been developed to represent SWCC. The objective of this study is to validate the Van Genuchten and Fredlund and Xing models. The SWCC was obtained from pressure plate tests for different soil gradations of mining tailing sand samples taken from Kuala Trong, Taiping, Perak, Malaysia. The results presented include moisture content and degree of saturation versus matric suction. The constructed SWCCs were fitted using the Van Genuchten and Fredlund and Xing equations, and the behaviour of the parameters analysed and discussed. The study found that this method is good for the SWCC for mining tailing sand, and that SWCC is greatly affected by initial water content and the grain size of the sample.

Soil water characteristic curve parameters of collapsible sand in Lambayeque, Peru

“…Unsaturated soil properties are usually represented through soil water characteristic curves (SWCCs) that relates moisture content with soil suction. As a first estimate, the SWCC can be obtained from a grain-size distribution curve, reducing further costs [1,2]. Nevertheless, experimental programs in laboratory remain as the best choice for the assessment of SWCCs.…”

“…On the other hand, indirect methods are attractive for their fast and simple usage as well as their low cost [10]. These are the main reasons for their increased use, mainly in spatial variability studies [1]. Indirect methods include filter papers and heat dissipation sensors [11].…”

“…A wide range of models have been developed to define the retention curve, which are characterized by the adjustable parameters that provide great flexibility for the representation of different types of soil. The mathematical equations used in these models involve empirical adjustment parameters that are related to the different characteristic points and regions of the curve [1].…”