Modeling of Hysteretic Behavior of Soil–Water Retention Curves Using an Original Pore Network Model

Abstract

Soil Water Retention Curve (SRWC), also called soil moisture characteristic, is used for simulation models of soil water storage or soil aggregate stability. The present study addresses the modeling of SRWC with particular attention paid to hysteresis effects of water filling and draining the pores attributed to ink-bottle effects. For that purpose, an idealized pore size distribution previously developed for predicting water 2 sorption isotherms on cementitious materials, and which can consider the double porosity structure of soils, is used. An inverse analysis performed on experimental results of SRWC obtained on different types of soils has allowed to propose a calibration method of parameters involved in the definition of the idealized pore size distribution that can be assessed from mercury intrusion porosimetry tests (MIP) and from grain size distribution (GSD). The model adequately reproduces the hysteretic behavior of SRWC and can also predict the specific surface area.

Modelling the evolution of water retention hysteresis loops during soil deformation based on the ink‐bottle effect

“…In addition to the ink-bottle effect-dependent SWRC model, there are also various hysteresis models that rely on distinct physical mechanisms. [27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34] For example, Einav and Liu 28 proposed a non-equilibrium model based on hydrodynamics to explain soil water-retention hysteresis. Likos and Jaafar 29 analyzed the snap-off behavior of meniscus at the pore scale, introducing a SWRC model describing hydraulic hysteresis.…”

“…Likos and Jaafar 29 analyzed the snap‐off behavior of meniscus at the pore scale, introducing a SWRC model describing hydraulic hysteresis. Similarly, Ranaivomanana et al 30 . developed a pore network model considering pore space structure for SWRC hysteresis, and Scarfone et al 32 .…”

“…Likos and Jaafar 29 analyzed the snap-off behavior of meniscus at the pore scale, introducing a SWRC model describing hydraulic hysteresis. Similarly, Ranaivomanana et al 30 developed a pore network model considering pore space structure for SWRC hysteresis, and Scarfone et al 32 investigated scanning behavior F I G U R E 2 Development process of the meniscus with matric suction (Childs, 1969). 35 using a boundary surface approach.…”

“…In addition to the ink‐bottle effect‐dependent SWRC model, there are also various hysteresis models that rely on distinct physical mechanisms 27–34 . For example, Einav and Liu 28 proposed a non‐equilibrium model based on hydrodynamics to explain soil water‐retention hysteresis.…”

Estimation of Hydraulic Parameters from the Soil Water Characteristic Curve

“…Most recent research indicates the importance of determining SWCC from data in the field and in the laboratory [32][33][34][35]. The shape and format of SWCC depends on soil's physical and hydraulic parameters and has an impact on water behavior and motion [36][37][38]. Moreover, some scientists have turned to new techniques, such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, with promising results [39][40][41][42].…”