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Evaluation of the method of determining unsaturated hydraulic conductivity based on the pore size distribution curve

  • T. T.H. Nguyen
  • , Y. J. Cui
  • , A. M. Tang
  • , G. Herrier
  • , V. Ferber
  • , C. Mauduit
  • , F. Plier
  • Université Paris Est, ENPC LIGM, IMAGINE
  • Lhoist Recherche et Développement
  • Charier
  • Centre d'Études Techniques et de l'Équipement (CETE) de Lyon
  • URANO

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Unsaturated hydraulic conductivity is key factor governing soil swellings under the effect of frost because it conditions the water transfer driven by the cryo-suction generated by soil freezing. In this study, the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity of a compacted untreated and lime treated silty soil was determined using two methods: 1) calculations based on a capillary tube model involving the pore size distribution curve obtained by the technique of mercury intrusion porosimetry technique, and 2) determination by the instantaneous profile method using the results from isothermal infiltration/drying tests. This enables the two methods to be compared and discussed. Significant difference was observed, showing the limitation of the capillary tube model used in predicting the hydraulic conductivity of soils. However, the calculated hydraulic conductivity-suction curve presents a similar shape to the measured one, suggesting that the main mechanism considered in the model is appropriate.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationUnsaturated Soils
Subtitle of host publicationResearch and Applications - Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Unsaturated Soils, UNSAT 2014
PublisherTaylor and Francis - Balkema
Pages1143-1148
Number of pages6
ISBN (Print)9781138026902
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2014
Event6th International Conference on Unsaturated Soils, UNSAT 2014 - Sydney, NSW, Australia
Duration: 2 Jul 20144 Jul 2014

Publication series

NameUnsaturated Soils: Research and Applications - Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Unsaturated Soils, UNSAT 2014
Volume2

Conference

Conference6th International Conference on Unsaturated Soils, UNSAT 2014
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CitySydney, NSW
Period2/07/144/07/14

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