Journal Published Online: 04 February 2016
Volume 39, Issue 3

Assessment of the WP4-T Device for Measuring Total Suction

CODEN: GTJODJ

Abstract

Soil-water characteristic curves (SWCCs) play a key role in the determination of unsaturated soil property functions for use with predictive numerical models. Most studies on the soil-water characteristic curve have been limited to the desorption branch in the low suction range (i.e., less than 1500 kPa). There is limited measured data on desorption and adsorption branches (i.e., hysteresis effects) in the high suction range. The dew-point Water PotentiaMeter (i.e., WP4-T) is a device that has been introduced into the commercial market for measuring total suction in the high suction range. The WP4-T device can reduce the time and costs associated with suction measurements in the high suction range. The performance of the WP4-T was evaluated using experimental data measured on Regina clay and Botkin silt soils. Measurements of total suction using the WP4-T device were compared with vacuum desiccator results using a range of saturated salt solutions. The results showed that the WP4-T device provides excellent results in the high suction range branches of the SWCC.

Author Information

Ebrahimi-Birang, N.
SNC-Lavalin Inc., Saskatoon, SK, CA
Fredlund, D.
Golder Associates Ltd., Saskatoon, SK, CA
Pages: 7
Price: $25.00
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Details
Stock #: GTJ20150118
ISSN: 0149-6115
DOI: 10.1520/GTJ20150118