Journal Published Online: 09 September 2013
Volume 36, Issue 6

Measuring Water Retention Curves for Rough Joints with Random Apertures

CODEN: GTJODJ

Abstract

A water retention curve for joints is a crucial parameter function in the numerical modeling of slopes, liners, and covers containing cracks or joints. In this study, a laboratory apparatus was designed and used to measure the water retention curves for rough joints at very low suctions. The aperture characteristics of the joint change spatially and are described by random-field theory. The apparatus incorporates a uniquely designed end cap and a water-content monitoring and pressure-control system. Suctions can be applied to the joint at an accuracy of 0.005 kPa. Visual observations of the flow process reveal that capillary flow is dominant in a rough epoxy joint with an average aperture size of 0.4 mm. The air-entry value is 0.23 kPa for the joint and decreases with increasing joint aperture size. When the applied suction becomes high, the water phase becomes discontinuous and a residual condition is attained. The residual degree of saturation is 0.26 for the joint with an average aperture size of 0.4 mm and decreases with increasing average aperture size. The rough joint can be viewed as a heterogeneous porous medium. The van Genuchten model can be used to describe the measured water retention curves for the rough joint.

Author Information

Wang, Y.
College of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Hohai Univ., Nanjing, CN
Li, J.
Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, CN
Zhang, L.
Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Univ. of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, HK
Li, X.
Beijing Jiaotong Univ., Beijing, CN
Cai, C.
Shanghai ZF Architectural Design Co. LTD, Shanghai, CN
Pages: 10
Price: $25.00
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Details
Stock #: GTJ20130002
ISSN: 0149-6115
DOI: 10.1520/GTJ20130002