Comparison of Field and Laboratory Soil–Water Characteristic Curves.pdf
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.Comparison of Field and Laboratory Soil–Water
Characteristic Curves
A. G. Li1; L. G. Tham2; Z. Q. Yue3; C. F. Lee4; and K. T. Law5
Abstract: Results of field monitoring of moisture content and matric suction at the crest and berm of a large cut slope in completely
decomposed granite in Hong Kong are reported. Field moisture content and matric suction clearly show that the volumetric water content
increases as a result of rainfall infiltration and decreases as a result of evaporation. Correspondingly, the matric suction decreases due to
rainfall infiltration and increases due to evaporation. Soil–water characteristic curves at different depths at the crest and near the berm of
the cut slope are determined from the field data. Unlike soil–water characteristic curves determined in the laboratory by testing small
specimens, the field measured soil–water characteristic curves show negligible hysteresis. Engineering implications of the field soil–water
characteristic curves are discussed.
DOI: 10.1061/ASCE1090-02412005131:91176
CE Database subject headings: Monitoring; Field investigations; Soil water; Moisture content; Hysteresis.Introduction
Rainfall-induced landslides are common around the world, par-
ticularly in subtropical regions such as Hong Kong. Each year
hundreds of landslides, large and small, occur as a result of rain-
fall. It has been found that negative pore-water pressure matric
suction plays a crucial role in the stability of unsaturated soil
slopes Fredlund and Rahardjo 1993. As a result of rainfall infil-
tration, matric suction may partially or wholly disappear, with the
possible consequence of slope failure. To analyze the effect of
rainfall infiltration in unsaturated slopes, a good under
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