Influence of Stress State on Soil-Water Characteristics and Slope Stability

Abstract

A soil-water characteristic curve defines the relationship between the soil (matric) suction and either the water content or the degree of saturation. Physically, this soil-water characteristic is a measure of the water storage capacity of the soil for a given soil suction. Conventionally, the soil-water characteristic curves (SWCCs) are determined in the laboratory using a pressure plate apparatus in which vertical or confining stress cannot be applied. For investigating the influence on the stress state on the soil-water characteristics, a new stress controllable pressure plate apparatus has been developed. Effects of