A Method for Testing the Characteristics of Variation in Moisture Content of Subgrade Soil

Abstract

A new method of testing for the characteristics of variation in moisture content of subgrade soil was presented. It is of great significance to test the variation in moisture content of subgrade soil, since moisture content of subgrade soil gradually increase after highway being built and equilibrium after period of time, and the performance of subgrade deteriorates with the increase in moisture content of subgrade soil, which deteriorates the long-term performance of pavement. By simulation testing, the variation in moisture content of reconstituted soil was testified first, then the relationship between moisture content and suction of reconstituted soils is formulated. It is feasible to test the characteristics of variation in moisture content of subgrade soil by means of testing soil suction by in-situ tests and the testing results can meet the practice engineering needs. The precision of the soil tensiometer in this testing is still low, if the precision improves, the testing results will be more satisfying. The method has been applied in several scientific research projects in midwest and west of China recently, and the satisfying results have been achieved.