Soil-water characteristic curve model for undisturbed loess during humidification

In the humidification process,the water retention characteristics and the humidification deformation characteristics of original loess interact with each other. The existing soilwater characteristic curve model mainly describes the correlation between the watercontaining state and the suction force.These models cannot fully reflect the water retention characteristics and the deformation characteristics of loess during humidification process.Therefore,the graded humidification tests were carried out in Xinjiang undisturbed loess using consolidation apparatus.Then a soil-water characteristic curve study,characterized by moistening level and suction was conducted.The test results showed that curve shapes of moistening level versus suction during humidification process under vertical pressure were alike in semi-common logarithmic coordinate system,which possessed two sections:flat section and steep drop section.The influence of vertical pressure was manifested mainly by the difference between initial suction force and slopes in the section of steep drop. Relationship curves of moistening level and suction under different vertical stress can be regressed as a power function.On basis of the test results, the soil-water characteristic curve model considered by moistening level and suction was proposed.Finally,the model was applied in the other areas of loess.The results validated the applicability of the model to compression state or unpressurized condition state of original loess with different initial moisture content as well as humidification process of remolded loess in compression state.

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