AUGARDE C. E.

Simulation-based optimization methods have been recently proposed for calibrating geotechnical models from laboratory and field tests. In these methods, geotechnical parameters are identified by matching model predictions to experimental data, i.e. by minimizing an objective function that measures the difference between the two. Expensive...

Biopolymers are promising potential soil stabilizers due to their ease of application and stabilization efficacy. Biopolymers are biologically occurring polymers that form hydrogels when added to soil in the presence of water. Hydrogels are three-dimensional polymer networks formed through the interaction of polymer chains with soil particles...

Rammed earth is a manufactured material comprising sand, gravel and clay, which is compacted between forms to build walls. Primarily a historic method of construction, it is now receiving considerable interest worldwide owing to its zero reliance on materials such as cement, and its potential for recycling. Despite its longevity, the source of...

Earthen construction materials are often chemically stabilised in order to improve their durability against water-induced deterioration. However, chemical stabilisers like cement can negatively affect the hygroscopic behaviour and recyclability potential of the materials they are used to stabilise. This study investigates the potential of using...

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Loose particles in moist granular materials, such as unsaturated soils, are held together by capillary forces acting at the interparticle contacts. The magnitude of these capillary forces depends on the surface tension and on the radius of curvature of the menisci, which in turn depends on the contact angle of the air/water interface against...

This paper presents the development of an automated tensiometer based suction control system for testing unsaturated soil samples. The system is able to dry and wet soil, while measuring suction (pore water pressure - air pressure) and water content. The system uses air circulation within a closed loop to dry the soil, or water injection to wet...

Soil-water retention curves (SWRCs) can be determined using high-suction tensiometers (HSTs) following two different procedures that involve either continuous or discrete measurement of suction. In the former case, suction measurements are taken while the sample is permanently exposed to the atmosphere and the soil is continuously drying. In...

High-suction tensiometers are able to measure suctions up to 2 MPa. Direct calibration at such high suctions requires the imposition of negative water pressures, which are difficult to achieve using facilities commonly available in soil mechanics laboratories. For this reason, tensiometers are usually calibrated in the positive pressure range,...

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Rainfall is the most frequent triggering factor for landslides and the development of early warning systems has to take account of this. It is suggested that direct measurement of pore pressure gives the most reliable prediction of failure of a slope. The amount of rainfall can be only a crude indicator of failure as the processes that occur...

The paper presents a benchmarking study carried out within the 'Mechanics of Unsaturated Soils for Engineering' (MUSE) network aimed at comparing different techniques for measurement and control of suction. Techniques tested by the eight 'Mechanics of Unsaturated Soils for Engineering' research teams include axis-translation (pressure plate and...