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A fractal-based approach for volume change dependency of the water retention curve in a deformable unsaturated soil is presented. Conservation laws of solid mass and solid surface for uncrushable grains and Eshelby's classical theory for load-deformation of a single elastic ellipsoidal void embedded in an infinite isotropic elastic matrix are exploited to derive analytical expressions for the evolution of pore size distribution fractal dimension, air entry suction and hence water retention curve with void ratio. The applicability of the model to two experimental data sets from the literature is investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this note, results from a careful programme of experimental research are presented examining the variation of the effective stress parameter along main drying and wetting paths and in transition from drying to wetting. Both dimensional and non-dimensional representations of the results are discussed and the general trends observed are highlighted. A simple model is presented for the quantification of the contribution of suction to the effective stress of the solid skeleton including the hysteresis effects due to wetting and drying. In addition, it is shown that the degree of saturation may not be a suitable candidate as the effective stress parameter for such quantification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experimental research is conducted on a compacted sample of silt using a triaxial equipment modified for testing unsaturated soils at elevated temperatures. An extensive array of isothermal and non-isothermal tests is conducted, including temperature-controlled soaking and desaturation tests, temperature- and suction-controlled isotropic consolidation tests, and suction-controlled thermal loading and unloading tests. Temperature values applied ranged from 25°C to 60°C, and the suction values varied from 0 to 300 kPa. Baseline data are presented on the influences of temperature and suction on critical-state parameters, yield surface, preconsolidation pressure, strength properties, and water retention characteristics of the soil. All data are carefully analysed and prevailing trends are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]