EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON SOIL-WATER CHARACTERISTIC CURVE OF AEOLIAN SOIL ROADBED IN WESTERN LIAONING PROVINCE

The soil water characteristic curve(SWCC) is an important engineering characteristic. This paper uses the SDSWCC pressure plate apparatus and GDS saturated-unsaturated stress path triaxial testing system to test the SWCC of arolian soil in western Liaoning Province. Also, detailed studies are carried out on the different dry density, dry-wet cycle and net mean stress for their influence on the SWCC of the aeolian soil. The usual three models use a mathematical method for fitting the measured data. The test results show that at the low matrix suction stage, the three factors of dry density, dry-wet cycle and stress have significant effects on the SWCC of aeolian soil. When the soil dry density is larger, the porosity in soil is lower, the saturated water content is lower, the air-entry value is bigger, water capacity is better. Under the action of dry and wet cycle, with the increase of the cycle times, the saturated water content is increased, the water loss rate becomes larger, the intake value is reduced, and the water holding performance is weakened. But after 3 times of the dry-wet cycle, it tends to be stable. Under the action of stress, there is shrinkage deformation of the soil. The density of soil becomes greater. The impact law is similar to that of the dry density. In the high matrix suction stage, the influences of the three factors are small. Curve fitting analysis shows that Van Genuchten model has the highest fitting precision. It is better to describe and forecast SWCC of the aeolian soil in western Liaoning. The results reveal engineering and mechanical properties of the aeolian soil in western Liaoning have the same laws with soils in other regions. The results also reveal the unique features of aeolian soil. It can offer some reference and evidence to determine the aeolian soil properties. It is good for wide development of aeolian soil subgrade, bridge foundation engineering, and other projects.