A study on the effect of pore and particle distributions on the soil water characteristic curve of compacted loess soil

Compacted loess soil is used as a geo-material in many engineering projects, such building foundations and highway embankments. Water infiltration characteristics post settlement of the compacted large construction projects Northwest China have received increasing attention from researchers investors. These behaviors are closely related to water characteristics. This study aims investigate characteristic curves (SWCCs) with different dry densities reveal responsible micro-mechanisms for Loess collected new district Yan’an City, China, prepared into five density groups. The SWCC each group suction range 0–105 kPa measured using filter paper method (FPM). Two-dimensional (2D) images pore size distribution (PSD) specimens tested by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) mercury pressure (MIP), respectively. results this highlight that compaction behavior mainly influences pores radius (r) 1–10 ?m, has no influence on r < 0.5 ?m. particle shapes among groups similar. PSD correspond well SWCCs. SWCCs increases lower 0–100 kPa. In contrast, almost identical exceeding 100 helpful understand microstructure densities.