Comparative Study on the Field- and Lab-Based Soil-Water Characteristic Curves for Expansive Soils

Expansive soils are problematic and viewed as a potential hazard for buildings structures due to swell shrink phenomena. The damaging effect of these is strongly correlated with the soil-water characteristics expansive present in shallow depth. seasonal wetting-drying cycle vital fluctuating moisture content surficial soils. As such, remain unsaturated most time high absorption capacity. Therefore, it crucial assess them soil, characteristic curve (SWCC) an essential tool measuring soils’ mechanical hydraulic properties. main objective this study was establish both field- lab-based SWCCs compare determining possible difference between them. For purpose, eight sites were selected sampling situ testing. These include three locations Karak, Kohat, two D.I areas. Based on experimental results, Karak’s soil indicated suction value 705 kPa, while D. I Khan’s showed least equal 595 kPa. comparison field lab presented close agreement matric values beyond air entry (AEVs), particularly residual zones. It also concluded that soils, comparable AEVs. established curves can be successfully utilized local framework