Effects of In-Situ Drying–Wetting Cycles on the Stress-Dependent Water Retention Behavior of Intact Loess

Understanding the effects of in-situ drying–wetting pattern on stress-dependent water retention curve intact loess is vital for addressing geotechnical problems in regions. The principal objective this study to investigate influence behavior loess. To meet objective, six tests were carried out using a suction- and stress-controlled pressure plate extractor. Intact was sampled from three different depths: 1.0, 3.0, 5.0 m. For specimens each depth, two vertical net stresses (i.e., 0 50 kPa) applied prior cycle. Experimental results revealed that greatly affected various aspects behavior, particularly hysteresis. hysteresis specimen m about 82% 77% larger than 1.0 3.0 m, respectively. This because has some large-size pores >400 μm), which not found These enhance pore nonuniformity hence Furthermore, depths consistently showed reduction when stress increased kPa. most significant due collapse under compression.