Influence of Salinity-Based Osmotic Suction on the Shear Strength of a Compacted Clay

As most previous studies have neglected the positive influence of salinity (osmotic suction) on coastal soils in Australia, design transport infrastructure involving these has often been overly conservative. In this study, a laboratory approach based direct shear testing was explained to determine stress–strain behavior compacted silty clay (CL) at different levels osmotic suction generated by various (NaCl) concentrations. A broad data set for total 147 tests conducted remolded and recompacted test specimens seven initial matric conditions analyzed develop semiempirical model that captures effect soil strength. The results suggested greater suction, more pronounced role suction. proposed governed an electrical conductivity relationship with salinity. new parameter ?2 introduced quantify apparent strength corresponding When novel coupled conventional theory, overall unsaturated saline could be properly evaluated, as proven close proximity predictions measurements.