Soil water retention curve of silty sand – experimental investigation using different laboratory methods

Most of the infrastructure investments and earthworks not requiring deep foundations are usually designed in vadose zone to avoid excessive groundwater-structure interactions. The mechanical behaviour soil material, under partially saturated conditions, is greatly influenced by pore-water tension, known as suction, characteristics Soil Water Retention Curve (SWRC). In present paper, SWRC a silty sand was determined using two different experimental methods. first method, modified pore water pressure transducer used for suction monitoring, while specimen allowed change its moisture content natural evaporation. For second consolidation cell fitted with high air entry value ceramic disc on base pedestal used. Suction applied axis translation technique utilising controllers, monitored volumetric measurement system. Through determination sand, this paper intends compare abovementioned testing methods basedon produced SWRCs reveal advantages limitations.