Use of osmotic tensiometers in the determination of soil-water characteristic curves

Soil-water characteristic curve (SWCC) correlates the water content of a soil to its suction, which is very important property unsaturated soils. Osmotic tensiometers (OTs) have shown their capability in high suction measurement. This study tried use OT combined with pressure plate and WP4C dewpoint potentiometer determine SWCC residual soil. Three OTs different measuring ranges (900 kPa, 1200 2300 kPa) were prepared for The temperature effect on variations was illustrated based Flory-Huggins polymer theories an appropriate calibration equation proposed eliminate accuracy measurement using OT. showed fast response equilibrium can be established 10–15 min during Comparison data obtained from plate, OT, proves that had good performance determination SWCC, especially transition zone (i.e., 10–1500 kPa range), by providing more points define shorter period. results show usage will shorten time required could considered as new reliable technique