MODEL FOR THE PREDICTION OF SHEAR-STRENGTH WITH RESPECT TO SOIL SUCTION

Experimental studies on unsaturated soils are generally costly, time-c onsuming, and difficult to conduct. Shear strength data from the resea rch literature suggests that there is a nonlinear increase in strength as the soil desaturates as a result of an increase in matric suction. Since the shear strength of an unsaturated soil is strongly related t o the amount of water in the voids of the soil, and therefore to matri c suction, it is postulated that the shear strength of an unsaturated soil should also bear a relationship to the soil-water characteristic curve. This paper describes the relationship between the soil-water ch aracteristic curve and the shear strength of an unsaturated soil with respect to matric suction. An empirical, analytical model is developed to predict the shear strength in terms of soil suction. The formulati on makes use of the soil-water characteristic curve and the saturated shear strength parameters. The results of the model developed for pred icting the shear strength are compared with experimental results for a glacial till. The shear strength of statically compacted glacial till specimens was measured using a modified direct shear apparatus. Speci mens were prepared at three different water contents and densities (i. e., corresponding to dry of optimum, at optimum, and wet of optimum co nditions). Various net normal stresses and matric suctions were applie d to the specimens. There is a good correlation between the predicted and measured values of shear strength for the unsaturated soil.