The Measurement of Soil Suction and its Influence on the Bearing Capacity of Subgrades
Date
1991-09
Authors
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Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
Type
Degree Level
Masters
Abstract
The performance of thin pavement and gravel roads is controlled by the strength of the subgrade soil which in turn is a function of the matric suction. An understanding of the subgrade matric suction profile is important to the design and analysis of pavement structures.
Thermal conductivity sensors were used to measure the matric suction profile of a gravel road subgrade near Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Continuous measurements were provided through a specially designed data acquisition system. Sensors were installed beneath the road, shoulder and side-slope to monitor suctions throughout changes in the microclimate. Typical matric suction values were incorporated into a bearing capacity procedure to produce a relationship between factor of safety and bearing capacity failure formation. The factor of safety profile showed a decrease in factor of safety in the shoulder and side-slope regions.
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Citation
Degree
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Department
Civil Engineering
Program
Civil Engineering