Determination of moisture content and soil suction in engineered fills using electrical resistivity

Hen-Jones, RM; Hughes, PN; Glendinning, S; Gunn, DA; Chambers, JC; Wilkinson, PB; Uhlemann, S

Determination of moisture content and soil suction in engineered fills using electrical resistivity

Lookup NU author(s): Rose Hen-Jones, Dr Paul Hughes, Professor Stephanie Glendinning, David Gunn

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Abstract

Integrated geophysical-geotechnical sensor systems are being developed to monitor ground moisture and associated geotechnical property changes. Therefore, it is essential that the relationships between electrical resistivity, water content and suction are more fully understood. This paper presents a study to resolve these relationships for a remoulded glacial till taken from a test site in Northumberland, United Kingdom, comparing laboratory and field data. Electrical resistivity was investigated using BS 1377-3:1990, whilst soil suctions were derived from moisture data using a suitable SWRC. To simulate seasonal effects, samples were allowed to dry and subsequently "-re-wet"- over the course of the testing program. Results indicated an inverse power relationship between resistivity and moisture content;- suction was observed to increase with increasing resistivity. It was also observed that samples which fractured during testing had higher resistivities than those which remained intact. Trends observed in the laboratory could be seen to be repeated in field data. © 2014 Taylor & Francis Group.