Exploring the Properties of Granular Materials under Varied Saturation Conditions

Ubiquitous granular materials in natural and engineered systems exhibit complex mechanical properties influenced by a wide range of factors. With climate change driving unpredictable rainfall patterns and intensifying storms, moisture of granular materials can fluctuate dramatically, highlighting the needs to understand their responses under variable conditions. Such insights are essential to ensure the resilience and stability of infrastructure, natural slopes, and soil-structure systems. 

A comprehensive laboratory study was conducted to investigate the strength and deformation of granular materials under different loading and saturation conditions. A modularized multifunctional apparatus for unsaturated soil was developed. Then, a series of laboratory tests was carried out which involved water retention test, direct shear test, large-scale oedometer test, triaxial test, etc. The investigation focused on key properties of granular materials under saturated and unsaturated conditions, examining behaviors of water retention, shear strength, creep, small-strain stiffness, critical states, etc.