Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/802803

OpenURL Link
Title
Numerical study of neutron probe measurement of water content in expansive soils
Author/Creator
Huang, Wenxiong;  Fityus, Stephen
Institution
The University of Newcastle. Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment, School of Engineering
Description
Measurement of water content in expansive soil using a neutron moisture meter is strongly influenced by the moisture reactive property of this type of soil. It is particularly difficult to calibrate a neutron moisture meter when the dry density changes and the soil cracks during drying. This numerical study models the neutron probe measurement of soil moisture, based on a 7-group diffusion theory and it uses finite element method to solve boundary-value problem of the diffusion equations. The results demonstrate that reliable theoretical calibration curves can be generated for a variety of complicated conditions that are likely to be encountered under field conditions, such as changes in soil dry density and the development of shrinkage cracks. It is apparent that the calibration relationship is significantly affected by such conditions, and when the effects of density change and crack development are both taken into account in the numerical modelling, that nonlinear calibration relationships (in terms of volumetric water content) are obtained. The results demonstrate that theoretical calibrations can easily be obtained for situations that would be difficult to create and control under field or laboratory conditions.
Relation
12th International Conference of International Association for Computer Methods and Advances in Geomechanics (IACMAG 12). Proceedings of the 12th International Conference of International Association for Computer Methods and Advances in Geomechanics (IACMAG) (Goa, India 1-6 October, 2008) p. 1420-1427
Relation
http://www.civil.iitb.ac.in/~dns/IACMAG08
Date
2008
Publisher
IACMAG
Keyword(s)
water content;  expansive soil;  neutron probe;  numerical model
Resource Type
conference paper
Identifier
http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/802803
Reviewed
Reviewed
24 Visitors 33 Hits 0 Downloads
Save/E-mail Citation
Citation Format
E-mail Address
Subject
"Numerical study of neutron probe measurement of water content in expansive soils"
 
OR