Variation of unsaturated soil shear strength parameters with suction

The study of the shear strength behavior of unsaturated soils in the triaxial apparatus requires some modifications in the apparatus and high technique beyond those found necessary for saturated soils. In the present work, the conventional triaxial cell is modified so as the soil suction in three different elevations through the sample height call be measured. Results of this program are presented and discussed. These results illustrate the relationship between suction and shear strength for compacted unsaturated soil Description of the modified triaxial cell and testing procedure are also presented. An explanation for the observed behavior of unsaturated soils is offered.