Experimental Study on Permeability Anisotropy of Unsaturated Compacted Loess

Abstract

This study investigates the permeability characteristics of unsaturated compacted loess by focusing on the anisotropy parallel and perpendicular to the compaction. Three tests are conducted on compacted loess: permeability test, soil-water characteristic curve test, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) test. Samples are maintained and tested at different dry densities under optimal moisture conditions. Test results showed that the horizontal saturated permeability coefficient of compacted loess was larger than in the vertical direction, showing obvious anisotropy. Based on the saturated permeability coefficient, the permeability coefficient of unsaturated compacted loess can be predicted according to the soil-water characteristic curve fitted using the van Genuchten model combined with the Childs and Collis-Geroge model. The relational formula was established between the unsaturated permeability anisotropy ratio and the matrix suction through introducing a pore connectivity-tortuosity parameter, which represents the relationship between unsaturated permeability anisotropy ratio and matrix suction. The difference of pore characteristics between horizontal and vertical directions of compacted loess is the main reason for the permeability anisotropy.