Wetting tests of partially saturated soils under simple shear conditions

Abstract

The paper provides some remarks on a new suction-controlled simple shear apparatus. The features of the testing device are first outlined and the material used in the experimental programme is described. As a fundamental field of application, wetting tests under simple shear conditions are performed, being representative of the initial stress conditions and stress paths related to the typical triggering mechanisms of rainfall-induced shallow landslides. The benefits of this new device are illustrated, as an alternative or additional tool to other existing equipment. This paper presents a short selection of the measurements obtained using a partially saturated volcanic soil, which is prone to static liquefaction and volumetric behaviour on shearing. The challenges associated with simple shear tests are also discussed using a few examples from the ongoing work.