Shrinkage Curve: Experimental Study and Modelling

Abstract

In order to study the shrinkage process of clayey soil, we perform a modified laboratory test allowing to measure simultaneously and continuously the vertical displacement and the weight of natural state specimen. The experiment was conducted on undisturbed clayey specimen. Using the experimental results, and on the basis of the existing relation between the soil water content and its structural evolution, we propose an analytical model allowing the analysis of the soil shrinkage curve.