ON THE DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION FOR THE EQUILIBRIUM MOISTURE PROFILE IN SWELLING SOIL

Differential equations which describe the equilibrium vertical distribution of moisture in swelling soil have been derived previously using both thermodynamic and fluid-mechanical methods. A fundamental disagreement exists between these expressions which is resolved in this paper through a detailed thermodynamic analysis of the equilibrium state of water in a swelling soil. The correct differential equation for the moisture profile is found and the discrepancy between previous results is shown to have been caused either by introduction of extra thermodynamic variables or by an incorrect handling of the effect of overburden pressure on the soil water. /Author/

• Corporate Authors:

  Soil Science Society of America

  677 South Segoe Road
  Madison, WI  United States  53711
• Authors:
  • Sposito, G
• Conference:
  • Soil Science Society of America, Proceedings
• Publication Date: 1975-12

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: p. 1053-56
• Serial:
  • Volume: 39
  • Issue Number: 6

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Differential equations; Equilibrium (Mechanics); Fluid mechanics; Overburdens; Physical distribution; Soil water; Swelling soils; Thermodynamics
• Subject Areas: Freight Transportation; Geotechnology; Highways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00129964
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 21 1976 12:00AM