Field Soil Suction Profiles for Expansive Soil

Soil suction–based analyses are paramount to proper design of foundations in expansive soils, yet availability field soil suction profiles from direct measurement is limited. A method was developed, using directly measured obtained sites across the US, by which routine geotechnical tests can be used estimate expand database for estimation profiles. Herein, expanded develop best-estimate clay envelopes boundary conditions associated with covered or uncovered ground surface subjected natural climatic flux. Where appropriate site conditions, proposed profile any suction-based heave/shrinkage analysis. Key features envelopes, consistent current popular approaches, include climate-dependent estimates equilibrium at depth, depth (stable) suction, and variation surface. Comparisons existing envelope recommendations made. Finally, a limited number cases developed/irrigated presented comparison flux conditions.