A critical state soil mechanics model for agricultural soils |
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| Authors: | DRP Hettiaratchi |
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| Institution: | Agricultural Engineering Department, The University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU. |
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| Abstract: | Abstract. The paper presents the experimentally derived state boundary surfaces of critical state theory for a sand, a loam and a clay soil. Orderly changes to these surfaces with moisture content and two soil micro-structural states have been identified. These findings are used as the basis for the formulation of a fairly simple universal model of the geometry of critical state space for unsaturated soils. Examples are given of how this model can be used to explain known soil behaviour in many practical situations. The indications are that this model can provide the theoretical framework for a fundamental comprehension of the many complex processes involved in soil loosening and compaction. There is, as yet, no simple experimental technique for measuring the critical state boundaries of field soils and this is a major impedement to the development of the model as a practical soil management tool. |
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