Soil Suction Tests

[Odeere]

I have two questions concerning tests to determine the soil water content suction relationship:

1. Are the Filter Paper Method and the Pressure Plate Method the only two methods available to determine suction pressures in soils?

2. What do the respective tests actually measure and will they produce the same water content - suction relationship? (And if not why?)

I would appreciate any links to helpful material on the subject.

 

[oldestguy]

I'd go to a web site catering to agricultural soil scientists.

From what I recall when I did research for a paper back in 1950's there was extensive information out there then on testing for suction vs moisture content using centrifuges.

 

[Odeere]

@oldestguy Yes agricultural scientist have done a lot of work on this subject. I guess I want to know how the strength of a soil changes as it desaturates and if the suction pressures give an indication of matrix suctions. Which brings it to the Goetechnical area. Will have a look at the centrifuge testing.