Real-Time Scanning Curve of Soil–Water Characteristic Curve for Sustainability of Residual Soil Slopes

Abstract

The scanning curve of the soil–water characteristic curve (SWCC) represents the intermediate paths followed by soil as it transitions between the initial drying and main wetting cycles. The alternating occurrence of climatic conditions, such as rainfall and evaporation in different regions globally, provides a valuable framework for understanding how these dynamics influence the scanning curve. Monitoring the scanning curve can provide valuable insights for managing water resources and mitigating the impacts of drought, contributing to environmental sustainability by enabling more precise agricultural practices, promoting water conservation, and supporting the resilience of ecosystems in the face of climate change. It enhances sustainability by enabling data-driven designs that minimize resource use, reduce environmental impact, and increase the resilience of slopes to natural hazards like landslides and flooding. Available studies to determine the scanning curve of SWCC are limited and mostly conducted in the laboratory. This study aims to determine the real-time measurement of the scanning curve of SWCC for unsaturated soil. The research focuses on assessing the hysteresis behavior of residual soil slope from old alluvium through a combination of field instrumentation and laboratory testing. The pore size distribution was derived from the initial drying and main wetting SWCC. Field monitoring (scanning curve) indicates measurable deviations from the experimental results, including a 10% lower saturated water content and a 25% lower air-entry value. This study demonstrates the potential for field-based determination of scanning curves. It highlights their role in improving the prediction of the hydraulic behavior of residual slopes during varying climatic conditions.

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