Influence of Osmotic Suction and Tree Roots on the Stability of Coastal Soils

Authors

Balagalla Ralalage Pubudu Jayathilaka, University of WollongongFollow
Buddhima Indraratna, University of WollongongFollow
Ana Heitor, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

127222

Publication Details

Jayathilaka, P., Indraratna, B. & Heitor, A. (2018). Influence of Osmotic Suction and Tree Roots on the Stability of Coastal Soils. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Geotechnics of Transportation Infrastructure (ISGTI 2018) (pp. 725-731). India: Indian Institute of Technology Delhi.

Link to publisher version (URL)

ISGTI 2018

Abstract

The contribution made by osmotic suction to unsaturated shear strength analysis has not been considered for the past few decades. Osmotic suction is generated by the salt in pore water, especially in coastal environments, and it can be more significant than matric suction. Tree roots can also induce osmotic and matric suction by continuous transpiration, and when these saline and rooted environments are combined under unsaturated conditions they can challenge conventional shear strength models. Electrical resistivity can be used as a proper tool to evaluate the properties of soil in a large scale. This paper summarizes the historical development of studies related to osmotic suction as well as the present situation of osmotic suction for soil shear strength.