Abstract:

Deformation of unsaturated bentonite and change of lateral stress are studied through compression tests on unsaturated bentonite with lateral stress measured under vertical load. According to the test results, deformation characteristics of unsaturated bentonite with constant water content are obtained under the K₀-compression stress state. Changes in void ratio, saturation degree and lateral stress are analyzed. Relationships between the ratio of total lateral stress against total vertical stress, the degree of saturation, and total vertical stress are obtained.

Key words: unsaturated soils; compression test; lateral stress; bentonite