Test study on effects of temperature, sand mix ratios and dry density on soil water characteristic curves of bentonite-sand mixtures

A series of tests on the soil water characteristic curve through moisture balance method were conducted to study the effects of temperature, sand mix ratios and dry density on the soil water characteristic curve of bentonite-sand mixture. The test results show that with the increase of temperature, the water retention capacity of the mixture significantly decreased. Within the test control suction range, sand mix ratios at the low suction had obvious effects on the soil water characteristic curve and at high suction the effects gradually decreased. Dry density had no effects on the soil water characteristic curve of bentonite-sand mixture. In accordance with the test data, an experience model of soil water characteristic curve of bentonite-sand mixtures considering temperature and sand mix ratios is established.