Geotechnical characterization of two unsaturated mature granite residual soils from Pernambuco, Brazil

R.Q. Coutinho, M.M. Silva, K. Lafayete

In the proceedings of: GEO2011: 64th Canadian Geotechnical Conference, 14th Pan-American Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, 5th Pan-American Conference on Teaching and Learning of Geotechnical Engineering

Session: Behaviour of Unsaturated Soils

ABSTRACT: This paper presents results of geotechnical characterization of two unsaturated mature granite residual soils from two research areas of Recife Metropolitan Region, Pernambuco, Brazil, where research were done due to the occurrence of landslide (city of Camaragibe) and erosion (city of Cabo) processes. The geotechnical characterization of these materials was performed including physical characterization, soil-water characteristic curve and shear strength in saturated and unsaturated condition. The soil-water characteristic curve was obtained through filter paper method, Haines Funnel and Richards pressure Chamber. The shear strength parameters were determined using direct shear tests (saturated condition) and direct shear tests with controlled suction, with suction varying from 0 - 500kPa (unsaturated condition). The results were discussed and compared with literature presenting satisfactory values.

RÉSUMÉ: Cet article présente les résultats de la caractérisation géotechnique de deux sols résiduels insaturés de granit de deux terrains de recherche situées a villes (Camaragibe et Cabo) dans Pernambuco, Brésil. La caractérisation géotechnique de ce matériel a été exécutée comprenant la caractérisation physique, la courbe caractéristique de la sol-eau et . La courbe caractéristique sol-eau a été obtenue par la méthode de papier filtre, l'entonnoir de Haines et la chambre de la pression de Richards. Les paramètres de résistance au cisaillement ont été déterminés utilisant les essais de cisaillement direct (état saturé) et cisaillement direct avec suction controlée, avec la variation de suction de 0 - 500kPa (état insaturé). Les résultats ont été discutés et comparés à la littérature présentant des valeurs satisfaisantes.

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