Experimental research on volume change of unsaturated remolded clay with low liquid-limit

The variation of volume and water content in unsaturated remolded clay specimens with low liquid-limit were studied by using GDS triaxial testing apparatus under the condition of controlled matrix suction and net mean stress in a predetermined stress path. The results show that the compression index and rebound coefficient are closely dependent on matrix suction, and the shrinkage index and the soil-water characteristic curve are closely related to the net mean stress. At a given level of matrix suction, the void ratio and water content of soil specimen decrease with the increase of net mean stress. The water content of soil specimen is linearly related to net mean stress when matrix suction is high. Under the condition of mean stress is given, the soil sample will shrink following the increase of matrix suction. When the matrix suction is unloaded to zero, the clay specimens will swell as the net mean stress is low. However, under higher net mean stress, the clay specimens will collapse after swelling.