Semi-empirical model for predicting the resilient modulus of unsaturated fine-grained soils

The key parameter required in the rational design of pavements is the resilient modulus (MR). Experimental determination of the variation of the MR with respect to the soil suction for compacted fine-grained soils is time consuming, cumbersome and expensive. Several investigators in recent years have highlighted the strong relationship between the MR and the Soil-Water Characteristic Curve (SWCC). A semi-empirical model is proposed in this paper for predicting the variation of the MR with respect to the soil suction for unsaturated fine-grained soils using the SWCC as a tool. Comparisons are provided between the predicted and measured variations of the MR with respect to the soil suction for two compacted fine-grained soils. The results of the studies presented in this paper are promising for predicting the MR of unsaturated fine-grained soils using the proposed model.