Diss. Stockholm : Kungliga tekniska högskolan, 2007

Even though the practical experience of using coarse unbound granular materials is extensive, detailed knowledge on the mechanical and hydraulic behavior is to a large extent lacking. Regarding influence of water on mechanical properties, this is even more pronounced. The main objective of this work was to investigate the influence of water on behavior and properties of coarse granular materials. The study comprises measurements of resilient properties, soil-water characteristic curve and influence of water content on dielectric properties measured by the use of time domain reflectometry (TDR). The work described herein comprised two test series in terms of materials: firstly, a series where the grading was changed and secondly, a series where the influence of increased contents of free mica was studied. To measure resilient response, triaxial testing, using sample size of 500 mm diameter and 1000 mm height, was performed mainly using constant confining pressures. Tests were performed at incrementally varying water contents up to almost full saturation. Dielectric response and matric suction of compacted specimens were measured in a steel box at varying water content.