Development of the Soil-Dielectric Characteristic Curve for Predicting Suction in Base Course Materials


Sahin H., Sivrikaya O., Lytton R. L.

JOURNAL OF GEOTECHNICAL AND GEOENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING, cilt.152, sa.8, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 152 Sayı: 8
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1061/jggefk.gteng-14374
  • Dergi Adı: JOURNAL OF GEOTECHNICAL AND GEOENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Applied Science & Technology Source, Compendex, Environment Index, Geobase, ICONDA Bibliographic, INSPEC, The International Construction Database (ICONDA), Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Engineering Source (EBSCO)
  • Karadeniz Teknik Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

This study presents the development of the soil-dielectric characteristic curve (SDCC), a predictive model for estimating soil suction in base course materials using dielectric constant measurements. The SDCC defines the relationship between dielectric constant and suction through an S-shaped curve, established via laboratory testing with a percometer and the filter paper method. To enhance field applicability, the model incorporates methylene blue value (MBV) and percent fines content (PFC) into regression-based fitting parameters, enabling suction prediction without direct suction testing. The framework integrates empirical measurements, volumetric dielectric modeling, and statistical analysis to generate material-specific SDCCs across a variety of aggregate types. Validation results showed strong agreement between predicted and measured suction values. This method supports rapid evaluation of unsaturated behavior in base materials and offers a practical tool for improving quality control and moisture management during the construction of pavement subgrades, base layers, and embankments.