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<p>This study investigates the influence of clay content on the hydromechanical response of compacted unsaturated slopes subjected to simulated rainfall. Small-scale flume tests were conducted on sand–clay mixtures with clay contents ranging from 15% to 32.5%, under a controlled rainfall intensity of 125&#xa0;mm/h. Time-dependent changes in volumetric water content, matric suction, and crest settlement were monitored using high-resolution sensors. The results revealed composition-sensitive phase transitions in infiltration and deformation behaviour, with a critical threshold zone identified between 22.5% and 25% clay content, marked by delayed suction redistribution, accelerated wetting front advancement, and increased settlement. Polynomial regression and exponential decay models were calibrated to predict suction and water content evolution over time, as functions of clay content. These were integrated into a generalised Soil Water Retention Curve (SWRC) model that captures transient saturation kinetics and pore-scale transitions in clay-rich soils. Comparative fitting against the van Genuchten model demonstrated superior performance of the proposed formulation at intermediate clay contents (20–30%), with coefficient of determination (R²) values up to 0.965 and root mean square errors (RMSEs) as low as 0.01032. Its composition-sensitive structure enhances interpretability and predictive accuracy for rainfall-driven slope response. The resulting experimental–predictive framework supports the development of low-cost, sensor-based methodologies that can inform early warning, design optimisation, and risk assessment of embankments in transport infrastructure.</p>

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Hydromechanical Response of Unsaturated Clay-Rich Slopes Under Simulated Rainfall: Experimental and Predictive Modelling Approach

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年11月5日

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  • Meghdad Bagheri

摘要

This study investigates the influence of clay content on the hydromechanical response of compacted unsaturated slopes subjected to simulated rainfall. Small-scale flume tests were conducted on sand–clay mixtures with clay contents ranging from 15% to 32.5%, under a controlled rainfall intensity of 125 mm/h. Time-dependent changes in volumetric water content, matric suction, and crest settlement were monitored using high-resolution sensors. The results revealed composition-sensitive phase transitions in infiltration and deformation behaviour, with a critical threshold zone identified between 22.5% and 25% clay content, marked by delayed suction redistribution, accelerated wetting front advancement, and increased settlement. Polynomial regression and exponential decay models were calibrated to predict suction and water content evolution over time, as functions of clay content. These were integrated into a generalised Soil Water Retention Curve (SWRC) model that captures transient saturation kinetics and pore-scale transitions in clay-rich soils. Comparative fitting against the van Genuchten model demonstrated superior performance of the proposed formulation at intermediate clay contents (20–30%), with coefficient of determination (R²) values up to 0.965 and root mean square errors (RMSEs) as low as 0.01032. Its composition-sensitive structure enhances interpretability and predictive accuracy for rainfall-driven slope response. The resulting experimental–predictive framework supports the development of low-cost, sensor-based methodologies that can inform early warning, design optimisation, and risk assessment of embankments in transport infrastructure.