An objective framework for determination of the air-entry value from the soil?water characteristic curve

Abstract

The air-entry value (AEV) suction, marking the transition between saturated and unsaturated soil mechanics, is arguably the most important parameter interpreted from the soil–water characteristic curve (SWCC); its accurate determination being essential for the prediction of unsaturated soil properties. The AEV is commonly obtained by a subjective and time-consuming graphical construction. This micro-article proposes an objective framework, developed based on a practical mathematical translation technique, for the AEV determination. Explicit equations for the AEV are derived based on eleven well-established SWCC fitting functions, covering a wide range of functional complexities. In addition to its objective nature (providing unique interpretations of the AEV), the proposed framework complements numerical implementations of unsaturated soil constitutive models.