Homework: Research

1. Edge Moisture Variation Distance ( em )

- The distance measured inward from the edge of the slab of a shallow foundation
where the moisture content of the soil varies depending on the influence of the
surrounding perimeter.
- The calculation for this distance is based on the change in soil suction beneath
the covered area as a result of changes in climate.
- The Edge Moisture Variation Distance is based upon the Thornthwaite Moisture
Index, Soil Permeability and Vegetation.
- This parameter is mostly applicable on structures that are laid on expansive soils

Fig 1. Shows em in an Edge lift (ym Unrestrained Differential Swell)

 Fig 2. Shows em in a center lift
Edge Lift Soil is wetter at slab edge than any point inside the slab edge
Center Lift Soil is drier at slab edge than any point inside the slab edge

2. Unsaturated Diffusion Coefficient

- The determination of the drying and wetting diffusion parameters permits an

estimate of the rate at which water will move into and out of the soil both
vertically and horizontally, and can also be used to estimate the depth of the
moisture active zone within the unsaturated soil profile
- The diffusion coefficient directly controls the depth of the moisture active zone in
unsaturated soils thus, exerting a direct influence on the magnitude surface
shrink and swell motions
- It controls the rate of moisture flow intro slopes making it a major factor in the
design life of cut slopes and compacted embankments
- The parameters that affects this coefficient are: soil suction, soil permeability,
cracks and roots.
3. Thornthwaite Moisture Index ( M )
- Can be generally described as reflecting the aridity or humidity of the soil and
climate, calculated from the collective effects of precipitation, evapotranspiration,
soil water storage, moisture deficit and runoff.
- As the Thornthwaite Moisture Index is representative of climatic conditions based
on actual data it is possible that it has application to the design and maintenance
of infrastructure.
- In the practice of pavement and foundation design the TMI has been widely
accepted as an indicator of climate induced soil behavior, simplifying the design
process and removing the need for extensive field testing. TMI has also been
found to be widely used in the area of pavement degradation and maintenance
planning. The index was found to be used as a climate indicator in degradation
estimates.
- The use of the TMI was not found to be geographically limited and has been
applied across many continents with success. The widespread nature of the
application and geographical suitability of the TMI makes it a suitable candidate
for consideration in climate change adaptation.

- where Ih and Ia are indices of humidity and aridity; is water surplus and is
water deficiency and is water need or potential evapotranspiration.
- The figure below show an example of the application of the TMI to define climate
regions in Australia in 2000
 - Table 1 shows how the TMI is classified:

References:
- Austroads Pavement Design Guide 2004
- https://www.nccarf.edu.au/settlements-infrastructure/ - TMI Infrastructure
Applications
- Unsaturated Soil Moisture Drying and Wetting Diffusion Coefficient
Measurements in the Laboratory 2009 by D. Mabirizy and R. Bulut
- http://www.kenbondy.com/images/ProfessionalArticles/PTIConferenceTalk_Bond
y.pdf : Slab-on-Ground Design Using PTI Method by K. Bondy