Studying the Effect of Hydraulic Hysteresis with Air Entrapment on Solute Transport and Slope Stability Under Different Climatic Conditions

Abstract

Hysteresis, a natural soil phenomenon, manifests distinct hydraulic responses influenced by the soil-water characteristic curve (SWCC), reflecting soil pore paths during infiltration and drainage. This study investigates the interplay between hysteresis and air entrapment, essential for accurate hydrological modeling under intermittent water flow. Despite their significance, numerical models often overlook hysteresis, relying on nonhysteretic curves. This research explores the impact of hysteresis with air entrapment on solute transport and slope stability in diverse scenarios. Comparisons between hysteretic and nonhysteretic analyses reveal increased water fluxes and deeper solute migration when considering both hysteresis and air entrapment. Neglecting these factors leads to inaccurate solute fate and slope stability assessments. In slope stability analysis, air entrapment significantly lowers suction strength and factor of safety, potentially triggering slope failures. This thesis establishes the critical importance of considering both hysteresis and air entrapment for robust hydrological and geotechnical assessments.