The equipment consists of a free-standing circular tank filled with saturated sand (not supplied). Equilibrated soil samples placed on the sand are then subjected to a known variable suction range of 0-800mm of water. The suction is applied by means of a buried porous pipe and an associated sliding control chamber. In order to maintain the suction an uninterrupted low
volume water supply is required. A lightweight cover is provided to prevent evaporative water loss during experiments and the table is large enough to permit the simultaneous evaluation of several samples.
EXPERIMENT
As a result of using this equipment students will be able to:
Understand the principles of water retentivity in terms of soil suction
Understand the relationship between water retentivity and soil
Derive soil moisture characteristic curves for a variety of soils.
UTILITIES REQUIRED
Water supply: Connection to a permanent cold water supply
Drain : Suitable laboratory drain required
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Product & code
SOIL MOISTURE SUCTION SAND TABLE & AHH-07
Specification
Soil moisture suction sand table comprising: sand table, 300mm diameter, with sliding suction control chamber giving tension range 0-800mm of water (using sandy-loam), complete with three soil sample retaining rings (80mm diameter), instructions and manual.
Overall Dimensions
Height: 1.4M , Width: 0.4M, Depth: 0.5M
Painted rigid MS structure is provided to support all parts.