Simultaneous Laboratory Measurement of Acoustic and Hydraulic Properties of Unsaturated Soils

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Complete sets of acoustic properties (compressional and shear wave velocities and attenuations) and hydraulic properties (the soil water characteristic curve and the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity function) were determined across a full range of water contents for two types of soil specimens. The acoustic and hydraulic data were collected using a novel device developed at the University of Vermont. The acoustic data were collected using a Kelly wavelet with a center frequency of 20 kHz. The measured acoustic velocities and attenuations across a full range of water contents were consistent with similar measurements found in the literature and made in rock specimens. The experimental data reported here can be used to verify analytical models that attempt to link acoustic and hydraulic properties of unconsolidated and unsaturated porous media.