| dc.description.abstract | In mountainous regions, heavy rainfall often triggers mass movements, posing significant threats and causing loss of life and economic damage. This study delves into the intricate interplay between water and soil, particularly in unsaturated soil conditions found in hilly terrains above the groundwater table. These conditions can lead to sudden shifts in soil stability when heavy rains infiltrate the ground. To examine this problem, this research introduces an innovative Centrifuge Permeameter, which utilizes centrifuge technology to determine crucial parameters quickly for the Soil-Water Retention Curve (SWCC). Previous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of centrifuge technology in geotechnical research, with significant advancements in measuring soil hydraulic properties. These studies have shown that centrifuge permeameters allow reliable data collection under steady-state conditions, significantly reducing testing time. Additionally, research has successfully measured the hydraulic properties of various soil types using centrifuge permeameters, highlighting their applicability. This new approach, built upon previous successful implementations, streamlines data collection and offers significant time savings compared to conventional methods. The study focuses on creating a versatile hybrid centrifuge permeameter that can be attached to the NCU beam-centrifuge. This approach ensures flexibility and cost-effectiveness without disrupting existing equipment. The hybrid-versatile model accommodates Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR), matric suction, and transducers while allowing for components′ easy removal and interchangeability. The experimental results indicated that the hybrid centrifuge permeameter effectively measured the volumetric water content, electric conductivity, and matric suction in unsaturated soils. Specifically, the volumetric water content ranged from 0.02 to 0.4 m³/m³, electric conductivity varied between 80 and 2200 S/m, and matric suction was measured from 0.035 to 165 kPa. The initial and final readings showed consistent and reliable data, proving the system′s accuracy. The integration of TDR and other transducers allowed for real-time monitoring and data acquisition, enhancing the understanding of soil-water interactions. The study concludes that the developed hybrid centrifuge permeameter is a robust and efficient tool for measuring the hydraulic characteristics of unsaturated soils. It offers significant advantages in terms of speed, accuracy, and flexibility over traditional methods. Future research should focus on refining the design for even greater precision and exploring its application to a wider range of soil types and environmental conditions. This innovative approach has the potential to significantly advance geotechnical research and improve predictive models for soil stability in response to rainfall. | en_US |