Unfavourable combinations of soil, water and climate factors lead to bearing capacity problems and damage to structures such as roads. It is therefore important to expand knowledge of moisture measurement in roads and the influence of variations in water content on road condition. The project aims at increasing knowledge of moisture measurement in the unbound material layers of the road structure and subgrade, primarily in the unsaturated soil zone, and also to design simple and reliable measuring equipment for installation in the road structure. A study has been made of reports and specialist literature dealing with moisture measurement, mainly in various road structures. In addition, contacts have been established and information exchanged with several technical institutions both in Sweden and abroad. Prototype equipment for moisture measurement has been developed and constructed at the VTI. The project has led to increased knowledge and understanding of the way in which water behaves in soil and unbound road materials. Furthermore, information has been acquired stating which methods and equipment are currently used for determining water content in situ, for example in road structures. (A)
Abstract