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A Wick Tensiometer to Measure Low Tensions in Coarse Soils
Author(s) -
Gee Glendon W.,
Campbell Melvin D.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1990.03615995005400050047x
Subject(s) - tensiometer (surface tension) , soil water , tension (geology) , geotechnical engineering , water potential , materials science , surface tension , compression (physics) , composite material , geology , soil science , thermodynamics , physics
A wick tensiometer was constructed to measure soil water pressures or tensions in coarse sands and gravelly soils. The tensiometer is similar in design to a conventional tensiometer except that a flexible wick material is used instead of a ceramic cup. Soil matric potential (reported as tension) or water pressure is sensed by the wick and monitored with a pressure transducer or hanging water column. Several wick materials were tested. Absorbent toweling, rolled to form a tight cylinder and sealed into a tensiometer body by a compression fitting, measured tensions up to 90 cm successfully. Glass‐fiber filter paper and wettable plastic sheeting were also tested successfully. Initial tests indicated that the wick sensor was as responsive to tension changes in gravelly soil as ceramic cup units and was less likely to break during placement.