A mist pluviation method for reconstituting silty sand specimens

A mist pluviation (MP) technique was proposed in an effort to develop a practical method for reconstituting silty sand specimens without inducing severe particle segregation. The mist pluviation method includes both air and water pluviation processes, with the addition of a mist zone that mixes soil particles with water droplets while falling through air. The soil and water mixtures have similar particle sizes, thus resulting in significantly reduced particle segregation. A thin water layer on top of the deposited soil mimics the water deposition process, and saturates the soil with little chance for particle segregation. The performance of the MP method was evaluated with regard to homogeneity, repeatability, undrained monotonic compression, and cyclic strength of triaxial specimens with various fines contents. Results have indicated that the MP method can be a promising technique to prepare reconstituted silty sand specimens.