Unsaturated hydraulic properties are difficult to measure, and generally can be theoretically estimated only as very rough approximations. Our project is developing new techniques, emphasizing the Steady-State Centrifuge (SSC) method, minimal-disturbance core handling, large-core (~10 cm diameter) measurement techniques, and experimental techniques for determining hydraulic properties at low water contents. We have several goals in this: to increase speed and accuracy, reduce costs, and permit measurements that were previously impossible.
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