ABSTRACT
This study is designed to evaluate the transport coefficients involved in coupled heat and moisture flow equations in unsaturated swelling soil subjected to heat and moisture flow in opposite directions. The developed technique requires the use of both theoretical analysis and experimental data in conjunction with Powell’s nonlinear optimization technique to calculate the transport coefficients governing the diffusion process during coupled heat and moisture flow. The calculated transport coefficients of a 50:50 sand-bentonite based barrier material are presented. Good agreement between calibrated values and experimental volumetric water content shows that the transport coefficients can be expressed in a linear function of the volumetric water content and temperature.
