ABSTRACT
This paper describes a laboratory investigation of the behaviour of a construction material, calcrete when in an unsaturated state. The work has concentrated on a Powder Calcrete, which is essentially a very gravelly, fine to medium, calcified sand. Samples were compacted according to the British Standard heavy condition at a range of moisture contents below optimum moisture content. Suction measurement by the filter paper method, as well as strength measurement by the constant water content triaxial compression test were performed. The two sets of test results obtained support the concept that the strength is controlled by the inter-relationship between suction and degree of saturation.
