ABSTRACT
The paper describes a tensiometer that can be manufactured in most workshops and saturated in geotechnical laboratories at a cost of approximately US$27 (components only). Suctions of up to 500 kPa are routinely measured, with scope to increase the measuring range. The instruments are produced by fitting a porous ceramic filter of the desired air entry value to a low cost commercially available pressure sensor and sealing the assembly with an epoxy resin. The sensors are suitable for determining soil water retention curves using the drying method. They are also suitable for measuring positive pressures.
