On the Differential Equation for the Equilibrium Moisture Profile in Swelling Soil

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Abstract
Differential equations which describe the equilibrium vertical distribution of moisture in swelling soil have been derived previously using both thermodynamic and fluid‐mechanical methods. A fundamental disagreement exists between these expressions which is resolved in this paper through a detailed thermodynamic analysis of the equilibrium state of water in a swelling soil. The correct differential equation for the moisture profile is found and the discrepancy between previous results is shown to have been caused either by introduction of extrathermodynamic variables or by an incorrect handling of the effect of overburden pressure on the soil water.