to study scale effect on the density of rock-fill materials, the relative density tests were carried out by physical tests and numerical tests. Fractal geometry theory was drawn into the gradation of rock-fill materials. Then, the fractal properties of scale effect on the density were investigated. There are close relations between fractal dimension D and densities of rock-fill materials. The densities are maximal when D is the critical value Dc. Furthermore, Dc is independent of the relative density Dr and the maximal diameter dmax. Truncation error is one of the main factors of scale effect of densities of rock-fill materials. The achievements in the paper lay a good foundation for further studying scale effect of rock-fill materials with fractal geometry theory.

The consolidation theory and test results of unsaturated soils were summarized in detail in this article, which include the recent development. And some existent difficulties and problems for consolidation theory of unsaturated soil were also summarized. The consolidation theory of unsaturated soils have well applicable future, but the theory is not mature and need the investigators’ further research.