The laboratory experiment is an effective tool for the rapid assessment of the unsaturated soil slopes instability induced by extreme weather events. However, traditional experimental methods for unsaturated soils, including the measurement of the soil-water characteristic curve (SWCC), soil hydraulic conductivity function (SHCF), shear strength envelope, etc., are time-consuming. To overcome this limitation, a rapid testing strategy is proposed. In the experimental design, the water saturation level is selected as the control variable instead of the suction level. In the suction measurement, the suction monitoring method is adopted instead of the suction control method, allowing for simultaneous testing of multiple soil samples. The proposed rapid testing strategy is applied to measure the soil hydro-mechanical properties over a wide suction/saturation range. The results demonstrate that: (1) only 3-4 samples and 2-5 days are in need in the measurement of SWCC; (2) 7 days is enough to determine a complete permeability function; (3) only 3 samples and 3-7 days are in need in the measurement of the shear strength envelope; (4) pore size/water distribution measurement technique is fast and recommended as a beneficial supplement to traditional test methods for unsaturated soils. Our findings suggest that by employing these proposed rapid testing methods, the measurement of pivotal properties for unsaturated soils can be accomplished within one week, thus significantly reducing the temporal and financial costs associated with experiments. The findings provide a reliable experimental approach for the rapid risk assessment of geological disasters induced by extreme climatic events.

Oil sludge exhibits a compositional similarity to bitumen, a pivotal constituent in asphalt concrete mixtures. This similarity underscores the potential applicability of oil waste in the production of asphalt concrete, serving not only as an organic binder to fortify indigenous soils but also as a binding agent for the fabrication of organomineral mixtures. The incorporation of oil sludge in road construction endeavors holds promise for the conservation of natural resources, the amelioration of the environmental landscape, and a concurrent reduction in the cost of construction materials. The focus of this study encompasses a comprehensive examination of the physical and mechanical properties pertaining to asphalt concrete of Grade I, Type B. To enhance the performance attributes of asphalt concrete, an additive in the form of oil sludge sourced from ZhaikMunay LLP (Uralsk) was introduced. Various proportions of oil sludge, namely 5%, 10%, and 15%, were incorporated into the asphalt concrete mixture. The utilization of 5% oil sludge elicited negligible alterations in the properties of the asphalt concrete. However, with a 15% addition of oil sludge, discernible reductions were observed in maximum compressive efficiency (0.03% by volume) and shear resistance, indicated by the internal friction coefficient efficiency (0.01% by volume).