A review is given in this chapter of the behavior of partially saturated soils, the experimental techniques necessary for their testing, and their constitutive modeling focusing on weakly cemented soils. It aims to present the necessary context for the subsequent content of the thesis. The chapter is divided into four main parts. The first part focuses on the fundamental physics associated with the suction and water retention behavior of soil. Second, techniques used to test partially saturated soils will be summarized, including suction measurement methods and triaxial testing. Third, the characteristic behavior of lightly cemented soils. Finally, the mechanical behavior of partially saturated soils and various modeling attempts will be reviewed. Gaps in current knowledge will then be discussed, as well as the objectives of the present research.2.2 Soil Suctions and Soil-Water Retention Behavior Soil suction can be described as the potential of soil to attract water. It's the ke...