Microstructure reconstruction of loess under water-soil interaction and its effects on loess permeability
摘要
This study investigates the microstructure reconstruction mechanism of Malan loess under water-soil interaction and its impact on loess permeability, using three group samples collected from Dingxi and Tianshui City, Gansu Province, Northwest China. A comprehensive suite of experiments was meticulously designed and conducted, including seepage tests, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), computed tomography (CT), laser particle size analysis (LPS), and ion chromatography (IC). The results demonstrate that the physical, chemical, and mechanical interactions between water and loess during seepage disrupt the particle connections within the loess. These connections include clay cementation, carbonate cementation, direct connections, soluble salt cementation, water film connections, and clay aggregates. The disintegration of these particle connections leads to the reconstruction of the loess microstructure and its dispersion. This process is characterized by a reduction in the number of macro-pores (> 300 μm), an increase in the number of micro-pores (< 100 μm), a decrease in the porosity of the loess, an increase in the number of fine particles (< 20 μm), and a decrease in the number of coarse particles (> 100 μm). The dispersion and microstructure reconstruction of loess, driven by water-soil interaction, are identified as the primary factors contributing to the decrease in loess permeability during seepage.