Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) investigations in soil microstructure description

Dimitri Deneele
Abstract:
Composed of discrete particles and particle groups, a soil mass or a reconstituted soil mass should be considered as a continuum for analysis and design. Even with the development of numerous techniques of investigations, the link between the macroscopic behavior and the particle arrangement in soils is still under debate owing the complexity of the system, the different levels of investigations. However the shape of the particles, the particle arrangements, the strength of the particles or the water content of a soil govern the soil microstructure or fabric and the macroscopic properties as the permeability, the compressibility and strength. Some examples presented in this paper illustrate how the use of conventional scanning electron microscope (SEM) can be useful in the description of soil fabric and bring information in the understanding of the soil properties.
Keywords:
SEM, Soil, Microstructure, Lime, Reactivity
Download:
IMEKO-TC4-GEO-2016-02.pdf
DOI:
-
Event details
IMEKO TC:
TC4
Event name:
TC4 International Workshop on Metrology for Geotechnics 2016
Title:

1st IMEKO TC4 International Workshop on Metrology for Geotechnics

Place:
Benevento, ITALY
Time:
17 March 2016 - 18 March 2016