Analysis on Collapsibility and Microstructure of Unsaturated Loess Using Fractal Geometry

Abstract

This paper studies the microstructure of 16 group samples from three different sites of North-west region in P. R. China. Pictures of microstructure were processed with imaging processing program to acquire the geometer parameter and fractal dimension of pores. The range of pores’ fractal dimension is between 1.816~1.936. The pore distribution function of unsaturated soil is established based on fractal geometry theory. The pore water distribution of loess under natural moisture is analyzed. The relationships of collapsibility coefficient with fractal dimension and porosity of unsaturated pores are analyzed with the method of regression analysis. A larger fractal dimension represents a more complex pore-structure. The collapsibility coefficient of loess increases with the increase of fractal dimension and porosity of unsaturated pores.