Porosity models for determining the pore-size distribution of rocks and soils and their applications

Abstract

Previous porosity models have been shown to be unable to accurately describe the pore-size distribution of rocks and soils. Three new porosity models are developed in this study. Pore-size distributions of soft clay and ecotypic revetment material were obtained using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) in two-dimensional space, and with the mercury intrusion method in three-dimensional space. The results show that the new porosity models are valid in predicting the accumulative porosity of rock and soil samples. Based on the new porosity models, a new microstructure soil consolidation model was developed and the error of the compression strain prediction was less than 0.007 under low pressure. Several models for soil water retention curve were founded, which in form comprise previous models developed by other researchers, and they may be more accurate than previous models because of the valid mean for determining the fractal dimension. In addition, we obtain an expression for the relationship between soil cohesion and the test specimen size, as well as between the bulk density of rocks and soils and the test specimen size.