Quantitative analysis of soil structure with the microcomputer system

Abstract

The present structure estimation methods are rather long-termed and expensive; moreover, they are sometimes impossible to use in reason of difficulty of sampling large sized specimens. The soil structure estimation in SEM enabling to obtain quick and reliable quantitative structure characteristics of small size samples (≈0,5 cm3) are becoming very important at present. SEM investigation of identical areas on both conjugated surfaces of sample fracture, total binary SEM image with real structure of undisturbed sample, discrimination and digitization of the image and its processing by computer with specially designed algorithms is the core of this method. The quantitative structure analysis is made practically instantly and the following data may be obtained: the number of pores and particles, average perimeter, square and radius of pores and particles, porosity, specific surface, pore shape index, the number of contacts between particles, pore and particle distribution according to the sizes. The quickness and reliability of the results obtained as well as the application which enables to cover all kinds of soils is an evident advantage of the method. The most important factor is the tracing of soil genesis and the nature of the strengths.