The micro-structures of clay given by resistivity measurements

Abstract

In this study, a structural model consisting of serial and parallel parts with three phase-components, solid, liquid and gas, is developed to give information on soil structures. The structure model is characterized by the ratio of the serial and parallel parts, which have different electrical conductivities at given directions. The ratio is expressed by a structural factor, F. The value of Γ defined by σ w/(1− F) is used and examined to characterize the clay structure, where σ w is the apparent resistivity of pore water. Experimental results showed that the value of Γ is different for undisturbed and remolded clays for a similar void ratio. For unsaturated clays, it is found that the F value depends on the water content and pore distribution. From theoretical and experimental consideration, it is possible to use resistivity to describe the micro-structure of clay with the model developed in this study.