A simple thermodynamic pattern of compression of cohesive soils is presented and tested. Soil is supposed to be composed of mineral particles and of bound pore water. The free energy of the bound water is the decisive factor determining the compression of cohesive soils. A simple relation between the compression stress and the thickness of the bound water films surrounding the soil particles is given by means of Gibbs' free energy of pore water. On the basis of this relation the compression of soil can be calculated. The method is valid within the ranges of customary pressures in the geotechnics.
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