Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
compression [DEL 84]. Note also the large pore (200 µm in diameter). This pore
can correspond to the cavity remaining after a sand grain has been extracted during
freeze fracturing, as suggested by the smooth surface aspect observed inside the
cavity.
Figure 6.8.
SEM observation of the 2.2 m soil, closer view
Figure 6.8 shows a closer view, giving more details on the shape of the irregular,
angular and sharp-edged grains that are most probably composed of quartz. The
filling of some inter-grain pores with agglomerated clay particles is also observed in
more detail, thus clearly illustrating the significant link provided by clay between
the silt grains in these zones. Between the grains, the significant difference between
clay-filled pores and voids is also more apparent. Few clay coatings appear on the
grains in the areas with no clay.
Figure 6.9.
SEM observation of the 2.2 m soil, detail of clay-silt interaction
