Micropore Structure of Aggregates in Treated Soils

For the purpose of understanding the influence of stabilizing agents on the internal structure of aggregates in treated soils, seven soil samples were prepared for tests according to type and quantity of stabilization agents, as well as sampling location. In nitrogen adsorption and desorption tests, HK and BJH methods are, respectively, adopted to analyze the diameter distributions of micropores and mesopores within aggregates in samples with diverse treatment. The results indicate that: (1) micropores with the diameter of approximately 8.4 A in aggregates are prominent in both untreated and treated expansive soil samples; (2) mesopores with the diameter of greater than 30 A are mainly distributed in four ranges of 30–40, 70–75, 90–95, and 450–500 A , and the stabilization agent has significant effect on the structure of mesopores with the diameter of greater than 200 A ; and (3) both lime and cement are able to decrease the volumes of micropores while increasing those of mesopores and macropores in expan...