RIA: Evaluation of Mechanics of Clays Based on Physical- Chemistry and Microstructure

本研究将探讨黏土的物化性质及微观结构对其力学性质的影响。前人的工作表明，沉积环境和沉积后环境条件和应力的影响可能会对粘土体系的工程性质和力学行为产生重大影响。将研究的参数和特性包括指数特性、刚性、可压缩性、剪切强度和渗透率。将利用扫描电子显微镜和X射线衍射技术来评估矿物学的影响，以及微观结构对这些参数和行为的影响。人工制备的预混或渗透了各种污染物化合物的粘土样品将接受如上所述的一系列实验室测试、显微结构和矿物学分析。样品将通过从泥浆中固结和在大型沉淀池中沉淀来制备。研究结果有望进一步了解粘土系统微观和宏观性质之间的复杂相互关系，并帮助研究人员和从业者更好地预测这类系统在快速变化的环境条件威胁下的长期行为。

This research will investigate the influence of the physico- chemistry and microstructure of clays on their mechanical properties. Previous work indicates that the impact of depositional environment and post depositional environmental conditions and stresses may have significant influence on engineering properties and mechanical behavior of clay systems. Among the parameters and properties that will be investigated are index properties, stiffness, compressibility, shear strength and permeability. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques will be utilized to assess the effect of mineralogy, and microstructure on such parameters and behavior. Artificially prepared samples of clay premixed or permeated with various contaminating compounds will be subjected to a number of laboratory tests, microstructure and mineralogy analyses as indicated above. The samples will be prepared both by consolidating from slurry and sedimenting in a large scale sedimentation tank. The outcome of the research is anticipated to further the understanding of the complex interrelationships between micro and macro properties of clay systems and help researchers and practitioners to better predict long-term behavior of such systems under threat of rapidly changing environmental conditions.