Nitrogen adsorption method for determining the mesopore slit-like size distribution of expansive soils

Abstract

One of the most important structural parameters involved in the characterization of the void space of soils is the pore size distribution. In this work, a nitrogen adsorption method is presented as an alternative to determine the mesopore contribution of slit-shaped pores to the abovementioned parameter in montmorillonite-containing soils. The mesopore size structural parameter obtained via this sorption method is related to montmorillonite d₀₀₁ interlayer distances proceeding from either X-ray or electron diffraction analysis, if only by assuming during sorption analysis that mesopores resident inside clay grains adopt slit-shaped geometries. Mineralogical analysis and determination of some important geotechnical properties of these montmorillonite-containing soils complement the preceding sorption and structural studies.

Keywords:

• Pore size distribution
• Nitrogen adsorption method
• Montmorillonite
• Expansive soils
• Soil characterization